POSEIDON Project Partners Meet in Marseille
On April 29th and 30th, 2025, the City of Marseille welcomed the partners of the POSEIDON project for two intense days of collaboration and strategic discussion. Despite the significant disruptions caused by the massive blackout that hit Spain, Portugal, and parts of Europe the day before, which affected flights and public transportation and delayed the arrival of several participants, the meeting successfully moved forward in a spirit of resilience and determination. To accommodate these unexpected travel delays, several sessions were adapted to a hybrid format, ensuring the participation of all partners regardless of their location.
A Meaningful Venue for Sustainable Innovation
The event was held at La Friche la Belle de Mai, a former industrial site turned into a cultural and innovation hub. This symbolic venue —home to over 70 organizations and a beacon of ecological and social transition — set the tone for the ambitious work ahead.
April 29: Renewing Commitment and Fostering Dialogue
The first day opened with a warm welcome and a Steering Committee meeting where partners shared project progress and introduced their planned work sessions and how they were aligned with their goals. A highlight of the day was the City of Marseille’s official presentation, reaffirming its commitment to ecological transition and its efforts within the “100 Climate-Neutral Cities by 2030” initiative.
A press conference followed, announcing the Marseille district selected as a demonstrator site for the POSEIDON project, a crucial step in making the initiative visible and actionable at the local level.
In the afternoon, partners engaged in interactive working sessions to advance data analysis and identify localized solutions. The day concluded with a convivial social dinner in the city center, offering a moment of connection and informal exchange.
April 30: From Ideas to Action
The second day was dedicated to testing and implementing solutions through Urban Living Labs. Real-life experiments to enhance energy transition strategies. These labs serve as a foundation for adapting innovation to local needs and realities.
In the afternoon, participants toured LaboFriche, the new collaborative space within La Friche la Belle de Mai that focuses on research and development around sustainability, culture, and civic engagement. The visit offered valuable insight into how this dynamic environment fosters experimentation and cross-sector collaboration, reinforcing the role of local innovation ecosystems in supporting the POSEIDON project’s goals.
Despite Challenges, Progress Moves Forward
The blackout that swept across Europe created significant logistical challenges, yet the partners demonstrated their adaptability and commitment. The necessity to shift some sessions to hybrid formats did not hinder the quality of the discussions nor the productivity of the meeting. The Marseille gathering not only marked a critical milestone in the POSEIDON project but also highlighted the power of cooperation in the face of adversity.
Together, the POSEIDON partners continue to build a shared vision for energy-positive districts across the Mediterranean, a testament to innovation, resilience, and community-driven transformation.
