We are excited to announce SocialTech Lab’s active participation in the EUSOME project, a four-year European initiative aimed at revolutionizing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in the Southeast Mediterranean region. This project seeks to address regional challenges such as goods transportation, complex landscape surveillance, fire risk management, and traffic congestion monitoring.
About the EUSOME Project
The EUSOME project (Enhanced Urban & Suburban Operations of Manned and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) is an ambitious initiative that focuses on integrating AAM solutions into the region’s transportation network through cutting-edge technology and research.
The emergence of large drone systems that can be integrated with intelligent coordination technology has enabled Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) concepts that are poised to revolutionize a broad range of domains including transport (also encompassing logistics), emergency response, and even climate adaptation. Nevertheless, despite commendable global initiatives, Southeast Europe is facing challenges and delays in adopting and implementing AAM.
The EUSOME project brings together 16 partners, with diverse expertise across the AAM spectrum—from cutting-edge research institutions and aircraft manufacturers to civil aviation authorities, public agencies, innovation specialists, non-governmental organizations, and public representatives. The project is coordinated by the KIOS Center of Excellence at the University of Cyprus.
Project Objectives
EUSOME aims to:
- Develop an Open Research and Innovation Infrastructure to foster advancements in AAM technologies.
- Establish Mentoring and Training Programs for professionals and stakeholders in the AAM sector.
- Formulate a Master Plan for Regulatory Adoption to integrate the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) regulations on AAM within the region.
- Offer Services for AAM Exploitation to support public and private entities in utilizing AAM technologies effectively.
- Create the EUSOME Thematic Innovation Hub (TIH) to explore open-access policies and market opportunities for project outcomes.
Key Activities and Expected Outcomes
To achieve these objectives, the EUSOME project will focus on:
- Research and Development – Advancing AAM technologies tailored to the region’s needs.
- Infrastructure Development – Creating facilities and platforms to support AAM operations.
- Policy and Regulatory Frameworks – Collaborating with authorities to develop policies for the safe and efficient integration of AAM.
- Community Engagement – Raising awareness and public acceptance of AAM solutions.
The project’s results are expected to have significant scientific, economic, and societal impacts. From a scientific perspective, the project’s activities will boost human capacity by increasing the availability and quality of different workforce groups and raise excellence and multidisciplinary collaboration in science and technology. From an economic perspective, the project will create employment opportunities and will contribute to the growth of regional economies. Finally, from a societal perspective, the project will facilitate the advancement and adoption of AAM in the region, focusing on targeted use cases relevant to local realities.
Successful Kickoff Meeting
A significant milestone was reached with the successful kickoff meeting held on January 15-16, 2025, hosted by the University of Cyprus. The event brought together all 16 project partners from across Europe, marking the official start of EUSOME’s activities. The first tasks have already begun, setting the stage for exciting developments in the coming months.
Our Role in EUSOME
At SocialTech Lab, we are proud to contribute our expertise and stakeholder connection to this groundbreaking project. Our involvement highlights our commitment to technological innovation and societal progress. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to work towards a smarter, more connected, and sustainable future for air mobility in the Southeast Mediterranean!
For more updates, follow us on our social media channels and visit www.eusome.eu.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement 101187121.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
