Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH) – Information Technologies Institute, Greece.
The Information Technologies Institute (ITI) was founded in 1998 as a non-profit research organization, under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Research and Technology of the Greek Ministry of Development, with its head office located in Thessaloniki. Since 2000, ITI has been a founding member of the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH). ITI was founded with the ambition to become a major research and development centre in the area of Information and Communication Technologies in Northern Greece, having continuous interaction with the academic community, the National and European ICT Industry, the international scientific community, the Public Sector and civil society. ITI’s mission is to a) spearhead applied research, innovation and technology transfer in its field, strengthening the national economy and responding to the needs of the society; b) create and maintain an enabling environment of excellence for leading innovative applied research and development of advanced technological solutions; c) yield intellectual and social influence at a national and international level through interactions with external communities; and d) promote skills and career development of researchers. True to each foundational aim, ITI has become one of the leading Institutions in the fields of Informatics and Telecommunications in Greece and beyond, attracting significant funding from National and European competitive R&D projects as well as from private contracts, publishing its numerous scientific outcomes in major publications with high impact factor, and establishing a diverse team of ~600 researchers, technical and administrative personnel to further pursue its objectives.
International Hellenic University – Digital Manufacturing and Materials Characterization Laboratory (IHU), Greece.
The Digital Manufacturing and Material Characterization (DMMC) Laboratory of the International Hellenic University specializes in reverse engineering, computer-aided design, advanced manufacturing, and material analysis. The lab has participated in numerous national and EU-funded research and innovation projects that combine digital modeling tools, fabrication technologies, computational analysis, and material investigation. Within the MusicSphere program, DMMC’s main contribution focuses on the digital documentation and material analysis aimed at supporting the preservation and reconstruction of cultural heritage assets. Drawing on its expertise, the lab will produce high-fidelity 3D models and schematics that capture the dynamic and mechanical behavior of the ancient pipe organ. It will also study material degradation and propose adaptive preservation strategies. Additionally, DMMC will assist in the creation of digital twins of the organs, playing a key role in their long-term safeguarding and in enabling interactive study of musical heritage artifacts. Through these activities, DMMC advances digital heritage preservation by bridging engineering innovation with cultural research.
Universidad de Malaga – Te unication Engineering Research Institute (UMA), Spain.
The University of Málaga (UMA) participates in the MusicSphere project through the DIANA Research Group (https://www.diana.uma.es/?page_id=53), which is part of the Telecommunication Research Institute (TELMA) at UMA. The UMA team specialises in human-computer interaction in 3D and immersive audio technologies, with a focus on binaural audio and virtual acoustics applied to psychoacoustics and Extended Reality.
Within MusicSphere, the UMA team’s main contribution lies in the development of real‑time interactive virtual acoustic rendering systems with six degrees of freedom. The team is the principal developer of the open‑source Binaural Rendering Toolbox (BRT) (https://github.com/GrupoDiana/BRTLibrary) and its predecessor, the 3D Tune‑In Toolkit (https://github.com/3DTune-In/3dti_AudioToolkit), tools widely recognised for real‑time binaural audio spatialisation and virtual hearing‑aid simulation.
By bridging immersive audio, virtual interaction and accessible open‑source tools, the DIANA group supports MusicSphere’s goals of digitally documenting, analysing and disseminating musical heritage through immersive, high‑fidelity acoustic experiences.
Fraunhofer – Institute for Digital Media Technology (FH-IDMT) & Institute for Building Physics (FH-IBP), Germany.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP develops scientifically sound, intelligent and effective solutions through applied research in building physics. With extensive experience across a wide range of research projects, we support the construction industry and related fields by developing customized solutions. Our experts are aware that the challenges ahead are complex and practical solutions are more crucial than ever to address the advancing impacts of climate change, the growing demand for affordable, healthy housing, sustainable, environmentally friendly building materials, and concepts for a properly functioning circular economy. The principles of building physics in their practical application form the basis of our research and development work at the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP. In addition to the classic areas of expertise, we are increasingly focusing on selected business sectors with high societal relevance: These include, in addition to the automotive and aviation sectors, interiors optimized with the user in mind, industrialized construction, urban design adapted to climate change and biodiversity, materials and building materials, cultural heritage research as well as sustainability /ESG and digitization / BIM. Our researchers use high-performance laboratories and testing facilities as well as an extensive outdoor testing site at our Holzkirchen branch to analyze a wide range of issues and devise viable solutions. The site also features the IBP Lab, where market-ready products can be developed from the initial concept to the prototype stage. The Fraunhofer IBP is also a “building authority-approved body” for the testing, monitoring and certification of building products and construction types in Germany and Europe. It has five testing laboratories accredited by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) and a certification body (EU Construction Products Regulation).
Catalink Ltd (CTL), Cyprus.
Catalink Ltd is a Cyprus-based software development company specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Intelligent Systems. With expertise spanning machine learning, semantic reasoning, and interactive dashboards, Catalink designs innovative digital solutions that connect data, knowledge, and human insight.
The company has extensive experience in EU-funded research and innovation projects, focusing on smart, ethical, and human-centric AI applications. Its portfolio includes advanced AI-driven platforms, semantic interoperability frameworks, and decision-support systems across domains such as environment, culture, and public safety.
In MusicSphere, Catalink leads the system architecture and interoperability design, developing the semantic middleware that ensures seamless integration of AI, acoustic, and XR tools. Through this work, Catalink contributes to creating an intelligent, interconnected ecosystem that brings cultural heritage and technology closer together.
