DIGITISE: More Than Just Advancing Technology – An Interview with Eleni Tsironi, Project Coordinator

The DIGITISE project brings together a diverse consortium of partners from across Europe, each contributing their unique expertise to revolutionise the digital energy landscape. By integrating technologies such as AI, Digital Twins, Big Data Management, and DLT-enabled Marketplaces, DIGITISE aims to empower energy consumers and prosumers and enable them to participate actively in the digital energy market.

 In this interview, we speak with Eleni Tsironi, Project Coordinator from UBITECH, to get to know people behind the scenes and explore their roles, contributions, and insights into the project.

 

Q: Tell us a little about yourself. What motivates you? What are you focused on nowadays?

E: I am an Electrical and Computer Engineer with over a decade of experience working on various EU projects, particularly in the field of energy, digital innovation and sustainability. For the past five years, I’ve been a member of UBITECH, focusing on applying cutting-edge technologies to societal challenges. What motivates me is the impact we can have through technology – specifically in driving the energy transition and enabling citizens to take a more active role in shaping a sustainable future.

In my current role as project coordinator of the DIGITISE project, I am particularly focused on how we can leverage digital tools like AI, blockchain, and digital twins to empower both consumers and prosumers in energy markets. These innovations not only enhance efficiency but also help bridge the digital literacy gap, encouraging more inclusive participation in the energy ecosystem.

 

Q: Can you tell us more about your responsibilities in your company and what UBITECH does?

E: As a project manager at UBITECH, my primary focus is on overseeing the successful execution of Horizon Europe projects, like the DIGITISE project. I ensure that all project activities are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with the objectives set by the consortium. This involves coordinating between multiple stakeholders, managing resources, and ensuring compliance with EU funding guidelines. Additionally, I am actively involved in identifying new funding opportunities and building partnerships that foster innovation and collaboration in our fields of expertise.

UBITECH is at the forefront of digital transformation, delivering cutting-edge software solutions, custom development, and research-driven innovation in information and communication technologies. The company excels in pioneering new technologies, developing custom applications, and turning research into market-ready solutions. Our consulting services also help organizations navigate the challenges of digital transformation, and we are heavily invested in creating innovative ventures that shape the future of technology.

 

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the tangible impact of our work. DIGITISE is not just about advancing technology; it’s about enabling people to take a more active role in managing their energy consumption, contributing to a more sustainable future.

 

Q: Now, let us know about your role at DIGITISE. What do you do, and what is the most rewarding thing about it?

E: As the project coordinator for DIGITISE, my role is to ensure that all aspects of the project run smoothly. This means managing project timelines, facilitating communication between the various partners, and ensuring that we are meeting our milestones in line with the project’s objectives. One of the key responsibilities is also to monitor the development of digital tools, making sure that they align with the project’s goals of empowering consumers and prosumers in the energy market.

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the tangible impact of our work. DIGITISE is not just about advancing technology; it’s about enabling people to take a more active role in managing their energy consumption, contributing to a more sustainable future. Knowing that we are not only innovating but also helping to shape a more empowered, energy-conscious society is incredibly fulfilling.

 

Q: Project management itself is very demanding regarding skills. Which of them are the most important ones?

E: Project management requires a broad set of skills, but some stand out as particularly important. Leadership is key, as you need to guide your team and stakeholders toward shared goals while ensuring everyone is aligned. Communication is equally vital, particularly in multi-partner projects like DIGITISE, where clear and consistent communication across different teams and countries is crucial. Organisational skills are fundamental—managing timelines, resources, and deliverables can be complex, so staying on top of details is essential. Additionally, problem-solving and adaptability are critical in handling unforeseen challenges, whether it’s a technical issue or a sudden change in the project’s direction. Lastly, stakeholder management is an important skill. You need to understand the needs of different partners and the European Commission, ensuring all expectations are met and keeping the project in line with broader EU objectives.

 

Q: What two activities are you and UBITECH working on in DIGITISE that you are most excited about?

E: I am particularly excited about two key activities that UBITECH is spearheading in the DIGITISE project: the development of the Household Digital Twin application and our efforts in business exploitation.

Firstly, the Household Digital Twin application represents a significant innovation in how we can simulate and optimise household energy consumption. This application will focus on optimising energy management at the household level, considering the management of individual household assets to maximise self-consumption, significantly lower energy costs, and create a more user-friendly environment.

Secondly, our focus on business exploitation activities is equally thrilling. We are dedicated to ensuring that the outputs of the DIGITISE project can be effectively translated into market-ready solutions. This involves engaging with stakeholders, identifying potential market opportunities, and developing strategies to promote the adoption of our innovations. By doing so, we aim to not only maximise the project’s impact but also to foster collaboration with sister projects and initiatives, thereby creating a wider ecosystem of innovation in the energy sector.

 

Q: What are some of the key challenges you have already found in the DIGITISE project? What should Partners working on projects like DIGITISE focus the most on?

E: In the DIGITISE project, we have identified several key challenges that are crucial for our success. One significant challenge is the integration of diverse data sources and ensuring data interoperability. With various stakeholders contributing different datasets, achieving seamless communication and compatibility among these systems is essential for the efficacy of our Digital Twin application.

Another challenge is engaging users and stakeholders to actively participate in the deployment of our solutions. Building awareness and trust in digital technologies is vital, as it directly impacts user adoption and the overall effectiveness of our initiatives.

For partners working on projects like DIGITISE, I recommend focusing on three main areas:

• Collaboration and Communication: Establishing strong lines of communication among all partners is essential for sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices. 
• User Engagement: Actively involving end-users in the development and testing phases will provide valuable insights and ensure that the solutions we create are user-centric. This engagement is crucial for promoting adoption and ensuring that the tools we develop meet real-world needs.
• Scalability and Adaptability: As we innovate, it’s important to design solutions that can easily adapt to changing market conditions and user requirements. Focusing on scalability will help ensure that our findings and applications can be effectively deployed across different contexts and geographies.

By addressing these challenges and focusing on these key areas, partners can enhance the impact of their contributions and drive meaningful progress in the digital energy market.

 

Q: As DIGITISE progresses, what are UBITECH’s future plans and vision for their role in the project, and how do they see their contributions shaping the digital energy market in Europe?

E: UBITECH envisions a pivotal role in advancing digital solutions that will transform the energy landscape in Europe. Our plans include further enhancing the Household Digital Twin application by integrating advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities. This will allow us to provide even more precise insights into energy consumption patterns and promote proactive energy management among users.

In addition, we aim to strengthen our collaboration with industry partners and stakeholders to facilitate the practical implementation of our innovations. By focusing on scalable solutions that can be adopted by various segments of the energy market, we believe UBITECH can significantly contribute to creating a more interconnected and efficient digital energy ecosystem.

We see our contributions shaping the digital energy market by not only providing cutting-edge tools and applications but also fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. By aligning our efforts with broader European energy goals, such as the transition to renewable energy and achieving carbon neutrality, we are committed to ensuring that our work in DIGITISE resonates across the industry and inspires other initiatives.

 

Q: Any final words to end on?

E: As we advance with the DIGITISE project, our vision is to empower individuals and communities through innovative digital solutions that drive the energy transition. Together, we are shaping a sustainable future where technology and collaboration pave the way for a more inclusive energy ecosystem.

Q: Thank you for your time and insightful anwers!

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