On 22 May 2026, the BCThubs project participated in the Widening Impacts Spring 2026 Webinar Series with a dedicated session titled “BCThubs’ Story: From Idea Conception to Post-Project Ambitions and Vision.”
The webinar focused on the journey of BCThubs – Blue Culture Technology Excellence Hubs in EU Widening Member States, from the initial project concept and consortium development to the establishment of operational hubs, the technological solutions developed, and the project’s future ambitions. The event was organised within the framework of the Widening Impacts Webinar Series, which aims to support collaboration, knowledge exchange, and visibility among Excellence Hub projects funded under Horizon Europe.
During the session, the BCThubs team presented the project’s vision, objectives, structure, key achievements, and roadmap for future uptake. The discussion highlighted how the project brings together excellence ecosystems from Greece, Malta, Bulgaria, and Italy to support the protection, study, and valorisation of Underwater Cultural Heritage through advanced blue technologies.
The programme included four thematic presentations. Stamatia Kamaka opened the session with an introduction to the Blue Culture vision, the consortium, objectives, and structure. Debra Camilleri presented how the hubs were established and activated, while Marco Cozza focused on the key tools and solutions developed under the project. The final presentation, delivered by Nayden Prahov, addressed impact, community building, future legacy, achievements, roadmap, and cluster vision. The session concluded with a Q&A and open discussion moderated by Michał Kosiedowski from the HERIFORGE Excellence Hub Project.
A central part of the webinar was dedicated to the technological results of BCThubs, including the development and validation of a suite of advanced R&I solutions for Underwater Cultural Heritage. These include a multi-sensor ROV for 3D/4D seabed reconstruction, a Virtual Reality underwater diving application, an Augmented Reality system for divers, AI-powered tools for UCH safeguarding, and the DiveSense wearable health and safety system.
The webinar also underlined the broader role of BCThubs in strengthening knowledge transfer among stakeholders, enhancing accessibility to underwater cultural heritage, supporting sustainable development, driving innovation, and raising public awareness. Through the establishment of Blue Culture Technology Excellence Hubs, the project contributes to the creation of stronger innovation ecosystems in EU Widening Member States.
By sharing its experience, achievements, and lessons learned, BCThubs contributed to the objectives of the Widening Impacts Webinar Series, which seeks to catalyse inter-project collaboration, create new opportunities, increase ecosystem knowledge, and improve the impact and exploitation of project results across the Widening community.
The BCThubs team warmly thanks the organisers of the Widening Impacts Spring 2026 Webinar Series, the moderator, the speakers, and all participants who joined the session and contributed to the open discussion.
The video is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8T0hmFx2Ro
