Sargasso Finalization

**Content:** * [Interview](#Interview) (8 questions) * [Survey](#NGI-Sargasso-Feedback-Survey) (17 questions) # Interview Daten & Time: Feb 28th, 11:00 Google Meet: https://riverside.fm/studio/oc2-interviews?t=2ddeafb662ff50e183ae * alt: meet.google.com/gfm-bfsv-vbh 1. ***Could you please introduce yourself?*** *Name, role, company, location, and NGI Sargasso-funded project.* Christoph Fabianek and Martin Kjäer from OwnYourData. Julia Flaszynska and Thomas Romm from ZT Romm. We are based at / near Vienna in Austria and received funding in the NGI Sargasso 2nd Call with the project "DPP-CRC" Digital Product Passport for Carbon-Reduced Concrete. 2. ***Could you briefly describe DPP-CRC?*** *Solutions you are offering, challenges faced, and how you overcame them, etc.* The project utilises SSI technologies and Zero-Knowledge Proofs to create process conform Digital Product Passports in line with the EU Green Deal. It targets Europe’s growing carbon-reduced concrete market with the goal to collect and present verified, tamper-proof data along the production chain. This is vital in construction for reducing concrete’s carbon footprint. 3. ***Can we talk about the results of the project?*** *Tell us a few main things you are proud of!* We successfully developed and validated a digital framework for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) using Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) technologies and Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) to enhance transparency and data integrity while preserving privacy. It was possible to demonstrate real-world applicability in European and Canadian markets, aligning with the EU Green Deal and Data Governance Act (DGA) to support sustainable construction. The project also facilitated partnerships with local businesses, and we used a data intermediation service provider for secure data sharing. 4. ***What tangible impact has your project created so far?*** *e.g., technological, social, economic, environmental* Our project has made a tangible impact across scientific, economic, and industrial domains. Scientifically, Christoph Fabianek co-authored Handbuch Datenschutzrecht (Data Protection Law Handbook), and the team secured the PACE-DPP research project, advancing knowledge in data protection and privacy. Economically, partnerships with local businesses and the launch of intermediary.at have facilitated practical applications and expect long-term economic benefits. 5. ***How did DPP-CRC evolve during the NGI Sargasso program months?*** *What was the status of your project before and after the program?* Initially we focused on Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for concrete, but the project evolved into a broader Digital Product Passport (DPP) framework covering the entire building lifecycle. Through extensive stakeholder interviews, the team gained valuable insights into industry needs, leading to refinements in data sharing, validation methods, and regulatory alignment. A key lesson learned was the strong dependency on upcoming EU regulations to drive industry adoption. The project successfully integrated Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) and Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) technologies to ensure secure, privacy-preserving data exchange across the construction supply chain. The main difference before and after the project was the transition from theoretical research to practical implementation, establishing a Data Intermediation Service Provider to facilitate trusted data transactions. With this foundation, we are now positioned for scalability and continuing our work within the PACE-DPP research project. 6. ***How did the NGI Sargasso program support you?*** *What aspect of the program was the most useful to your project?* The NGI Sargasso program provided us coaching, networking opportunities with stakeholders through extensive interviews, and funding, enabling us to refine our Digital Product Passport (DPP) framework and expand the scope beyond concrete to entire buildings. 7. ***How did collaboration with your USA/Canadian partner contribute to the development of the project?*** The collaboration with our Canadian partner was important in the initial validation of the project idea, providing critical feedback on the feasibility and applicability of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) in construction. Additionally, they supported the project by facilitating interviews with key industry stakeholders, helping to refine the use cases and adapt the solution to real-world market needs in both Europe and North America. 8. ***What’s next for DPP-CRC? Do you plan to take the idea further after the NGI Sargasso funding ends?*** The DPP-CRC project will continue its development through the national PACE-DPP project, further advancing Digital Product Passports (DPPs) with a focus in the forestry sector. We applied for NGI TRUSTCHAIN funding to extend our scope into Data Altruism, enabling more transparent and ethical data-sharing models. Additionally, we will continue refining and expanding use cases for our Data Intermediary, ensuring compliance with EU regulations and fostering industry adoption. # NGI Sargasso Feedback Survey Link: https://tally.so/r/w86ZLo 1. **What's your name?** Christoph Fabianek 2. **What's the name of your NGI Sargasso funded project?** Digital Product Passport for Carbon-Reduced Concrete (DPP-CRC) 3. **How would you rate your experience with NGI Sargasso overall?