In the framework of the Interreg POCTEP project HIBA –HUB IBERIA AGROTECH–, the consortium partner FADA-CATEC organised a workshop called “HAPS*: the stratosphere available to agriculture”. Members of the Andalusian coordination team of S3P Traceability & Big Data attended the event of this project related to the Partnership.

The agenda included an initial presentation of the HIBA project and the explanation of the concrete pilot developed by FADA-CATEC, in relation to the use of HAPS on agriculture. This activity is part of a specific work package focused on demonstration of technologies.

The results obtained in the pilot and potential functionalities associated with the use of HAPS were explained, with the objective of creating added-value applications to the agriculture sector and generating new business opportunities for companies involved in the multi-regional network through the HIBA project.

Following the presentation of results, participants had the opportunity of seeing a live demonstration of the HAPS pilot done in the company’s testbed area. Additionally, a complete visit tour was done, explaining other projects currently developed and technologies used by FADA-CATEC.

HIBA is a co-financed project by the ERDF through the Interreg V-A Spain-Portugal Program (POCTEP) 2014-2020. The project aims at building a multiregional ecosystem devoted to the agrifood sector through Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs). Additionally, HIBA is aligned with the regional strategies of smart specialization (RIS3) of the regions involved by promoting innovation and go to market activities. Three regions, through fourteen members of their regional nodes and one associate member of S3P Traceability & Big Data are involved in the HIBA consortium.

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*According to the European Space Agency (ESA), HAPS (High Altitude Pseudo-Satellites or Platform Stations) is an unmanned airship, plane or balloon watching over Earth from the stratosphere (covering the range between 20 to 40 kilometers). Operating like satellites but from closer to Earth, HAPS are the ‘missing link’ between drones flying close to Earth’s surface and satellites orbiting in space.