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IDEAL-CITIES

Intelligence-Driven Urban Internet-of-Things Ecosystems for Trustworthy and Circular Smart Cities.

Consortium

6 members

Start Year

2018-2022

Scope

European

Funding Framework

Horizon 2020 – MSCA-RISE-2017

Budget

1 611 000.00€

Duration

48 months

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 778229. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

About IDEAL-CITIES

IDEAL-CITIES – Intelligence-Driven Urban Internet-of-Things Ecosystems for Trustworthy and Circular Smart Cities is a Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie project focused on developing secure, intelligent, and sustainable IoT ecosystems for smart cities. The project develops an open modular platform combining Internet of Things (IoT), participatory sensing, big data analytics, and cloud services to support innovative smart-city applications. By enabling citizens, public authorities, and urban communities to collect and exchange contextual information in real time, the platform helps improve safety, accessibility, and quality of life while supporting circular economy practices in urban environments.

The project focuses on:

Building a platform that enables adaptive smart-city applications based on IoT devices, participatory sensing, and real-time data.

Supporting applications that improve citizen safety, accessibility, and overall quality of life.

Using IoT-enabled monitoring and asset management to optimise resource use and extend the lifecycle of urban infrastructure.

Addressing challenges related to security, privacy, and resilience in IoT-based urban systems.

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IDEAL-CITIES Key Objectives

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Develop the IDEAL-CITIES Smart City Platform

Create an open and modular platform that supports IoT and participatory sensing applications in urban environments.

Develop Innovative Smart City Applications

Create and demonstrate applications focused on citizen safety and mobility for vulnerable populations.

Enable Secure and Trustworthy Smart City Applications

Design frameworks and patterns ensuring security, privacy, and resilience in IoT-enabled city services.

Improve Quality of Life and Urban Inclusivity

Evaluate how smart city technologies affect citizens’ perceptions of safety, accessibility, and well-being.

Support Circular Economy Through Intelligent Asset Management

Use IoT monitoring and analytics to optimise the lifecycle, maintenance, and utilisation of urban assets.

Foster Innovation in the Smart City Ecosystem

Encourage collaboration between cities, researchers, and technology providers to develop new smart-city services and applications.

Role of EPBS in IDEAL-CITIES

Research on Circular Economy and Smart City Business Models

Contribute to the development of circular economy models and digital service strategies for smart city ecosystems.

Integration of Technology and Urban Innovation Strategies

Provide expertise on the interaction between IoT technologies, urban services, and sustainable city development.

Knowledge Transfer and Academic Innovation

Integrate project results into teaching programmes and executive education on smart cities, circular economy, and digital innovation.

Dissemination and Stakeholder Engagement

Support dissemination of project outcomes to academic, industry, and policy communities working on smart city innovation.

Project Partners

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The EU-iNSPIRE project revolutionises higher education in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and cyber insurance by developing new interdisciplinary master’s programmes and specialist pathways. EPBS leads the design of learning paths, student funding mechanisms, and open-call processes, helping to build Europe’s next generation of digital security leaders.

Role of EPBS:

GIORGOS DEMETRIOU

Associate Dean of Research and Innovation

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Giorgos Demetriou is a senior executive with over two decades of experience in European defence, security policy, research, and innovation. He has held leadership roles at the European Defence Agency, ENISA, and the European Parliament, where he co-led the EU’s Strategic Research Agenda and drove key initiatives on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies. As Associate Dean of Research and Innovation at École des Ponts Business School, he leads the school’s research strategy, oversees major EU-funded projects, and fosters international and industry partnerships. Giorgos holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, an MBA, and an Executive Master’s in International Politics. He has managed over €40 million in EU research funding, published widely, and supports Cyprus’s preparation for the 2026 EU Presidency.

Nationality - Cypriot
Languages - English, Greek

3D-Circular

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Role of EPBS:

EPBS acts as both an academic and operational hub — bridging digital learning innovation, risk governance, and capacity building across the consortium.

