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From Concept to Prototype: Advancing a Consumer App from TRL 2 to TRL 6

This article outlines the development journey of SOSfood Consumer APP, a consumer-oriented application, progressing from the conceptual stage (TRL 2) to demonstration in an operational environment (TRL 6). It details the technical phases, validation methods, and key outcomes, emphasizing the app’s potential impact on user experience and readiness for market scaling.

SOSFood project is dedicated to advancing sustainability in food systems by leveraging data-driven insights, innovative technologies, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Within this vision, the Consumer APP plays a central role empowering user through interactive and intelligent tools that visualize their food consumption impact and guide them with personalized recommendations such as better choices or useful recipes.

The project has a duration of four years, but in this timeframe, the first deliverable of the consumer APP it was expected within the end of the first year. So, from the very beginning, an iterative approach was adopted, with the goal to ensure a smooth transition from an initial concept to a validated prototype ready for real-world testing.

Methodology

The development process was structured into five stages aligned with TRL progression:

• TRL 2: Concept formulation and functional specification.
• TRL 3: Experimental proof of concept through a minimal viable product (MVP).
• TRL 4: Laboratory validation, including usability and performance testing.
• TRL 5: Integration with external systems and beta testing in a relevant environment.
• TRL 6: Demonstration in an operational setting with real users.

Stage 1: The Spark (TRL 2)

It all started with a question: How can we empower people to make food choices that are good for them and for the environment?

Through co-creation workshops and user research, we shaped a vision: an app that combines science, AI, and design to deliver personalized guidance. We mapped out the core features—eco-health fingerprint visualization, product scanning, smart recommendations, and a recipe hub—and defined the technologies to bring them to life.

At this stage, the app’s vision and functional architecture were defined, leading to some key outcomes:

• Modular Architecture: Eight core modules, including Eco-Healthy Footprint Visualization, Product Scanning, AI-based Recommendation Engine, Personalized Recipes, and Offline Features.
• Functional Requirements: Personalized eco-health fingerprint, product scanning, AI-driven recommendations, multilingual support, and WCAG 2.1 accessibility compliance.
• Technology Choices:
  • Frontend: Flutter (Dart) or React Native for cross-platform mobile development.
  • Backend: Node.js with Express for scalable, asynchronous operations.
  • Database: MySQL for structured storage of user profiles, recipes, and ecological metrics.
  • AI Integration: TensorFlow Lite or ONNX for on-device inference; rule-based fallback logic.
  • External APIs: OpenFoodFacts, EcoScore, EU nutrition datasets.

Stage 2: First Steps (TRL 3)

Next came the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). A simple prototype, but powerful enough to prove the concept:

• A radar chart showing your health and sustainability scores.
• A barcode scanner to capture product data.
• AI-driven suggestions for better alternatives.

Even in this early stage, the app felt different—interactive, intuitive, and designed for real impact.

This first prototype was developed to validate core functionalities:

• Eco-Healthy Fingerprint Visualization: Interactive radar chart showing health, environment, and sustainability scores.
• Product Scanning: Barcode recognition via libraries like ZXing or ZBar, integrated with external databases.
• Basic Recommendation Engine: Hybrid AI model providing alternative products and menus.
• Offline Mode: IndexedDB or SQLite for local caching and deferred synchronization.
• UI/UX: Minimalist design, responsive layout, and onboarding tutorial.

Stage 3: Refining the Experience (TRL 4)

Usability tests, performance checks, and accessibility reviews shaped every detail. The feedback was clear: users loved the clean design and personalized insights. We fine-tuned the interface, optimized speed, and ensured compliance with WCAG 2.1 standards. Security was a priority too—encrypted data, JWT authentication, and GDPR compliance.

More in details, controlled testing focused on usability and performance:

• Usability Tests: Mockups validated by consortium members; average UI rating of 4.1/5.
• Performance Metrics:
  • Frontend load time < 3 seconds.
  • API response time < 300 ms.
• Accessibility Compliance: WCAG 2.1 AA standards verified.
• Security: JWT-based authentication, bcrypt password hashing, and input validation with Joi.

Stage 4: Opening the Doors (TRL 5)

Integration was the next big leap. The app was conected to OpenFoodFacts, sustainability datasets, and our curated recipe repository. Beta testers explored the app in real-world conditions, scanning products, comparing footprints, and discovering menus tailored to their culture and preferences. Their feedback drove improvements in onboarding, clarity, and engagement.

From a technical point of view, the app was integrated with external systems and APIs and tested in relevant environments:

• Data Synchronization: Offline-to-online sync using UUIDs and timestamps.
• Recipe Repository: Expert-validated recipes with nutritional and ecological metadata.
• Beta Testing: Conducted with real users to refine onboarding, improve scorecards, and clarify eco-impact metrics.
• Deployment Strategy: Docker-based containerization for frontend, backend, and database; orchestrated via Docker Compose.

