Our Partners
CNR-ISASI — Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems
CNR-ISASI — the Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems “Eduardo Caianiello” — conducts research in Physics, Information Sciences, Neurosciences and Biology, with a strongly multidisciplinary approach that combines different methodological and technological expertise to achieve and transfer new knowledge. ISASI is part of the Department of Physical Sciences and Technologies of Matter (DSFTM) of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR). The Institute operates through three units — Pozzuoli, Naples and Lecce — and two Research Units at third parties: the Physics Department of Federico II University of Naples and the Hermitage Capodimonte Institute of Diagnosis and Care.
Research topics include the study and development of imaging, microscopy and optical analysis techniques; photonics and optoelectronics; functional devices, sensors and biosystems; and information science and artificial intelligence. The Pozzuoli team is recognized as one of the world’s leaders in digital holographic (DH) microscopy, with consolidated experience in coherent light microscopy, quantitative phase-contrast imaging, computational microscopy and interferometry. The Lecce Unit contributes deep expertise in computer vision, pattern recognition, embedded physical-cyber systems, mapping, survey and drone inspection. For several years, the two groups have been jointly developing a digital holographic microscope for diatoms and microplastics. Recent activities have also targeted coastal ecosystem services, stakeholder engagement, eDNA for biodiversity and ecosystem quality assessment.
Role in ROMEO: CNR-ISASI coordinates the overall project, engineers the digital holographic microscope at the heart of the ROMEO multisensory system, and provides cloud facilities for hosting datasets to stimulate research in AI and across all related research fields.
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What is your organization’s role in the project?
CNR-ISASI leads the scientific and technical development of the digital holographic microscope for real-time detection and classification of microplastics and diatoms. We coordinate the overall project (WP5) and contribute to system architecture definition (WP1), microscope characterization and AI integration (WP2), and field validation (WP4). Additionally, we provide cloud infrastructure for data storage and AI model training, ensuring the system’s scalability and accessibility for research.
What unique contribution does your organization bring?
Our unique contribution lies in the fusion of advanced digital holographic microscopy with AI-driven image analysis — a combination we have pioneered and validated in laboratory settings. We bring world-leading expertise in coherent light imaging, computational microscopy and embedded AI systems, enabling the development of a portable, high-precision sensor capable of autonomous, real-time monitoring. This expertise ensures that ROMEO’s core detection technology is both innovative and reliable.
Why is this project important for your organization?
ROMEO is strategically important for CNR-ISASI as it enables us to advance and deploy our cutting-edge digital holographic microscope within a broader, integrated environmental monitoring platform. Beyond the sensor itself, we are developing an autonomous sailboat that will act as an open research marine infrastructure, equipped with a suite of multi-parameter sensors. This platform will facilitate large-scale, real-time data collection and support the creation of a digital twin of the ocean — an innovative tool for simulating, analyzing and predicting marine ecosystem dynamics.
The project aligns perfectly with our mission to conduct multidisciplinary, impact-driven research that bridges advanced photonics, AI and environmental science. It provides a tangible framework to translate our laboratory innovations into a scalable, open-access system that benefits the global scientific community, supports evidence-based policymaking, and strengthens Europe’s role in leading digital and sustainable ocean governance.
PCMPA — Marine Protected Area of Porto Cesareo
PCMPA — Consorzio di Gestione Area Marina Protetta Porto Cesareo — is the public body responsible for the management of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) of Porto Cesareo, established by Ministerial Decree of the Italian Ministry for the Environment. The Consortium is in charge of environmental protection, conservation and enhancement of marine and coastal ecosystems, biodiversity monitoring, scientific research, environmental education, and the promotion of sustainable socio-economic development compatible with the natural value of the area.
PCMPA operates in the coastal and marine territories of the municipalities of Porto Cesareo and Nardò (Lecce, Italy) and manages one of the largest and most ecologically valuable MPAs in the Mediterranean Sea. The organization has consolidated experience in marine monitoring, environmental data collection, application of EU environmental directives, and interaction with local, regional and national authorities.
