BNPT and Nanoprogress: A Trusted Partnership Driving Innovation Across Europe

For years, BalticNet-PlasmaTec (BNPT) has worked hand in hand with Nanoprogress — a relationship that has matured into a reliable and fruitful partnership across multiple European cluster projects. As technology-focused clusters with complementary strengths, BNPT and Nanoprogress have together supported innovation, SME growth and the green and digital transition in several cross-border initiatives.

A partnership built on complementary strengths

BNPT’s expertise in plasma technologies and applied surface treatments pairs naturally with Nanoprogress’ strengths in nanotechnology and cluster coordination. This synergy has enabled both clusters to co-design and deliver capacity-building activities, internationalisation support and technical exchange opportunities that directly benefit SMEs and regional value chains.

Key projects where BNPT and Nanoprogress collaborate

VIDA – Value-added innovation in food chains

The VIDA Project (2018–2021), funded under the INNOSUP programme of Horizon 2020, supported SMEs in the food, water, energy, and key enabling technology sectors. Its main focus was cascade funding—providing direct financial support to SMEs to help them scale up innovative technologies and services. This approach, central to all INNOSUP projects, aimed to foster cross-sector innovation and accelerate market uptake. VIDA targeted the interlinked challenges across sectors, promoting solutions that could be applied at different stages of the food value chain. It also facilitated collaboration through innovation spaces and validated new industrial value chains (the VIDA Nexus). Awareness and long-term sustainability were key components of the project strategy.

BLUES — Cluster exchanges for Blue & Eco industries

BLUES (Blue and Eco industries cluster exchange for industrial modernisation) brought together mature clusters across Europe to strengthen cluster management, facilitate international cooperation and improve services offered to SMEs—especially those working with water sustainability, resource efficiency and marine bio-innovation. The project organised cluster exchanges, study visits and extensive B2B matchmaking to boost SME competitiveness in blue and eco sectors; BNPT and Nanoprogress were active partners in these exchange activities, helping members access new markets and collaborative opportunities.

INGENIOUS — Building resilience in Energy-Intensive Industries (EIIs)

INGENIOUS is an EU Euroclusters initiative focused on accelerating the green and digital transition within Energy-Intensive Industries. The consortium promoted competitive sustainability, industrial sovereignty and climate-neutral strategies while supporting SMEs through innovation, training and internationalisation grants. The project ran from 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2025 and included activities such as innovation grants and tailored training for SMEs operating in EIIs. BNPT has participated in INGENIOUS activities alongside Nanoprogress, contributing cluster expertise and helping SMEs access the project’s support instruments.

GreenStep — Green, digital and sustainable transition for EIIs

GreenStep is an Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) project that aims to empower less developed regions by fostering cooperation, knowledge sharing and investments for technology and process optimisation in Energy-Intensive Industries. Coordinated by Nanoprogress, the GreenStep consortium includes clusters, universities and industry partners across Europe and focuses on stakeholder engagement to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems and EII value chains. BNPT contributes its technical know-how in plasma and surface technologies and supports the project’s pilots and investment readiness activities. The GreenStep project runs from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2026.

EPIC – Enhancing Packaging Innovation Ecosystems for Interregional Collaboration

EPIC is a European project aimed at strengthening innovation ecosystems in less developed regions to support the transition to sustainable packaging and a circular economy. Aligned with the EU Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, EPIC helps regions respond to new environmental and regulatory packaging challenges. The project focuses on mapping trends, identifying innovation needs, matching supply and demand, supporting business case development, and improving innovation policies. It aims to create new sub-value chains and boost regional capacity for sustainable growth. Coordinated by Nanoprogress (Czechia), the consortium includes 10 partners from 8 countries, including clusters and research centres across Europe, all working toward a more sustainable packaging sector.

What this means for BNPT members and partners

Thanks to this long-term collaboration with Nanoprogress, BNPT members gain improved access to international grants, targeted training programmes, cross-border pilot investments and structured matchmaking services. The cluster partnership helps SMEs scale sustainable technologies, enter new markets and engage with research and investment partners across Europe.

Looking ahead

BNPT and Nanoprogress remain committed to strengthening European value chains, accelerating green and digital transitions and delivering tangible benefits to SMEs and regional ecosystems. Their continued project cooperation — from INGENIOUS to BLUES and GreenStep — demonstrates how complementary clusters can multiply impact when they share resources, expertise and networks.

For enquiries about Nanoprogress’s role in these projects or opportunities for Nanoprogress members to get involved, contact info@nanoprogress.eu.