The FNR is pleased to announce that 4 of 11 proposals have been retained for funding in the 2025-1 JUMP Call, an FNR commitment of 1 MEUR. The FNR’s JUMP programme aims to bridge the technical and funding gap between research-driven discoveries and their commercialisation/ utilisation, thereby enhancing the impact of Luxembourg’s research on the economy and society.
| PI | Host institution | Project title | Acronym | FNR committed |
| Sylvain Legay | Luxembourg Institute of Science & Technology (LIST) | Market Access For Salvia Sclarea Ingredient Through Valorization And Exploitation | MASSIVE | 248,000.00 € |
| Keywords | Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, Plant cell culture, plant secondary metabolites, high value active ingredient, marketing access, Licencing strategy, market launch access | |||
| Abstract | The MASSIVE project aims to accelerate the commercial readiness of an innovative cosmetic ingredient derived from plant cell culture of Salvia sclarea (Clary sage). Developed by the LIST, this bioactive ingredient has shown strong anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, including efficacy against MRSA. Originally reaching TRL4 through a previous project, the ingredient demonstrated compelling potential in vitro and ex vivo, drawing interest from industrial stakeholders. However, commercial uptake depends on advancing the technology to TRL7. MASSIVE addresses this by optimizing production costs, validating process scalability, and establishing transfer protocols for CDMOs. In parallel, a strategic roadmap is being developed to position the ingredient within relevant market segments, especially in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The project also explores complementary applications to broaden its impact. By achieving TRL7 and creating a clear market entry strategy, MASSIVE sets the stage for full commercialization within two years post-project, supporting sustainable innovation in plant-based biotechnologies. | |||
| PI | Host institution | Project title | Acronym | FNR committed |
| Miguel Angel Olivares Mendez | University of Luxembourg | A Ros2 Odyssey | A ROS2 Odyssey | 250,000.00 € |
| Keywords | Robotics, Education, Game-Based Learning, Certification | |||
| Abstract | A ROS2 Odyssey is a new platform built to tackle the barriers that have long made robotics education difficult to access, especially when it comes to ROS 2. Short for “Robot Operating System 2” ROS 2 is a powerful open-source framework that helps developers program and coordinate robotic systems — from drones and autonomous cars to industrial arms and research bots. Actively supported by industry leaders like Open Robotics, NVIDIA, and Amazon, ROS 2 is rapidly becoming the standard in modern robotics development. As robotics and AI move deeper into real-world applications, the gap between what’s taught in classrooms, and the skills companies need is widening. Traditional education methods remain non intuitive, hardware-dependent, costly, and difficult to scale, constraining both institutional capacity and talent development pipelines. A ROS2 Odyssey changes that. It combines an engaging, story-driven game with hands-on training in ROS 2 basics. Inside a simulated robotics environment, learners build nodes, set up publishers and subscribers, and even deploy multi-robot systems — no expensive lab equipment needed. By turning complex technical concepts into practical, mission-based challenges, it helps learners build real skills and keep moving forward at their own pace. But it’s going to be more than just a game. A ROS2 Odyssey is part of a larger ecosystem built around three pillars: Education, offering an accessible, scalable learning environment; Certification, giving learners credentials that prove their skills; and Recruitment, connecting companies with candidates based on what they can do, not just what’s on their CV. It closes the loop between learning and industry, giving students a clearer path to real-world opportunities. Built with Unity and ROS 2, the platform is designed to scale — from universities and technical schools to outreach programs and beyond. It offers progressive challenges, analytics feedback, and a certification system to track real competencies in robotics. By lowering the barriers to entry, A ROS2 Odyssey opens the door for a broader, more diverse group of learners to gain the skills they need. It helps institutions scale up their robotics training without the heavy investment usually required and strengthens the pipeline of robotics talent industry needs. In short, A ROS2 Odyssey reimagines robotics education — making it more practical, more inclusive, and more in tune with where the future of work is headed. | |||
| PI | Host institution | Project title | Acronym | FNR committed |
| Bereket Yilma | University of Luxembourg | Artaicare | ArtAIcare | 299,000.00 € |
| Keywords | Personalisation, Recommender Systems, Healthcare, Digital Art Therapy | |||
| Abstract | ArtAIcare revolutionizes mental health care as a B2B SaaS platform, empowering therapists to deliver AI-driven, personalized art therapy worldwide. Designed for diverse mental health needs—from anxiety to trauma—our intuitive tool uses Visual Art Recommender Systems to tailor therapeutic art, enhancing patient outcomes in clinics, telehealth, and private practices. Therapists gain streamlined session planning and smart analytics via an interactive dashboard, boosting efficiency and impact. ArtAIcare breaks geographical barriers, enabling therapists to reach patients anywhere, anytime. Built with iterative therapists’ feedback and scientific evidence, the platform ensures practical value, with 80% of beta testers reporting improved engagement. Scalable and seamless, ArtAIcare integrates with existing healthcare workflows, positioning therapists as leaders in innovative care. This transformative solution redefines art therapy, driving better mental health support globally. | |||
| PI | Host institution | Project title | Acronym | FNR committed |
| Djamila Aouada | University of Luxembourg | Ai-assisted Physical Product Design | Morfis | 299,000.00 € |
| Keywords | AI-Enabled Deign, CAD, Text2CAD, LLMs, CAD Agents, CAD Code Generation, Non-Expert Creators, Markerspaces, Prototyping, Mass Customization, 3D printing, Additive Manufacturing | |||
| Abstract | Morfis is an AI-native design platform that lowers the barrier to parametric Computer-Aided Design (CAD) by enabling users to generate, modify, and prototype manufacturable 3D models using natural language and visual inputs. Traditional CAD systems require specialized knowledge in geometry, engineering, and design software. In contrast, Morfis is built for non[1]expert users—including hobbyists, educators, and early-stage product teams—allowing them to express design through semantic prompts rather than manual operations. At its core, Morfis integrates a modular, multi-agent architecture that leverages vision-language foundation models (VLMs) to interpret user input, generate CAD logic, and execute it through code within open[1]source CAD environments like FreeCAD or CadQuery. The resulting models are fully parametric and compliant with industry standards, supporting downstream processes such as additive manufacturing and CNC machining. The platform also features collaborative and community-driven workflows, enabling users to share, remix, and refine designs within a public gallery. Morfis targets high-growth segments in digital fabrication and product personalization, with applications ranging from rapid prototyping to customer-facing co-design tools. The system is continuously refined through interaction data and reinforcement learning. | |||