Role in ROMEO: Within ROMEO, PCMPA acts as end-user, field validation partner and reference authority for regulatory, environmental reporting and dissemination activities, hosting and supporting the testing and validation of the ROMEO multisensory system in the Mediterranean Sea, inside the Marine Protected Area of Porto Cesareo.
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What is your organization’s role in the project?
PCMPA plays a key role as a testing, validation and demonstration site for the ROMEO technology in real operational conditions. The organization supports field deployment of the multisensory system, including boat-based measurements and environmental sampling within the MPA of Porto Cesareo. In addition, PCMPA contributes to data validation, interpretation of results in relation to EU environmental policies (e.g. MSFD, WFD, Habitat Directive), and ensures alignment with local regulations and management needs of marine protected areas. The partner also supports dissemination and communication activities towards policy makers, stakeholders and the general public.
What unique contribution does your organization bring?
PCMPA brings strong expertise in marine environmental monitoring, biodiversity assessment and ecosystem health evaluation, combined with long-standing experience in managing a complex marine protected area exposed to both tourism and fisheries pressures. The organization provides access to qualified personnel — marine biologists, scientific divers, GIS and geoacoustic experts — as well as monitoring vessels, advanced instrumentation (Side Scan Sonar, ROVs, drones) and on-site infrastructures. Moreover, PCMPA contributes unique know-how in translating scientific data into management actions and policy-relevant reporting, ensuring that ROMEO outputs are directly applicable for decision-making in marine conservation and sustainable blue economy contexts.
Why is this project important for your organization?
ROMEO is highly relevant for PCMPA because it introduces innovative, real-time and automated monitoring tools that can significantly improve the effectiveness of marine protected area management. The project supports PCMPA’s mission to protect marine ecosystems by enabling early detection of pollution (including microplastics) and by enhancing water quality assessment through advanced digital twin and AI-based solutions. ROMEO also strengthens PCMPA’s role as a living laboratory for innovation, fostering collaboration between research institutions, technology providers and public authorities, and contributing to the long-term sustainability and resilience of coastal and marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea.
Istanbul University — Faculty of Aquatic Sciences
Istanbul University’s Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Department of Aquaculture and Fish Diseases (IU-FAS/ADF) is a leading institution in aquaculture systems, fish health and aquatic ecosystem monitoring in Turkey, providing extensive knowledge of local fish farming operations and environmental conditions.
Role in ROMEO: IU-FAS/ADF provides a real-world testing environment for the ROMEO multisensory system, focusing on water quality and microplastic monitoring in Turkish aquaculture sites. The department leads the deployment and validation of the system on autonomous sailboats around officially designated fish farming locations.
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What is your organization’s role in the project?
Istanbul University’s Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Department of Aquaculture and Fish Diseases, leads the assessment of the ROMEO multisensory system in Turkish aquaculture environments. IU-FAS/ADF deploys the system on autonomous sailboats to monitor water quality, diatom populations and microplastic contamination in real time. The department also contributes to the validation of the holographic microscopes and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) sensors by comparing ROMEO’s automated measurements with conventional laboratory-based methods.
What unique contribution does your organization bring?
IU-FAS/ADF brings in-depth expertise in aquaculture systems, fish health and aquatic ecosystem monitoring, providing a unique real-world testbed for the ROMEO system. The department’s knowledge of local fish farming operations and environmental conditions ensures rigorous evaluation under realistic aquaculture scenarios. Additionally, IU-FAS/ADF offers critical insights into water quality thresholds and bioindicator analysis, helping refine ROMEO’s detection algorithms for both microplastics and diatoms, thereby enhancing the system’s relevance for aquaculture applications.
Why is this project important for your organization?
ROMEO aligns directly with IU-FAS/ADF’s mission to safeguard aquatic ecosystems and improve aquaculture sustainability. Monitoring microplastics and water quality in real time provides actionable data that can prevent negative impacts on fish health and productivity. By participating in ROMEO, IU-FAS/ADF gains access to advanced digital twin technologies and multisensory platforms, enhancing its research capabilities and supporting evidence-based management strategies for aquaculture in Turkey. This project also strengthens IU’s position in international collaborative research on innovative marine monitoring technologies.
