Across the Mediterranean, researchers are developing solutions to some of the region’s most pressing challenges, from water scarcity and sustainable agriculture to healthcare, climate resilience, and waste.
But moving a promising solution from research to market requires more than scientific validation. Researchers also need to understand their market, develop a viable business model, protect their intellectual property, build strategic partnerships, and identify the right path toward commercialization.
This is the gap the Research to Business (R2B) Programme aims to bridge.
The R2B Programme is an initiative of the Union for the Mediterranean, in partnership with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), led by Berytech, in partnership with ANIMA Investment Network and the University of Barcelona, supporting researchers in transforming promising research and technologies into market-oriented solutions.
Its first cohort brings together research-based projects from across the Mediterranean, each approaching a different challenge but sharing one goal: taking research beyond the lab and closer to real-world impact.
Meet the R2B Cohort
1. AgriMet-BigData | Smart Agriculture Based on Meteorological Big Data — Egypt
Led by Mohamed Magdy Mohamed Abdelwahab Abouafia from Cairo University, Egypt, AgriMet-BigData combines weather modelling, crop simulation, and deep learning to turn complex climate data into practical farming recommendations. Already piloted across five Egyptian governorates, the platform can help farmers anticipate crop risks, optimize irrigation, and improve yield predictions.
“Our platform is ready to move from pilot to market, delivering AI-powered farming advice that cuts water waste and secures harvests across the Mediterranean.”
2. VITAL-Guard — Palestine
Represented by Abdelrahman Eid and Osama Abuomar from An-Najah National University and An-Najah National University Hospital, Palestine, VITAL-Guard is an AI-powered clinical early-warning system designed to help hospitals identify patients at risk of deterioration before critical events occur. Using routinely collected hospital data, it supports earlier clinical intervention while keeping final decisions in the hands of healthcare professionals.
“Responsible AI should help clinicians see risk earlier, act sooner, and improve patient safety.”
3. Dr. Feed — Lebanon
Represented by Rayan Sadek and Alissar Alkhoury from Lebanon, Dr. Feed transforms agro-industrial and food-processing by-products into nutritionally enhanced livestock feed through an innovative fermentation process. The circular solution aims to reduce feed costs and organic waste while improving animal nutrition and strengthening food security in Lebanon and the Mediterranean.
“Dr. Feed shows how research can transform agricultural waste into sustainable animal nutrition and lasting value.”
4. BioAgriMax — Egypt
Led by Mahmoud Ghozlan from the Faculty of Agriculture at Damanhour University, Egypt, BioAgriMax is creating an algae-based biological crop protection solution that strengthens plant immunity against fungal and bacterial diseases. Its zero-residue approach aims to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides while improving crop quality and market competitiveness.
“The future of agriculture lies in biological innovation that protects crops, safeguards health, and opens global markets for farmers.”
5. DION+ & SmaCuMed | Smart Cube — Morocco
Represented by Ismail Ait Lahssaine from Ibn Zohr University, Morocco, alongside Edgardo Kurz, the Smart Cube integrates high-efficiency desalination, off-grid solar energy, and IoT-based irrigation into one solution for water-scarce rural and agricultural areas. With a focus on Morocco and Germany, the project aims to reduce energy consumption, operating costs, and brine discharge while supporting more resilient agriculture.
“Smart Cube can turn water scarcity into an opportunity for resilient, climate-friendly agriculture.”
6. PedsORAI — Jordan
Led by Prof. Mwaffaq Otoom from Yarmouk University, Jordan, PedsORAI uses AI to improve predictions of pediatric surgical duration and post-anesthesia recovery time. Built on data from more than 33,000 completed surgeries, the framework aims to help hospitals reduce delays, anticipate bottlenecks, and plan operating-room resources more effectively.
“AI should not replace professional judgment, but give hospital teams more reliable information to improve timely surgical care.”
7. Next-Generation AI-Driven Breast Lesion Detection and Classification System — Palestine
Led by Mohammed Abutaha from Palestine Polytechnic University, Palestine, this project uses advanced AI to detect, segment, and classify breast lesions in ultrasound and mammography images. Developed in response to shortages of specialist radiologists in Palestine, the solution uses explainable AI to provide interpretable findings designed to support radiologists, particularly in low-resource healthcare environments.
The technology has the potential to extend beyond Palestine to healthcare systems facing similar shortages of specialized diagnostic expertise.
8. PrediTreat — Algeria
Founded by Dr. Hayet Rafa from Algeria, and represented alongside Mohamed Lahcene, PrediTreat is a precision oncology platform designed to predict individual patient responses to anticancer treatments before treatment begins. Combining patient-derived tumor models, liquid-biopsy biomarkers, AI, and digital twins, the platform has already been developed and validated on more than 200 Algerian patients.
“Every patient deserves to receive the right treatment from day one.”
