ZINNAE has established a strong and long-standing partnership with Nanoprogress, a Czech cluster focusing on nanotechnology and advanced materials. Over the years, this collaboration has deepened through several European initiatives that link technological innovation, green transformation, and industrial cooperation across borders. A growing partnership rooted in innovation.
The cooperation between ZINNAE and Nanoprogress began several years ago through joint participation in EU cluster projects. What started as knowledge exchange and networking has evolved into a solid strategic partnership, supporting SMEs and research organisations in developing new technologies for sustainable water management, circular economy, and clean industrial processes. Each year, this collaboration continues to intensify, with both clusters expanding their joint activities and project portfolio.

Collaborative European projects

BLUES — Building European cooperation in blue and eco-industries
The BLUES project, funded by the COSME programme, united European clusters to strengthen cluster management capacities and promote international cooperation among SMEs in blue and eco-industries. Through BLUES, ZINNAE and Nanoprogress jointly organised exchange visits, matchmaking events, and knowledge-sharing activities focused on water efficiency, circular economy, and sustainable industrial practices. The project helped both clusters expand their European network and provide tangible benefits to their members.

GreenStep — Driving green and digital transformation in industry
GreenStep, launched in late 2024 under the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) programme, focuses on advancing the green and digital transformation of Energy-Intensive Industries. Coordinated by Nanoprogress, it brings together clusters, universities, and industry partners to strengthen innovation ecosystems and accelerate sustainable industrial growth. ZINNAE contributes expertise in water and resource efficiency, supporting the implementation of pilots and knowledge transfer activities that promote greener and more resilient value chains.

INNODROP — Innovation in nanotechnology for water purification
In the INNODROP project, ZINNAE and Nanoprogress collaborated to apply advanced nanotechnologies to water treatment systems. The project demonstrated how nanomaterials and smart process control can enhance water quality, reduce energy consumption, and support sustainable water management.

ADPACK 2 — Advanced cooperation for knowledge and cluster capacity building
Building on previous collaboration, ADPACK 2 focused on improving cluster management excellence and fostering cooperation between European clusters. ZINNAE and Nanoprogress worked together to strengthen their strategic planning, improve services for SMEs, and develop internationalisation strategies aligned with EU cluster excellence initiatives.

Water Smart Territories – Smart Specialisation Platform S3P
Water Smart Territories (WST) partnership works to strengthen the innovation capacity of European regions beyond resource efficiency, to facilitate new investments based on open innovation infrastructure and new technologies for sustainable water management by clusters in regional ecosystems. Both Nanoprogress and Zinnae actively participate in this network, in collaboration with their respective regions, Liberec and Aragón. As a result, several initiatives emerged to promote a closer and interdisciplinary collaboration responding to the water industry challenges through advanced technological solutions.

Looking ahead: deeper cooperation and shared goals
ZINNAE and Nanoprogress continue to expand their partnership, combining expertise in water management, nanotechnology, and sustainable industrial innovation. Their ongoing collaboration in European projects such as BLUES, GreenStep, INNODROP, and ADKACK 2 demonstrates the strong potential of cross-sectoral cooperation to address environmental challenges and promote smart, sustainable industry.
As both clusters look toward future opportunities, they remain committed to further intensifying their collaboration, supporting SMEs, and advancing the European twin transition toward a greener and more digital economy.

For more information about ZINNAE’s international partnerships and ongoing projects, please contact:
info@zinnae.org