ELIAS Open Call Winners

The European Lighthouse of AI for Sustainability (ELIAS) unites top AI researchers and innovators to tackle pressing challenges such as climate change, societal shifts, and the energy crisis—while advancing responsible and ethical AI.

We are proud to present the winners of our 1st Open Call, pioneering AI solutions that drive sustainability and innovation. These projects—including PINNSSHS, LUCIA, TENSORIA, and AI-REFRAME—demonstrate how AI can accelerate circular economy solutions, improve energy efficiency, and enhance societal well-being.

LUCIA

PINNSSHS

TENSORIA

AI-REFRAME

Project Overview

PINNSSHS

Physics-Informed Neural Networks for Self-Healing and Sustainable Solutions

PINNSSHS leverages AI to make self-healing polymers more sustainable and reliable. Using physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), Valence Technologies links material composition with mechanical properties to accelerate the development of high-performance, recyclable polymers. Applications range from tires and soft robotics to food packaging, improving durability, safety, and circular use of materials. This project directly supports EU Green Deal and Circular Economy objectives.

Challenges

Why Sustainability Matters:

PINNSSHS reduces waste and extends product lifespan by introducing self-healing polymers. These materials are fully recyclable, enabling multiple product lifecycles and supporting a circular economy, while lowering environmental impact across industries.

Materials & circular economy

Technical Details

AI Approach

The project uses physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) to model and predict the complex relationships between polymer composition and mechanical properties. By integrating fundamental principles of polymer science with AI-driven optimization, PINNSSHS enables precise tuning of self-healing and recyclable materials for specific applications. This approach allows rapid exploration of design parameters, accelerating the development of sustainable, high-performance polymers while ensuring that material properties meet strict mechanical and application-specific requirements.

Through the PINNSSHS project, Valence Technologies aims to develop an AI-driven toolbox to streamline the design of our self-healing polymer, HEALANT, enabling its optimisation for a wide range of applications.

Supports fully recyclable materials through mild thermomechanical reprocessing
Enables efficient, scalable design of self-healing polymers
Improves safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness across applications
Reduces environmental impact by prolonging product lifespan

The project accelerates entry into new markets by enabling tailored self-healing polymers that are reliable, recyclable, and environmentally sustainable.

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At Valence Technologies, we believe AI will transform the polymer industry, serving as a powerful engine to design and optimize materials across diverse applications.

Simon Beckers
CEO

Valence Technologies

Valence Technologies is a Belgian material science company developing advanced self-healing polymers to enhance durability, reduce waste, and promote circular use of materials. Originating from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and located in the Green Energy Park, Valence integrates its HEALANT platform into industrial applications to improve reliability and sustainability.

Related Initiatives

LUCIA

PINNSSHS

TENSORIA

AI-REFRAME