ANTRI CONSTANTINOU

Senior Research Development and Implementation Expert

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Antri Constantinou is a senior research and project manager with over 13 years of international experience in sustainability, circular economy, and green innovation. She has held key roles at PwC Cyprus, the Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation, and in the UK at the London Waste and Recycling Board (Advance London) and the London Fire Brigade, where she led major initiatives on sustainability strategies, circular business models, and green transition pathways. As Senior Research Development and Implementation Expert at EPBS, she drives the development of competitive EU research proposals, oversees the implementation of funded projects, and contributes to research-informed teaching in sustainability, digitalisation, and entrepreneurship. Antri holds an MSc in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technologies from the University of York and has co-authored several scientific publications in sustainability, circularity, and green innovation.

Nationality - Cypriot
Languages - English, Greek

HERNAN RUIZ OCAMPO

Principal Research Development and Implementation Expert

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Hernan Ruiz Ocampo is a senior researcher and project manager with expertise in circular economy, sustainable water management, and EU-funded project implementation. He has coordinated large-scale European projects focused on business modelling, curricula design, course development, dissemination, and research exploitation. Hernan holds a PhD in Process and Bioprocess Engineering, two MSc degrees in Chemical and Biological Engineering and in City and Urban Environments, and an MBA in Innovation Management. He is also pursuing an Executive DBA. He has authored peer-reviewed publications on water treatment, big data applications, and the circular economy, and regularly presents at international conferences. At EPBS, Hernan serves as a Principal Research Development and Implementation Expert, where he coordinates EU-funded projects, leads research proposals, and develops applied research outputs connecting sustainability, innovation, circular economy, and digital transformation.

Nationality - Bolivian
Languages - English, Spanish, French

Vlatka KATUSIC

Principal Research Development and Implementation Expert

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Vlatka Katusic is a senior researcher, project manager, and Climate Pact Ambassador with expertise in environmental law, circular economy, sustainability, communication, and EU-funded project implementation. She has led dissemination, exploitation, and research activities at École des Ponts Business School. Vlatka holds an MSc in Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, an MBA in Innovation Management, and is currently pursuing an Executive DBA at EPBS. She has co-authored scientific publications on circular economy, big data applications, and sustainable business models, and frequently presents at international conferences. At EPBS, Vlatka serves as a Senior Research Development and Implementation Expert, responsible for coordinating EU-funded projects, contributing to competitive research proposals, and integrating circular economy insights into teaching, dissemination, and applied research outputs.

Nationality - Bolivian/Croatian
Languages - English, Spanish, French, Croatian

panagiota savva

Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert

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Panagiota Savva is a digital learning and quality assurance specialist with extensive experience in managing educational platforms, course validation, and digital operations. She previously served as Digital Operations & Quality Assurance Manager at the Circular Economy Alliance, where she oversaw digital platforms and quality processes, and as a Quality Assurance Officer at Unicaf, focusing on academic standards, learner support, and institutional compliance. Panagiota holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism and a Bachelor’s degree in Byzantine and Modern Greek Language and Literature. At EPBS, Panagiota serves as a Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert, specialising in digital education infrastructure, platform management, and quality assurance. She designs and implements micro-credential curricula, develops online and hybrid courses, and ensures compliance with data protection and quality assurance standards across EPBS’s research and educational activities.

Nationality - Cypriot
Languages - English, Greek

sofia hamika

Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert

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Sofia Hamika is a digital operations and communications professional with expertise in platform management, quality assurance, and digital content production. She has worked with the Circular Economy Alliance, overseeing digital platforms, online learning systems, and communication campaigns, and has gained experience in the business development sector. Sofia holds a BA (Hons) in Media, Culture and Production from Southampton Solent University. At EPBS, Sofia serves as a Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert. She supports the design and rollout of research-based micro-credentials and online learning tools, ensures GDPR and quality compliance, and contributes to enhancing the visibility and dissemination of EPBS’s research outputs.

Nationality - Latvian
Languages - English, Russian, Latvian

chrysostomos dimitriou

Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert

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Chrysostomos Dimitriou is an IT and digital learning specialist with expertise in information systems, business development, and research support. He has held positions at the University of Nicosia, providing IT support for enterprise digital platforms, and at the Circular Economy Alliance as a Business Developer and Information Systems Officer, contributing to EU-funded project administration, digital infrastructure, and dissemination activities. He holds advanced certifications in circular economy practices and is completing a BSc in Management Information Systems. At EPBS, Chrysostomos serves as a Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert. He supports the integration and maintenance of learning platforms, contributes to the development of micro-credential curricula, ensures GDPR-compliant digital processes, and assists in the dissemination and commercialisation of research outputs.