9. PulP EcoDesign — Lebanon
Represented by Hala El Balaa and Mohamed Ali Najem from Lebanon, PulP EcoDesign transforms post-consumer beverage carton waste into sustainable materials for architecture, interior design, and construction. Through ongoing research with the Lebanese American University, the team is developing lightweight materials with enhanced thermal and acoustic properties as alternatives to conventional construction materials.
“The future of construction lies in transforming waste into high-performance materials that build stronger communities and a healthier planet.”
10. NeuroPredict-AI — Tunisia
Represented by Abir Hadriche and Nawel Jmeil from Sfax University, Tunisia, NeuroPredict-AI uses deep learning and digital biomarkers to predict and detect epileptic seizures through EEG and MEG signals. Compatible with wearable technologies, the platform aims to move epilepsy care from reactive monitoring toward earlier prediction and intervention.
“We are transforming EEG analytics into a proactive lifeline that gives epilepsy patients greater safety and autonomy.”
11. TabibiNet — Morocco
Led by Said Elabbioui from Morocco, TabibiNet is a doctoral research project developing an AI-enabled digital health platform connecting patients, healthcare professionals, universities, researchers, and public institutions. It is envisioned as both a healthcare solution and a collaborative research and learning environment supporting digital health innovation in Morocco and beyond.
“Research creates its greatest value when it transforms knowledge into meaningful solutions that benefit society.”
12. GRENOVA OASIS — Tunisia
Led by Najla Mahbouli Rhouma Ep Touati from the University of Gabes, Tunisia, GRENOVA OASIS is developing Tunisia’s first zero-waste industrial biorefinery dedicated to valorizing pomegranates from Gabès. Using green extraction technology, the project transforms agricultural losses into higher-value products including seed oil, functional flour, and vinegar.
“GRENOVA OASIS turns agricultural loss into high-value sustainable innovation.”
13. AgriVitro — Morocco
Represented by Omar El Aazzaoui and Otmane Oudarya from Morocco, AgriVitro is an AI-powered smart greenhouse system designed to help Moroccan farmers use water and energy more efficiently while increasing crop yields. Combining IoT sensors, AI-driven irrigation, solar energy, and a mobile dashboard, the system is already deployed across greenhouses in Fez and Souss-Massa.
“With AgriVitro: Grow More, Spend Less.”
14. BioBuild4Climate — Morocco
Led by Lahcen Boukhattem from Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco, BioBuild4Climate is developing a sustainable thermal mortar using date palm waste. The project transforms this locally available waste into a bio-based building material designed to improve thermal insulation and reduce building energy consumption.
Tested both in the laboratory and under real outdoor conditions in Marrakech, the mortar is designed for use on roofs, walls, and façades. By combining locally available resources with sustainable construction practices, BioBuild4Climate offers a simple, affordable, and environmentally friendly solution for more energy-efficient buildings in Morocco and other Mediterranean countries.
From Scientific Potential to Market Opportunity
The projects enter R2B with different technologies, levels of maturity, and commercialization needs. Some have already been tested in operational environments, while others are moving toward further validation, certification, partnerships, or market deployment.
What connects them is the challenge of translating scientific potential into solutions that can succeed beyond the research environment and impact the Mediterranean region.
Throughout the programme, participants will strengthen the commercialization and investment readiness of their projects through tailored mentoring, expert guidance, and hands-on support. They will work on key areas such as market positioning, business models, commercialization strategies, intellectual property, and pathways to funding and investment.
But moving research to the market is not only about building stronger ventures. It is also about building the right connections.
Connecting Research Across the Mediterranean
Regional collaboration is a core part of the R2B journey. The programme is designed to connect researchers not only with one another, but also with industry players, investors, experts, and innovation ecosystems across the Mediterranean.
As part of a connected Cross-Med Innovation Community, participants gain access to regional networking, virtual linkages, matchmaking opportunities, and exposure to potential partners and investors. These connections can help researchers test their solutions against different market realities, identify opportunities for collaboration and funding, and build relationships that can support expansion beyond their home countries.
This regional dimension is particularly important for projects addressing challenges that extend across borders. Water scarcity, climate change, food security, healthcare access, and sustainable resource management are shared Mediterranean challenges, and many of the solutions represented in Cohort 1 have the potential to be adapted and scaled across different markets in the region.
By bringing research, industry, and investment actors closer together, R2B aims to strengthen collaboration across Mediterranean ecosystems while creating new pathways for promising research to reach the market.
Turning Research into What Comes Next
From predicting seizures and improving cancer treatment decisions to conserving water, protecting crops, and transforming waste into new materials, Cohort 1 demonstrates the breadth of research and innovation emerging across the Mediterranean.
For each project, the next step will look different. It may mean validating a business model, entering a new market, securing investment, finding an industry partner, preparing certification, strengthening an intellectual property strategy, or transforming a validated prototype into a scalable venture.
Through R2B, these individual journeys also become part of a wider regional effort: connecting researchers, knowledge, markets, and ecosystems across the Mediterranean to help promising innovations move closer to real-world adoption and impact.
Ultimately, the transition is not only from research to business, but from strong research developed locally to market-ready innovation with the connections and potential to scale regionally.
