## 4th Evaluation (2.Dez 2024)
**How many interviews have you had during the last stage? With whom? What did you learn from your ecosystem?**
We have conducted 15 interviews in the last stage (and have now completed 45 interviews overall). Interview dates and participants in the last 3 months:
1. Clemens Gnauer (2024-09-09): Research Assistant at FH Burgenland (https://forschung.hochschule-burgenland.at/)
2. Johannes Hörler (2024-09-17): Head of commercial administration, concrete pumps and raw material projects @ Transportbeton GmbH (https://www.transportbeton.at/)
3. Hans-Jürgen Zeiler (2024-09-20): Head of Research & Development @ Wopfinger (https://wopfinger.com/)
4. Franz Denk (2024-09-20): Technical Managing Director @ Wopfinger (https://wopfinger.com/)
5. Rudolf Wirthig (2024-09-20): Process optimisation and IT lead @ Wopfinger (https://wopfinger.com/)
6. Julia Weber/Doka (2024-10-08): Head of Doka Sustainability Department (https://www.doka.com/en/)
7. Mark de Colvenaer (2024-10-11): coach and founder of DC Venturing in Antwerp (https://www.decolvenaer.com/)
8. Florian Thome (2024-10-15): Sequello Product Management (https://sequello.com/en/)
9. Jan Lindquist (2024-10-18): author of ISO27560 standard (Data Agreements)
10. Dominik Hartmann (2024-11-05): Energy and Sustainability Expert @ATP sustain (https://www.atp-sustain.ag/)
11. Verena Halmschlager (2024-10-30): member of Austrian national DPP-standardization body
12. Valentin Just (2024-11-07): PhD Student working on Digital Twins in Production Systems
13. Pia Bauer (2024-11-11): Architect @ ZT Romm (http://www.romm.at/home)
14. Graeme Stewart (2024-11-18): Architect @ ERA (https://www.eraarch.ca/)
15. Mario Löffler (2024-11-18): Austrian Material Testing Institute (https://www.hartl-mpa.com/)

We have successfully concluded our extensive series of interviews, which provided invaluable insights for the development of our initial prototype. During our final presentation at Austria’s largest construction company (PORR), many of our interviewees participated, contributing to a highly engaging and collaborative event. We look forward to building on this momentum and further strengthening our partnerships in the future. The main input in those 15 interviews was on integrating Digital Product Passports into todays processes and adapting them to address real-world challenges.

**How relevant were the activities performed during this stage?**
Very relevant

**Share your feedback on the effectiveness of your coaching sessions. (Options: Very relevant, Relevant, Neutral, Somewhat relevant, Not relevant)**
Very relevant

**Provide a brief justification for your rating.**
Jordi Bosch i García has been instrumental in the success of our research project, bringing a wealth of expertise and a practical approach to coaching. He challenged some of our assumptions while fostering a collaborative environment. And it was him who helped us refine our strategies and focus on impactful outcomes.
He guided us through the NGI Sargasso project and facilitated the timely completion of our deliverables. We enjoyed the bi-weekly meetings with him and he inspired confidence in our team throughout the process.

**Please share an update on the achievement of KPIs by Stage 4 by KPI.**
We have completed all 5 planned KPIs:
* KPI #6 (15-09-2024): Use Case #1 - Self-generated EPD in EU
document: https://www.ownyourdata.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/KPI-06_UseCase1.pdf
interactive: https://hackmd.io/1WuM7GeeSvS7D6qI0V45Sg
* KPI #7 (25-09-2024): Use Case #2 - EPD Flexibility in Canada
document: https://www.ownyourdata.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/KPI-07_UseCase2.pdf
* KPI #8 (15-11-2024): EPD Management and DPP Platform
document: https://www.ownyourdata.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/KPI-08_EPDmanagement.pdf
* KPI #9 (30-11-2024): Use Case #3 - EPDs for Concrete with Heated Formwork
document: https://www.ownyourdata.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/KPI-09_UseCase3.pdf
interactive: https://hackmd.io/RXqCXeC0TzWHKGxNhfuEGg?view
video recording: https://youtu.be/9qzXDiLyh9Y
* KPI #10 (30-11-2024): Business Plan Document
document: https://www.ownyourdata.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/KPI-10_BusinessPlan.pdf

