UPSURGE

Start date: 1 September 2021
End date: 31 August 2025
Funder: EU Horizon 2020
Value: €202,625
Primary investigator: Dr Jim McQuaid
Co-investigators: Dr Cat Scott
External co-investigators: Professor Alison Tomlin

Air pollution and ambient pollution, carbon-related issues ranging from greenhouse gas emissions to carbon shortages in soil, the opportunities provided by nature based solutions (NBS) and the intricacies of urban ecosystems present an extremely complex set of interdependent problems and opportunities that have to be addressed as such – interactively, mutually and innovatively. Upsurge is considering all these aspects and is providing evidence-based targeted responses that will enable EU cities to transition into a more regenerative future.

At its core, Upsurge is presenting the European Regenerative Urban Lighthouse, which will enable cities to unlock their regenerative potential and provide them with knowledge and guidance in regenerative transition. Supported by an innovative continuous self-check progress mechanism (Regenerative Index) and by the Clearing House as a knowledge nerve centre, Upsurge will motivate cities and other clients through its networking activities to engage and step aboard the regenerative transition under Lighthouse’s leadership.

Upsurge is demonstrating technical excellence through a multimodal adaptable sensing system, through integrated and integrative digitalisation environment supported by IoT and AI, several real-life demonstrations and based on extrapolated criteria conducted simulative demonstrations showcasing the viability, feasibility and implementability of proposed technical solutions. The knowledge core of Upsurge will be introduced within the quintuple helix verification model bringing together all relevant factors affecting the implementation of NBS and thus regenerative change.

Quintuple helix approach will truly enable the assessment and exploration of complementary beneficial effects provided by project solutions.

Co-investigator Professor Alison Tomlin is from the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

Project website
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101003818