The Early Maturation Kick-Off (EM KO) meeting aimed to validate the planned activities and align them with the original proposal. Representatives from all Participating States evaluated the Technological Readiness Level (TRL) of critical technologies identified in an earlier pre-feasibility phase and assessed the resources required to advance these technologies.
This EM KO milestone signals the start of technology maturation activities under the HYDEF Programme. During the meeting, participating states demonstrated that these early design and technology maturation activities, based on critical pre-identified technologies, are now ready for execution. Key development challenges were also outlined as per the Technology Plan, and technical maturation activities began immediately following the meeting.
The HYDEF Programme will now progress to define the system concept, aiming to reach the Concept Selection Milestone (CSM) by August 2025. The programme’s early design work will continue, culminating in an Early Maturation Mid-Term Review (EM MTR) milestone set for October 2025.
In parallel, the Progress Review Meeting 2 (PRM 2) brought together the Project Coordinator, Project Managers from each participating beneficiary, and OCCAR HYDEF Programme Division representatives. The HYDEF Consortium provided a comprehensive programme update, covering progress metrics, schedule review, risk assessment, financials, quality control, and ethical considerations.
Both milestones, EM KO and PRM 2, were achieved on schedule, underlining the programme’s adherence to its planned objectives and timelines.