Note: all KPIs are documented extensively also in the Final Report available here - https://www.ownyourdata.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FinalReport_DPP-CRC.pdf

**Are you planning on co-patenting or a pre-agreement between your project on Intellectual Property results?**
No, as documented already in the proposal are all results of the research project released under an open source license; links to source code repositories (on Github) are included in the respective use case documents

**Would you recommend your peers to participate in the NGI Sargasso program?**
Yes, we highly recommend our peers to participate in the NGI Sargasso program. In fact, we actively encouraged other initiatives to join, and we know of at least two projects that submitted proposals for Sargasso Call 5 as a result of our recommendations.

**Would you like to be contacted regarding information about a potential upcoming call?**
Yes

## 3rd Evaluation (31.Aug 2024)
**How many interviews have you had during the last 3 months? With whom? What did you learn from your ecosystem? Are you facing any challenges organizing interviews?**
We have conducted 13 interviews in the last 3 months (and have now 30 interviews overall). Interview dates and participants:
1. 2024-08-31 Georg Strodl: Head of sales Ardex Austria
2. 2024-08-30 Peter Planegger: Construction engineer in the field of water resources management
3. 2024-08-29 Roland Waldenhofer: Rohrdorfer, Baustofftechnik GmbH (Head of Technology Projects, R&D, Involved in CO2 Reduced Concretes)
4. 2024-08-27 Julia Weber: Doka, Head of Department - Sustainability
5. 2024-08-17 Johannes Scherrer: Senior Environmental Program Manger @ A1 (Austrian Telecom company)
6. 2024-08-09 Oskar Petto: ZKP expert
7. 2024-08-09 Ralf Preindl: Civil Engineer, waterproof tubs for buildings
8. 2024-08-06 Florian Thome: Sequello Product Management (local startup in construction business)
9. 2024-07-25 Reinhold Palla: Civil Engineer / Consultant - Brenner Basis Tunnel
10. 2024-07-05 Mark de Colvenaer: founder of DC Venturing in Antwerp and NGI Coach
11. 2024-07-03 Silke Palkovits-Rauter: Head of study program at Forschung Burgenland
12. 2024-06-13 Harald Krenn: Civil Engineer for underground engineering, calculating and comparing EPDs for different methods
13. 2024-06-11 Stefan Schützenhofer: PhD Researcher in Circular Economy and EPDs

We have now a number of contacts from recommendations during past interviews and the only challenge was to find a meeting time during the vacation period. The main learnings in the last period were:
* existing verification & trust system for EPDs in the construction industry
* challenge of aggregating the GWP (global warming potential) from different sources
* need for a neutral data intermediary

**How relevant were the activities performed during this stage?**
Very relevant

**Share your feedback on the effectiveness of your coaching sessions. (Options: Very relevant, Relevant, Neutral, Somewhat relevant, Not relevant)**
Very relevant

**Provide a brief justification for your rating.**
Jordi Bosch i García has been rated as "Very Relevant" for his significant contribution as a coach throughout our research project. His regular, insightful discussions offered perspectives that consistently enriched and refined our approach. Jordi’s flexibility in scheduling and his accessibility ensured that we could readily reach him whenever questions emerged or guidance was required. Furthermore, his unwavering support and direction enabled us to successfully complete all our KPIs and interviews within the designated timeframe.