Nationality - Cypriot
Languages - English, Greek

PANAYIOTA karanicola

Research Development and Implementation Expert

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Panayiota Karanicola is a chemical engineer and researcher specialising in food-waste valorisation, bioprocess development, and sustainable resource management. She holds an MEng in Chemical Engineering and is completing her PhD on waste-based biorefineries for the production of high-value bioproducts. At EPBS, Panayiota serves as a Research Development and Implementation Expert, contributing to the implementation of EU-funded projects and the development of research outputs in the fields of sustainability and circular economy.

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Languages - English, Greek

Sofia alexaki

Assistant Professor in Smart Health and Social Innovation

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Sofia is a clinician and endocrinologist with international clinical and research experience across Belgium, France, the UK, Greece, and Cyprus. She works at the intersection of medicine, digital health, and social innovation, focusing on how emerging technologies—including Virtual Human Twins, AI, and Smart Health solutions—can enhance patient care and advance inclusion for people with disabilities. She serves as Assistant Professor in Smart Health and Social Innovation and Coordinator of the Smart Health and Social Innovation Lab, where her research centres on data-driven circular economies, the Internet of Medical Things, and digital transformation in healthcare.

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Languages - English, Greek

Discover the Circular Economy Research Center (CERC)

The Circular Economy Research Center (CERC) at École des Ponts Business School leads research, education, and innovation to support the shift from linear to circular economic models.

CERC produces rigorous, applied research and translates it into actionable knowledge through courses, certifications, and executive education programmes. Its work connects academic excellence with real-world impact for organisations, policymakers, and professionals worldwide.

Why CERC matters

Research grounded in real economic, industrial, and societal challenges.
Strong links between research, education, and skills development.
A global network of academic, institutional, and industry partners.

Chantel Charde Haskins

Office Governance & Operations Officer

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Chantel Charde Haskins is the Office Governance & Operations Officer at EPBS Research, where she provides executive, operational, and governance support to the Associate Dean of Research and Innovation. She plays a key role in coordinating office operations, internal processes, and strategic initiatives that support the school’s research activities. With over nine years of experience in office management, operations, compliance, and executive support, Chantel has worked in investment and corporate environments supporting senior leadership. Her background includes managing complex workflows, handling confidential HR, legal, and financial documentation, and contributing to operational governance. She has experience in onboarding and contract coordination, process optimisation, stakeholder liaison, and reporting. Chantel is known for her structured, detail-oriented approach and strong organisational skills, enabling her to align daily operations with strategic and institutional objectives in complex, cross-functional environments.

Nationality - South African
Languages - English, Afrikaans

Discover the Internet Security Privacy Intelligence Resilience
Competence Lab (INSPIRE Lab)

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Why SHSI Lab matters

Research focused on sustainability, infrastructure, and societal impact.
Strong links between academia, industry, and public institutions.
Practical insights supporting long-term, responsible decision-making.

IDEAL-CITIES

About IDEAL-CITIES

IDEAL-CITIES Key Objectives

Develop the IDEAL-CITIES Smart City Platform

Develop Innovative Smart City Applications

Enable Secure and Trustworthy Smart City Applications

Improve Quality of Life and Urban Inclusivity

Support Circular Economy Through Intelligent Asset Management

Foster Innovation in the Smart City Ecosystem

Role of EPBS in IDEAL-CITIES

Research on Circular Economy and Smart City Business Models

Integration of Technology and Urban Innovation Strategies

Knowledge Transfer and Academic Innovation

Dissemination and Stakeholder Engagement

Project Partners

Company

Legal

Social

Get exclusive news

EU-iNSPIRE

3D-Circular

Role of EPBS:

Discover the Circular Economy Research Center (CERC)

Why CERC matters

Discover the Internet Security Privacy Intelligence ResilienceCompetence Lab (INSPIRE Lab)

Why INSPIRE Lab matters

Discover the Smart Health & Social Innovation Lab (SHSI Lab)

Why SHSI Lab matters

Discover the Internet Security Privacy Intelligence Resilience
Competence Lab (INSPIRE Lab)