EMBIO Diagnostics — Biotech & Digital Solutions
EMBIO Diagnostics is a worldwide expert in designing custom-made hardware-based biotech solutions that support multiple applications in the health, environmental sustainability and bioengineering sectors, with outstanding reliability, speed and cost-efficiency. The company has vast experience across Internet of Things, Cloud Solutions, Hardware Manufacturing, Software Engineering, Machine Learning and AI, Electrochemical Biosensing/Potentiometry, Biorecognition, Point-of-Testing rapid diagnostics, and agricultural and environmental solutions.
Role in ROMEO: EMBIO’s key roles in ROMEO include the creation and integration of the cloud platform and geospatial data systems; multi-parameter, multi-sensory system integration, interfacing and reporting (including embedded AI computing platforms for data retrieval and processing); and the responsibility for creating effective, user-friendly and secure data management plans. EMBIO is also responsible for mobile app development and plays a pivotal key role in the marketing, communication and dissemination strategies and activities of the ROMEO project.
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What is your organization’s role in the project?
EMBIO Diagnostics is a worldwide expert in designing custom-made hardware-based biotech solutions, which support multiple applications in the health, environmental sustainability and bioengineering sector, with outstanding reliability, speed and cost-efficiency. EMBIO has vast experience in areas of Internet of Things, Cloud Solutions, Hardware Manufacturing, Software Engineering, Machine Learning and AI, Electrochemical Biosensing/Potentiometry, Biorecognition, Point-of-Testing rapid diagnostics, and agricultural and environmental solutions.
EMBIO’s key roles in ROMEO include cloud platform and geospatial data systems creation plus integration; multi-parameter, multi-sensory system integration, interfacing and reporting — including embedded AI computing platforms for data retrieval and processing. EMBIO is also responsible for creating effective, user-friendly and secure data management plans, and has a pivotal key role in the marketing, communication and dissemination strategies and activities of the ROMEO project.
What unique contribution does your organization bring?
EMBIO specialises in IoT and software development. It is responsible for mobile app development and contributes significantly towards adapting the novel real-time, multi-parameter sensing system capable of detecting microplastics and diatoms, providing cloud-platform solutions, and integrating geospatial data analysis and 3D coherent imaging with deep, AI-driven machine learning methodologies for the ROMEO project.
EMBIO also has a major contribution in dissemination and communication activities, ensuring the project reaches both technical and non-technical audiences in the most optimal and panoramic fashion.
Why is this project important for your organization?
ROMEO is a multi-faceted, novel and paramount project with the focus of assessing microplastics and their major effects on aquatic ecosystems. With vast experience and expertise from varied global projects, EMBIO views this as a favourable way — as part of an international consortium — to tackle global issues impacting water quality, wildlife, aquatic food chains and the environment.
EMBIO is also keen to technically advance areas such as integrating novel sensing technologies with digital twin systems, and to contribute significantly to ongoing efforts to protect and manage marine ecosystems with real use cases and experience for the future impact of environmental sciences.
BEIA Cercetare — Environmental IoT & Telemetry
BEIA Cercetare, established in 2010, is an innovative Romanian organization specializing in research, development and innovation (RDI) within the communications equipment and technology sector. Its mission is to drive innovation and sustainability through cutting-edge research and development in telecommunications and related technologies. By engaging in projects on energy optimization, smart mobility, environmental protection, cultural heritage conservation and digital transformation, BEIA aims to enhance societal well-being and contribute to a sustainable future.
BEIA brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers, engineers and specialists committed to advancing innovation in telecommunications and related fields. This collective expertise has driven the company’s participation in more than 50 national and international RDI projects focused on energy, mobility, environment and digital transformation — including blue economy initiatives such as NetZeRoCities, WeH, BLOW, WATER-M, PIMEO-AI, SWAM, ADRIATIC, Blue-GreenWay, T4ME2, VITAL-5G, SOLID-B5G, FOR-FREIGHT, iPREMAS, SmartSense, UFO ALMA and 3DSafeGuard.