**Please share an update on the achievement of KPIs by Stage 3 by KPI.**
We have completed all 5 planned KPIs:
* **KPI #1 due 10-June-2024: Requirements and Design Document**
document completed in time and available here: https://www.ownyourdata.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/KPI-01_RequirementAndDesign_v01.pdf
* **KPI #2 due 15-June-2024: Use Case #0**
demonstrates simple handling of a Digital Product Passport for an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration); Use Case implemented in time and documented here: https://www.ownyourdata.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/KPI-02_UseCase0.pdf
(we also recorded a video and created a German version for interviews: https://hackmd.io/LWLeRptOSYKJMvuqHiz5YQ?view)
* **KPI #3 due 15-July-2024: Data Intermediary and DPP Platform setup**
document completed in time and available here: https://www.ownyourdata.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/KPI-03_DISP-and-DPP.pdf
* **KPI #4 due 30-August-2024: Test & Evaluation Plan of our solution**
document completed in time and available here: https://www.ownyourdata.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/KPI-04_TestAndEvaluationPlan.pdf
* **KPI #5 due 30-August-2024: ZKP based proof of correct EPD calculation**
document completed in time and available here: https://www.ownyourdata.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/KPI-05_ZKPbasedProofEPDcalculation.pdf

**How close are you to achieving your Individual KPIs by Stage 4? Are you facing any challenges? Please provide a brief update by KPI.**
* KPI #6 (15-09-2024): Use Case #1 - Self-generated EPD in EU
status: partially implemented, 65% complete
* KPI #7 (25-09-2024): Use Case #2 - EPD Flexibility in Canada
status: document structure and initial work, 25% complete
* KPI #8 (15-11-2024): EPD Management in Sphereon DPP Platform
status: in collaboration with Sphereon, 10% complete
* KPI #9 (30-11-2024): Use Case #3 - EPDs for Concrete with Heated Formwork
status: in contact with Doka, workflow specified, 10% complete
* KPI #10 (30-11-2024): Business Plan Document
status: document structure ready, 10% complete
* Final report status: document started and bullet points added, 15% complete

Overall, we still have significant work ahead for KPIs 6-10 but we are confident to complete everything in time.

## 2nd Evaluation (3.Jun 2024)
**How many interviews have you conducted in the last 2 months? With whom? What have you learned from your ecosystem? Are you facing any challenges in organizing interviews?**
We have conducted 15 interviews in the last 2 months (and have now 17 interviews overall). Interview dates and participants:
* 2024-04-11 Ministry of Finance (Martin Semberger, Markus Adametz, Alexander Banfield): setup of an EU recognized Data Intermedary
* 2024-04-12 University Burgenland (Christoph Klikovits): Data Ecosystems and Digital Product Passports
* 2024-04-16 Madaster (Werner Weingraber): Material databases vs EPDs in construction industry and quantifying carbon footprint
* 2024-04-19 Kybernos (Sebastian Haas): Know-your-business, Know-your-customer processs in construction industry
* 2024-04-23 Sphereon (Niels Klomp): collaboration with Sargasso Call 1 funded project
* 2024-04-23 Post-Doc Researcher Vienna University of Technology (Goran Sibenik): Building Information Models (BIM)
* 2024-04-24 Bau-EPD (Sarah Richter): certification of EPC calculation algorithms
* 2024-05-03 HOLCIM (Niklas Gruber): Digital Transformation Manager at Holcim Austria and his view on EPDs
* 2024-05-14 Post-Doc Research at Economic University of Vienna (Soheil Human): Business Models in construction industry
* 20204-05-15 Building Digital Twin Assocation (Tulay Ozlu, Eduard Loscos, Emre Yontem): Spanish and UK construction market
* 20204-05-21 Wofpinger (Philip Ramprecht): candidate concrete company in Austria to use our solution
* 20204-05-23 Structural Engineer (Michael Härtel): technical applicability and algorithms for calculating concrete strength
* 2024-05-27 Civil Engineering Office Romm (Andreea Crudici): KPI review and adjustments
* 2024-05-28 Sphereon (Sebastian Boender): implementation of first Use Case based on Sphereon Wallet
* 2024-05-31 Data Village (Philippe HAENEBALCKE and Quentin FELICE): data governance and possible collaborations with Data Intermediary in Belgium

Initially, it was hard to find contacts but now we receive 1-3 new recommendations for follow-up contacts per interview.