** 5 stars (0-5 stars possible) 5. **What aspects of the NGI Sargasso OnCampus Program did you find beneficial for your project?** The NGI Sargasso program provided us coaching, networking opportunities with stakeholders through extensive interviews, and funding, enabling us to refine our Digital Product Passport (DPP) framework and expand the scope beyond concrete to entire buildings. 6. **Would you improve any areas of the OnCampus program?** The OnCampus program was a great experience, providing valuable coaching, networking, and resources to support our project’s growth. 7. **What were the main benefits of collaborating with your USA/Canada counterpart?** The collaboration with our Canadian partner was important in the initial validation of the project idea, providing critical feedback on the feasibility and applicability of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) in construction. Additionally, they supported the project by facilitating interviews with key industry stakeholders, helping to refine the use cases and adapt the solution to real-world market needs in both Europe and North America. 8. **What were the main challanges while working with your USA/Canada partner? regulations, policy** One challenge was the limited resources available from our Canadian partner. However, we were fortunate that their presence in Vienna facilitated communication and collaboration. This proximity enabled us to receive all the necessary inputs, ensuring smooth progress and valuable insights for the project. ~~One challenge was the limited resources available from our Canadian partner, but despite this, we were fortunate that their headquarters is in Vienna, which facilitated communication and collaboration. This proximity allowed us to receive all the necessary inputs, ensuring smooth progress and valuable insights for the project.~~ 9. **Did you explore follow-up opportunities or partnerships with your USA/Canada partner?** * No, we parted ways after the project. * **We will keep in touch! Happy to have expanded our network and would like to work together in a project again in the future.** <- selected * We have joined forces and started an entreprenaurial endevour together (startup, company merge, etc.) * We will apply to further funds like NGI Sargasso together to take our project further. 10. **Tell us about the biggest achievements of your project.** The DPP-CRC project successfully developed and demonstrated a Digital Product Passport (DPP) framework that extends beyond concrete to cover the entire building lifecycle, supporting sustainability and regulatory compliance. This includes using Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), privacy-preserving Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) technologies, and the use of an EU DGA compliant Data Intermediation Service Provider. 11. **What were the biggest challenges you faced during the project and how did you overcome them?** One of the biggest challenges was the technical integration of wallet technologies, particularly ensuring compatibility with Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) frameworks and Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) for secure data exchange. We overcame this by collaborating with open-source communities and leveraging existing solutions like Sphereon’s web wallet, which allowed us to refine our approach and successfully implement privacy-preserving credentials. Another major challenge was reaching stakeholders for interviews, as engaging industry experts and decision-makers required extensive networking. We addressed this by leveraging our partner’s connections and conducting targeted outreach, which provided valuable insights that shaped the project’s real-world applicability. 12. **Have you received any feedback or recognition from your target audience or stakeholders?** Yes, we received positive feedback and recognition from our stakeholders, particularly during our final event at PORR headquarters, where all relevant industry partners attended in person. This event validated our approach, sparked discussions on future collaborations, and reinforced the practical value of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) in the construction industry. 13. **Do you plan to scale or sustain the outcomes of your project beyond NGI Sargasso funding period? If so, how?** Yes, we plan to scale and sustain the outcomes of DPP-CRC beyond the NGI Sargasso funding period. This will be achieved through the national PACE-DPP project, further developing Digital Product Passports (DPPs). We are also applying for NGI TRUSTCHAIN funding to extend our work into Data Altruism, enabling ethical and transparent data sharing. Additionally, we will continue developing use cases for our Data Intermediation Service Provider (intermediary.at) to drive industry adoption and compliance with EU regulations. 14. **Has your project created any job opportunities?** * Yes * **No** <- selected 15. **How would you rate the support and resources provided by the NGI Sargasso Team?** 10 (scale: 1-10) 16. **Was the communication during the program clear and timely?** * **Yes** <- selected * No 17. **Do you have any suggestions for improving future Open Calls or program structures?** Having participated in various NGI programs, we want to acknowledge that this was the best organization and support we have experienced so far. The only suggestion we have is that the program should be extended!