The NATURELLES project aims to transform engineering education by integrating Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) into higher education curricula and leveraging advanced digital tools to enhance learning. The initiative seeks to strengthen sustainability literacy among engineering students, promote innovation through experiential learning in Living Labs, and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset capable of addressing urgent environmental challenges.

Objectives

• Integrate Nature-Based Solutions into engineering curricula to elevate sustainability competencies.

• Utilize digital tools to modernize teaching and facilitate interactive learning experiences.

• Foster innovation through hands-on engagement in Living Labs.

• Encourage entrepreneurial thinking to develop effective, nature-inspired solutions for environmental issues.

Activities

During the first 12 months, the project will focus on developing the Digital Platform, Mobile Application, and Digital Training Modules. In the following three months, artificial intelligence will be integrated into the training modules to enhance personalization and interactivity.

Parallel to this, the project will pilot the newly developed educational components, establish Living Labs, and deliver Training Workshops. These activities will span the second year of implementation to ensure effective deployment, testing, and refinement of all outputs.

Impact

1. Tailored Digital Training Modules—including AR and VR technologies—available in six languages and focused on Nature-Based Solutions.

2. New Pilot Academic Curriculum, developed in six languages, embedding NBS principles into engineering education.

3. Four Living Labs offering practical experience, innovation support, and real-world application of sustainable engineering practices.

4. Two Specialized Workshops enhancing knowledge of NBS and entrepreneurial skills, involving:

   • 50 higher education professionals, and

   • 15 engineering students.