**Did building your BMC (Business Model Canvas) support you in defining your Business Plan? Have you encountered any challenges?**
Building our Business Model Canvas (BMC) in a flipped classroom exercise significantly supported us in defining our Business Plan. After developing the initial version, our team met to refine the content, which helped clarify our ideas. We then had two very productive sessions with our coach, who guided us in shaping the final version. Using the BMC in an interview with a business expert, we received positive feedback, affirming its effectiveness. However, we did face challenges, particularly in aligning everyone’s vision and ensuring all key components were thoroughly addressed. Despite these hurdles, the BMC was instrumental in structuring our business plan.

**How relevant were the video lectures on the Acceleration App?**
Relevant

**On a scale of 0 to 10, please evaluate your engagement in the Inspirational Talk. Offer a brief rationale for your rating.**
9 - very good inputs overall, some topics already know (but still a good refresher!)

**How would you rate the relevance of the activities conducted this month? (Options: Very relevant, Relevant, Neutral, Somewhat relevant, Not relevant)**
Relevant

**Maximizing Your Marketing Impact: Tips and Tactics**
Relevant

**GDPR Made Simple**
Very relevant

**Impacts of AI on Communication**
Very relevant

**How to tackle public funding**
Relevant

**Pitch Practice**
Relevant

**Provide a brief justification for your rating.**
Overall the quality of the webinars was very good and we enjoyed participating.

**Please share your feedback about your coach.**
Our coach provided an exceptional experience, creating a very friendly atmosphere that made us feel comfortable and supported. We received super positive feedback throughout our sessions, which was incredibly motivating. Additionally, our coach was quick to respond to messages, especially when we needed to reschedule a meeting, demonstrating flexibility and understanding. Overall, the guidance and support we received were invaluable in shaping our project.

**How close are you to achieving your Individual KPIs by Stage 3? Are you facing any challenges? Please provide a brief update by KPI.**
We have defined 5 KPIs to be achieved by the end of Stage 3:
KPI #1 due 10-June-2024: Requirements and Design Document - document written and in review
KPI #2 due 15-June-2024: Use Case #0 demonstrating simple handling of a Digital Product Passport for an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) - almost done
KPI #3 due 15-July-2024: Data Intermediary and DPP Platform setup - in progress
KPI #4 due 30-August-2024: Test & Evaluation Plan of our solution - succession document of Requirements & Design
KPI #5 due 30-August-2024: ZKP based proof of correct EPD calculation - technical work already started and is ongoing

Overall, we still have significant work ahead for KPIs 3-5 but we are confident to complete it in time.

**Share your feedback on the effectiveness of your coaching sessions. (Options: Very relevant, Relevant, Neutral, Somewhat relevant, Not relevant)**
Very relevant

## 1st Evaluation (4.Apr 2024)

### How would you rate the relevance of the activities conducted this month? (Options: Very relevant, Relevant, Neutral, Somewhat relevant, Not relevant)

**Setting the foundations of your start-up team:**
Relevant

**Open Source and Standardisation:**
Neutral

**How to protect the knowledge and results of innovation? Intellectual Property:**
Neutral

**How to take the most from events - Tips for trade shows and networking:**
Relevant

**On a scale of 0 to 10, please assess your participation in the Flipped Classroom. Provide a brief explanation for your rating.**
9 - this was very helpful to create the Business Model Canvas and we had the opportunity to present our canvas and received immediate feedback

**On a scale of 0 to 10, please evaluate your engagement in the Inspirational Talk. Offer a brief rationale for your rating.**
8 - very nice story telling on the history of the internet & good list of recommendations for reading; also the activity to put our project into a general context and create an awareness of our projects positioning was great

