The European project Lab of the Future is driving digital and green transformation in the laboratory and VET sector.

It aims to introduce innovative technologies, modern training programs and develop new digital competences.  Funded through the Erasmus+ program (Key Action 2 – Cooperation Partnerships in VET), the project brings together eight European organizations with a common vision – to create laboratories that are more sustainable, inclusive and innovative. Within the framework of the initiative, 192 laboratory technicians and VET students will be trained in five European countries, and the results will lead to the creation of a new European Qualifications Framework (EQF) for a digital laboratory technician. As part of this partnership, the Center for Knowledge Management (CKM) plays a key role in the development of digital tools and training platforms, as well as in the coordination of activities at the national level.

Project Information

Project: Lab of the Future – Digitalisation, Sustainability and Skills for VET Labs

Implementation period: September 2025 – February 2028

Duration: 30 months

Source of funding: Erasmus+ Programme, Key Action 2 – Partnerships for cooperation in the VET sector

Budget: €400,000

Website: coming soon

Project description

Modern laboratories across Europe are facing rapid technological changes, new standards and the need for digital transformation. The Lab of the Future project responds to these challenges by developing innovative training programmes and digital solutions that unite technology, sustainability and education.

Through six thematic modules (Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Internet of Things, Blockchain, Cybersecurity and LIMS-Cloud systems), the project creates a basis for innovative and practical learning, preparing laboratory technicians and VET students for the real needs of the labour market.

Specific objectives

• To develop new digital and green competences among laboratory technicians, teachers and VET students.
• To create an innovative European training programme based on the latest technologies.
• To establish a European Digitalisation Working Group.
• To develop FutureLab Nexus – an immersive IT platform for learning and simulations.
• To foster sustainability, inclusiveness and accessibility in vocational education.

Main Results

• 6 digital modules for laboratory training developed.
• 70 successful digitalisation practices collected across EU laboratories.
• 32 individual digital roadmaps for laboratories and VET centres prepared.
• FutureLab Nexus – an interactive IT platform for learning with real-life simulations created.
• 4 multiplier events and a final conference organised at European level.
• EQF profile for digital laboratory technician established.
• A European network of 60 organisations has been established through the Digitalisation Working Group.

Project partners

• NOVOTEC (Spain) – Coordinator
• Center for Knowledge Management (CKM)
• Fundación Equipo Humano (Spain)
• Instituto de Enseñanza Secundaria Doctor Peset Aleixandre (Spain)
• Ambidata, Lda (Portugal)
• Metricode S.R.L. (Italy)
• EUROLAB (Belgium)
• EFVET (Belgium)

Center for Knowledge Management (CKM), as a partner with long-term experience in IT training and knowledge transfer, plays a key role in the development of digital resources and communication activities of the project. The KMC team is responsible for developing and maintaining the official website, developing online learning platforms, conducting national focus groups and multiplier events, as well as preparing training courses that link IT technologies with laboratory needs. Through these activities, KMC contributes to creating an innovative, accessible and human-centric vision for the laboratories of the future – where technology and education go hand in hand.

The project is co-financed by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.