We’re thrilled to spotlight a project and concept video developed by some of our young researchers! HYDROTWIN is a business-oriented concept developed by a student team from our partner National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) & the Department of Environment at the University of the Aegean: Dimitrios Liakos, Konstantinos Mexis, Georgia Altiparmaki, and Nikolaos Falaris, supervised by Prof. Antonis Kokossis and Prof. Stergios Vakalis.
The project was developed in the context of the 2025 Bio-based Innovation Student Challenge Europe (BISC-E), a Europe-wide student competition, an initiative of the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), it was the national winner in Greece and went through to the European finals. Have a look at the video and read on for further detail!
The HYDROTWIN concept aims at delivering advanced digital services for complex bioprocesses. Built around the implementation of digital twins, the concept provides capabilities for modelling, simulation, control, and other data-driven services that enhance process understanding and optimisation. Designed as a flexible service model, HYDROTWIN: Digital Twin Platform for Optimizing Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Heterogeneous Biomass is not tied to a single bioprocess but can be adapted to a wide range of bioprocessing scenarios.
As part of NTUA’s training activities organised in the framework of the Bioindustry 4.0 project, young researchers were guided through the full cycle of conceptualising, designing, and implementing digital services. This hands-on approach demonstrated how theoretical principles from Bioindustry 4.0, such as digitalisation, advanced sensing, and smart bioprocessing, can be translated into a concrete digital service with real-world potential. The activity combined technological development, business modelling, and exploitation planning, helping participants understand both the technical and strategic aspects of digital innovation.
The HYDROTWIN team impressed the evaluation committee at the national finals with their innovative idea. As the national winner, the team represented Greece at the European BISC-E 2025 finals, competing against top five teams from across Europe, showcasing the value of the project and raising awareness of its innovative approach!
Here are some of the learning outcomes they’ve achieved:
- Applied digital twin technologies for monitoring, simulating, and optimizing complex bioprocesses.
- Translated core Bioindustry 4.0 principles into practical, actionable digital solutions.
- Developed business models, market strategies, and exploitation plans for digital biotechnology services.
- Strengthened problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaborative decision-making through a realistic case-study environment.
- Communicated digital innovation ideas effectively in professional, academic, and competition contexts, demonstrating the value of the project and raising awareness.
- Engaged with industry and research organisations through BISC-E, gaining practical technical and market insights.
- Carried elements of HYDROTWIN into ongoing research and thesis work for further development beyond the competition.