**How many interviews did you conduct last month, and with whom? What insights did you gain from your interactions with your ecosystem? Are you encountering any challenges in organizing these interviews?**
only 2 interviews so far:
- Mark de Colvenaer: Consultant and founder of DC Venturing in Antwerp; main learning: aligning DPPs with business needs
- Thomas Romm: Architect in Austria; main learning: self-generation of EPD (Environmental Product Declarations)

main challenges: preparing and executing the interviews but we have a plan to catch up in April :-)

**Share your thoughts on the effectiveness of your coaching sessions. (Options: Very relevant, Relevant, Neutral, Somewhat relevant, Not relevant)**
Very relevant

**Provide a brief justification for your rating. (300 words minimum)**
The engagement of a coach in a research project significantly enhances the quality and depth of the research, bringing invaluable insights and fostering a culture of critical thinking and continuous improvement. Our coach's interaction, characterized by very good questions and feedback, serves as a cornerstone for this enriching process. This justification delves into the pivotal role such engagement plays in the research endeavor.

Firstly, the ability of our coach to pose very good questions underscores their expertise and understanding of the research domain. These questions are not merely inquiries about the state of our work but are designed to push the boundaries of our understanding, encouraging us to think more deeply about our research questions, methodologies, and the implications of our findings. This level of questioning stimulates intellectual curiosity and drives the research team to explore innovative approaches and solutions, thereby enhancing the research's originality and significance.

Secondly, the feedback provided by our coach is an invaluable asset to the research process. Constructive feedback helps in identifying gaps in the research, offers new perspectives, and provides suggestions for improvement. It acts as a mechanism for quality control, ensuring that the research adheres to the highest standards of rigor and integrity. Through iterative cycles of feedback and revisions, the research evolves into a more polished and robust work, capable of making a meaningful contribution to the field.

Moreover, the interaction with our coach cultivates a collaborative learning environment. The exchange of ideas and feedback fosters a sense of community among the research team, encouraging open dialogue and mutual support. This collaborative spirit is essential for interdisciplinary research projects, where diverse perspectives and expertise converge to tackle complex research questions.

In conclusion, the engagement of our coach, characterized by their insightful questions and constructive feedback, is instrumental in enhancing the quality, depth, and impact of our research. This interaction not only facilitates the achievement of the project's objectives but also contributes to the personal and professional growth of the research team members, embodying the essence of a transformative research experience.

**Please share your feedback about your coach. (200 words minimum)**
Our coach has been an exceptional asset to our research project, demonstrating an openness and commitment that has greatly contributed to the progress and development of our team. The willingness to share personal contact details for potential last-minute changes, although not yet needed, instills confidence in the team, ensuring that we have direct access to guidance should any urgent situations arise. This proactive approach is greatly appreciated and highlights the coach's dedication to the project's success.

The assistance provided in reviewing and finalizing the initial mentoring plan has been invaluable. The coach's insights and suggestions have helped in shaping a robust framework for our research, ensuring that we have a strong foundation from which to build. This level of involvement not only aids in the project's organizational aspects but also in aligning our goals and expectations.

Furthermore, the tough yet insightful questions posed during our three meetings have been pivotal. These inquiries challenge us to think critically and deeply about our work, encouraging a thorough examination of our methodologies, assumptions, and conclusions. This rigorous questioning fosters an environment of continuous improvement and learning, pushing us to strive for excellence in our research endeavors.

In sum, the coach's openness, helpfulness in planning, and challenging questions have been crucial in driving our project forward. We are grateful for the steadfast support and guidance provided, which has undoubtedly enriched our research experience.

**What aspects have you found appealing, and what aspects have not met your expectations? Do you have any suggestions for improvement of the OnCampus Programme**
We (OwnYourData) have already participated in a few previous NGI projects and NGI Sargasso is for us the most intensive experience in regard to the number of webinars and interviews that requires additional time beyond our core goals we have described in the proposal. After 1 month it is hard to tell how much those activities will contribute to the overall project success. A first recommendation would be to spread out the OnCampus programme over 6 months instead of packing everything into the first 2 1/2 months.