BOOSTER in Bratislava: Energising Collaboration

On 21–22 May 2025, the BOOSTER consortium gathered in Bratislava, Slovakia, for a key project meeting hosted by the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STUBA). Held at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (FEI STU), the meeting provided an excellent opportunity for partners to review project progress and plan the way forward.

The event opened with a warm welcome from the host institution, followed by an institutional introduction to STUBA and a presentation on FEI STU’s facilities and expertise. The project coordinator then gave a comprehensive overview of BOOSTER’s current status.

• Technical Updates and Collaborative Discussion

The first day was dedicated to the technical work packages. Partners presented key advancements, particularly in Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) module manufacturing and encapsulation. The consortium also discussed the upcoming Building-Applied Photovoltaics demonstrators, outlining decisions and next steps for their development in the coming months. The day concluded with a guided lab tour, offering participants an inspiring first-hand look at STU’s experimental facilities.

• Strategic Planning and Outreach

Day two focused on the broader project management aspects. During the General Assembly session, partners reviewed ongoing coordination activities and approved new members to the External Advisory Board, reinforcing the project’s strategic guidance following a recent suspension period. Additional presentations covered the Life Cycle Assessment and module testing, providing further insights into environmental performance and technical robustness. A dedicated session addressed the project’s communication strategy, highlighting the importance of increasing BOOSTER’s visibility on social media. One of the most forward-looking initiatives discussed was the upcoming design competition on innovative product ideas using next-generation thin-film OPV. This activity is designed to raise public interest and engage young people, innovators, and entrepreneurs in the development of sustainable energy technologies.

• Looking Ahead

The meeting was marked by productive and open exchanges, both in formal sessions and informal discussions during the two-day event.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our colleagues at FEI STU for their warm hospitality and excellent organisation, and to all consortium partners for their active participation and continued dedication to BOOSTER’s mission.

Stay tuned for more updates on our demonstrators and design competition.