Role in ROMEO: BEIA contributes deep expertise in environmental telemetry, IoT monitoring infrastructures and communication technologies. The company serves as the integrator for the water quality telemetry system, handling time-critical communication from the multisensory system and ensuring reliable environmental data transmission from field deployments — with particular focus on the Black Sea pilot site.
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What is your organization’s role in the project?
In ROMEO, BEIA contributes expertise in environmental telemetry, IoT monitoring infrastructures and communication technologies. The company has experience in over 50 R&D projects, many of them in the blue economy domain — including NetZeRoCities, WeH, BLOW, WATER-M, PIMEO-AI, SWAM, ADRIATIC, Blue-GreenWay, T4ME2, VITAL-5G, SOLID-B5G, FOR-FREIGHT, iPREMAS, SmartSense, UFO ALMA, 3DSafeGuard, and others.
BEIA also has consolidated, hands-on experience in:
- Aquaculture — frost warnings, disease alerts, evapo-transpiration, measurement of accumulated degree days, aqua/hydroponics and urban farming.
- Accurate water data — water sensors for hydrographical purposes, from precipitation to water level monitoring of lakes, rivers, wells and the sea.
- Efficient water management — leak and burst detection, pressure, flow, level and well monitoring.
- Irrigation management — sensors for measuring soil moisture and monitoring water uptake.
A selection of BEIA’s IoT use cases (including AI, blockchain, quantum and 5G) is available at eng.beia-telemetrie.ro.
Within ROMEO, BEIA contributes to environmental tele-monitoring and time-critical communication from the multisensory system, taking the role of integrator for the water quality telemetry system.
What unique contribution does your organization bring?
BEIA brings four core strengths to the consortium:
- Expertise in telemetry and environmental IoT integration.
- Advanced communication systems.
- Extensive field deployment experience in the Black Sea basin.
- Strong capabilities in market exploitation and commercialization — ensuring that ROMEO’s innovations can transition from research to real-world products.
Why is this project important for your organization?
ROMEO is designed to lead BEIA into a new business segment of sensing solutions for the maritime sector. The main purpose for BEIA is to integrate its knowledge on IoT technologies, cloud computing, sensing solutions, water quality management solutions and trusted communication solutions.
Furthermore, the project will increase the company’s competence through the development of new innovative products, which will result in increasing the turnover and profit by gaining a footprint on the market share.
UFF — Federal Fluminense University
Federal Fluminense University (UFF) is the largest federal university in Brazil and brings over a decade of consolidated expertise in autonomous sailing systems and digital twin technologies for marine environments. UFF combines engineering excellence with operational experience in deploying low-noise autonomous platforms for environmental monitoring of aquatic ecosystems.
Role in ROMEO: UFF is responsible for the conceptual design, engineering, and operational deployment of autonomous marine monitoring platforms. The team leads the Atlantic Ocean field trials in Guanabara Bay, using autonomous sailboats alongside conventional vessels for real-time data acquisition, processing, and transmission. UFF’s interactive digital twin platform enables continuous monitoring of aquatic ecosystems for issues such as water pollution and overfishing.
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What unique contribution does your organization bring?
UFF brings more than a decade of expertise in autonomous sailing systems and digital twin technologies, combined with the engineering capacity to design and deploy low-noise, wind- and solar-powered autonomous platforms. Our team contributes proven know-how in real-time onboard data acquisition and AI-driven interpretation, as well as the development of interactive digital twin platforms that turn raw environmental data into actionable insights for forecasting models, early warning systems, and mitigation strategies.
Why is this project important for your organization?
ROMEO extends UFF’s autonomous sailing and digital twin research into a fully integrated, multi-sensory marine monitoring platform with global reach. Leading the Atlantic Ocean pilot in Guanabara Bay allows us to validate our technologies in one of the most environmentally sensitive coastal areas of Latin America, addressing critical issues such as water pollution and overfishing. The project consolidates UFF’s role as a leading institution in autonomous marine systems and reinforces international cooperation between Latin America and Europe in protecting aquatic ecosystems.
