On October 27–29, 2026, a working meeting of the partners of the international EfxINNOs project and a joint international workshop were held at Ovidius University of Constanța, Romania. The events focused on the development of innovative marine technologies and the promotion of the blue economy in the Black Sea Basin.
The meetings brought together representatives of project partner organizations, scientists, and experts from various fields across the Black Sea Basin countries.
Ilia State University was represented by Professor Ketevan Kupatadze, Regional Scientific Coordinator of the project; Giorgi Mikeladze, Senior Researcher in Machine Learning; and Tamar Edisherashvili, Project Researcher.
The working meeting held on October 27 was dedicated to reviewing the activities implemented and the results achieved within the project. The partners presented findings from their ongoing research, assessed the progress of project implementation, and discussed upcoming activities. Particular attention was given to the organizational and thematic aspects of the hackathon planned within the project.
On October 28, an international workshop entitled “An Innovative Marine Technology Transfer Network for Blue Growth in the Black Sea Basin” was held at Ovidius University of Constanța. The event was attended by university professors, early-career scientists, researchers, and professionals specializing in marine environmental research and technological development.
During the workshop, all three representatives of Ilia State University delivered presentations highlighting research activities conducted within the project, the results achieved, and the application of modern technologies.
A press conference was also organized as part of the event, during which project participants discussed the importance of Black Sea ecosystem research, innovative marine technologies, and international scientific cooperation. The event received coverage in the Romanian local online media.
On October 29, the final day of the meeting, participants visited the coastal areas of Constanța and explored practical methods of marine environmental monitoring and data collection. The field activities included demonstrations and discussions of data collection techniques.
The EfxINNOs project aims to promote the sustainable development of the blue economy in the Black Sea region and, in collaboration with its partners, to establish an effective network of technologically advanced and sustainable marine monitoring platforms.
The project brings together partner organizations from Bulgaria, Romania, Türkiye, and Georgia, contributing to stronger regional cooperation and the advancement of marine innovation.
The project is funded under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme, co-funded by the European Union, with a total budget of EUR 1,643,648.40.
The project is of considerable importance not only for Georgia but also for the entire Black Sea Basin, as it integrates scientific innovation, educational initiatives, and environmental objectives, laying a solid foundation for the development of a strong and sustainable blue economy.
The research has now entered its final stage.