Driven by research, innovation, and collaboration, Catalink transforms complex data into actionable intelligence, building digital bridges between technology and people.
Luthieros (LUTHI), Greece.
LUTHIEROS is a cultural endeavour dedicated to the research, reconstruction, and revival of ancient musical instruments, such as the ancient Greek lyre and related string and drum instruments. Based in Greece, the workshop combines archaeological evidence, historical sources, and academic collaboration to create playable instruments that bridge heritage and contemporary creativity.
Beyond lutherie, LUTHIEROS actively promotes cultural dissemination and education through partnerships with museums, universities, and artistic organizations. Its instruments are used in research, performance, and educational contexts in more than 70 countries, contributing to intercultural dialogue and artistic innovation.
Through its LyreAcademy platform and annual Lyre Summer Camps, LUTHIEROS provides structured educational programs for learners of all levels, from beginners to professionals. These initiatives foster cross-cultural exchange, artistic mobility, and skills development, aligning closely with the objectives of many international cultural and educational frameworks.
Working closely with SEIKILO Ancient World Music Channel and the SEIKILO Museum of Ancient Music, LUTHIEROS supports projects that integrate ancient heritage into modern artistic and technological frameworks, such as AR/VR experiences, academic research, and EU-funded collaborations.
LUTHIEROS represents a model of sustainable cultural entrepreneurship, where craftsmanship, niche-market focusing, scholarship, and creativity coexist, aiming to reconnect audiences worldwide with the timeless soundscapes of the ancient world.
KLAIS (KLAIS), Germany.
Johannes Klais Orgelbau GmbH & Co. KG is a family-owned pipe-organ building company founded in 1882 and based in Bonn, Germany. The workshop combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design and technology. Its departments include design and acoustical planning, wood and metal workshops (for pipes, wind-chests, and consoles), restoration of historic instruments, and on-site installation and voicing teams. The company’s integrated approach, from concept to final tuning, ensures the creation of bespoke, high-quality instruments adapted to each location’s architecture and acoustics.
Johannes Klais Orgelbau’s main contribution lies in preserving and advancing the art of organ building on a global scale. The firm has built and restored instruments for major cathedrals and concert halls worldwide, uniting traditional European techniques with innovative mechanical and tonal solutions. Their philosophy, that every organ should speak the language of its environment, guides each project, resulting in unique instruments that blend cultural heritage with modern craftsmanship.
Heritage Management Organization (HEMO), Greece.
The Heritage Management Organization (HERITΛGE) was established in 2008 to enable key heritage managers to independently transform heritage assets from decaying objects of study to dynamic sources of learning, community identity and economic development through targeted training. We train professionals in the management of heritage sites, independently of project specifics. Training practitioners in the essential skills and best practices which define heritage management is at the heart of the HERITΛGE mission. Since its founding HERITΛGE has trained over 4,000 individuals and organizations in more than 120 countries. HERITΛGE contributes extensive experience from international cultural heritage projects, including SHIFT, Shibam Conservation, Architectural Heritage Preservation in Times of War, EMPATHS, AHEAD, Teaching for the Future, and initiatives in digital museums, emergency heritage relief, and endangered heritage documentation. Within MusicSphere and related programmes, HERITΛGE designs and implements structured training activities, developing multi-level modules and pedagogical frameworks that integrate heritage principles with innovative technologies. Its team of specialists supports content development, training delivery, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination, ensuring that cultural, educational, and societal dimensions are fully integrated to enhance capacity-building and maximise cultural impact.
Versatile Innovations Labs Ltd (VLABS), Cyprus.
ViLabs is an agile, interdisciplinary SME based in Greece and Cyprus, specialising in research, innovation and project management services for both business and society. Their expertise lies in transforming research ideas into successful funding projects at the European level, they bring together deep knowledge of ICT technologies, innovation processes and funding landscapes, helping clients stand out on the European scene. ViLabs also has a strong track record in dissemination, exploitation, and innovation management, ensuring that research outcomes create real impact and reach the right audiences across Europe. In the MusicSphere project, ViLabs leads the Open Call Management, ensuring that the project’s results are further understood and developed by third parties, while also focusing on knowledge transfer and the sustainability of the project’s outcomes through meaningful and impactful policy recommendations.
Orgelbau Schumacher Gmbh (SCHUM), Belgium.
Orgelbau Schumacher is Belgium’s leading organ-building workshop and has been building, restoring, and reconstructing pipe organs from the 17th to the 20th century for 70 years at an international level. The company brings together a team of specialists in all relevant fields, organ builders, designers, cabinetmakers, pipe makers, voicers, and furniture restorers. The training of young professionals is also an essential part of the company’s philosophy.
In recent decades, a particular focus has been placed on the restoration and reconstruction of historical organs using traditional techniques, including detailed preliminary studies.
Orgelbau Schumacher has been a regular partner in various European research projects on organ building, working within a European consortium of organ builders, the Fraunhofer Institute in Stuttgart, and several universities and technical colleges.
Orgelbau Schumacher is a long-standing board member of the ISO (International Society of Organbuilders), a member of the Belgian organization “Union des Artisans du Patrimoine”, and a full member of “Future for Religious Heritage.”
EuroXR Association (EUROXR), Belgium.
EuroXR is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the development and adoption of immersive technologies, Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality, across Europe.
Through a professional network that connects individuals and organizations from diverse backgrounds within the XR industry, EuroXR fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and meaningful networking opportunities.
Our mission is to drive growth and innovation in the immersive technology sector by expanding horizons, sharing ideas, and building lasting relationships.