Stage 5: Ready for the World (TRL 6)

The app is now prepared for real-world demonstration:

• Full Feature Set: AI-powered recommendations, personalized menus, multilingual support, and motivational engagement tools.
• Operational KPIs:
  • System uptime ≥ 99.5%.
  • Offline sync success rate ≥ 98%.
  • Automated backups every 24 hours.
• Continuous Improvement: Feedback loops and KPI dashboards (Grafana) for monitoring performance and user satisfaction.

SOSFOOD wants to be more than an app: a personal sustainability coach in your pocket.

• AI-powered recommendations help swap products for healthier, greener options.
• Personalized menus and recipes make sustainable eating delicious and practical.
• Offline functionality ensures access anywhere, even in rural areas.

Technologies employed included Flutter for cross-platform performance, Node.js for scalability, MySQL for data integrity, and TensorFlow Lite for smart AI, supported by iterative UX research and agile development practices.

Impact - A catalyst for change

The SOSFOOD App is more than a digital tool, it’s a catalyst for change. By turning complex sustainability metrics into clear, actionable insights, it empowers individuals to make informed choices every day. Each scan, each recipe, each recommendation contributes to reducing carbon footprints, promoting healthier diets, and supporting local food systems. The impact extends beyond users: it fosters a culture of responsibility and transparency across the entire food value chain.

What’s next?

The journey doesn’t end here. The next phase focuses on scaling adoption, integrating real-time data from food producers, and enhancing the AI engine for even smarter recommendations. We aim to expand multilingual support, strengthen interoperability with other sustainability platforms, and introduce gamification features to boost engagement.

The vision is clear: to make sustainable eating the norm, not the exception. With SOSFOOD, we’re building a future where technology and responsibility go hand in hand—one meal at a time. Future work will focus on achieving TRL 7–9.

The article was prepared by Raffaele Bini | DIH Datalife.

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Breaking Bread, Building Futures: Collaborative Learning for Climate Action

On World Food Day, the Food Odyssey project organised an inspiring event - Breaking Bread, Building Futures: Collaborative Learning for Climate Change. The event gathered eight innovative projects from across Europe to share best practices on addressing the complex challenges facing today’s food systems.

The networking event brought together a diverse audience: from researchers and technology providers to teachers and community representatives - fostering dialogue between science, education, and innovation. Among the key messages shared during the event was a powerful reminder: There is no sustainability without the social dimension. Sustainability must integrate not only environmental and economic factors but also social well-being and inclusion.

The SOSFood project was presented by Eloy Miranda García, who introduced the project’s mission to improve decision-making processes by understanding how food systems impact societies. “We aim to reach actors across the entire food value chain and gather data from each step. Access to currently unused data will allow us to strengthen decision-making processes and create more efficient, sustainable systems,” explained Eloy.

He also reflected on one of the project’s main challenges - accessing the large and diverse data sets required for developing AI-based solutions: “We are trying to collect a lot of data, including private and currently unused data. This has been one of our main struggles, as functional AI systems rely on a high volume of quality data. Once we can extrapolate and replicate this data across different scenarios, we will be able to make a real impact.”

The Breaking Bread, Building Futures event showcased the value of collaboration and knowledge sharing among European projects. By connecting ideas, expertise, and experiences, participants strengthened their collective ability to build a more sustainable and socially inclusive future for food systems.

Read more about the results of the webinar here: https://www.the-food-odyssey.eu/the-results/webinar-erasmus-days

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SOSFood at “One Health, One Soil: Safe Food on a Healthy Planet”

On September 24th, the SOSFood project took part in the conference “One Health, One Soil: Safe Food on a Healthy Planet”, held in Lisbon as part of the “1st FoodLink Conference Series – Seeds to Transform the Food System in a Network.”

Organised by NOVA Medical School, the event invited experts, practitioners and policymakers to reflect on the central role of soil in fostering human and environmental health through the One Health approach. Discussions explored how soil quality, sustainable farming practices, and food safety are deeply interconnected — highlighting the importance of healthy soils for nutritious and safe food.

During the event, Diogo Pestana, representing the SOSFood team, presented our project and shared how SOSFood contributes to building more sustainable and resilient food systems across Europe.

The conference was the first in the FoodLink series, launched by CCDR Lisboa e Vale do Tejo and NOVA Medical School, aiming to accelerate the transition towards fair, sustainable, and healthy food systems in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Read more about the event here: FoodLink launches a conference series to accelerate the food transition

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Data: The New Infrastructure of Our Food Systems

In today’s digital era, data has become as vital to our food systems as roads, ports, or electricity grids. From farm to fork, the ability to collect, share, and analyse information underpins everything - from making supply chains more efficient to ensuring food safety and sustainability. But sharing data is not just a technical challenge; it’s a matter of trust, governance, and strategy. To unlock innovation while protecting sensitive information, we need smarter, more secure ways to collaborate.

Why private data sharing matters

For farmers, food processors, retailers, and policymakers, the right data at the right time can transform decision-making. Yet, concerns about privacy, misuse, or competitive disadvantage often hold organisations back from sharing valuable insights. Finding the right model for collaboration is key to overcoming these barriers.

Our latest report — produced under the SOSFood project and funded by the EU Horizon Europe Programme — explores seven models that enable private data sharing, analysing their strengths, challenges, and ideal use cases:

• APIs & repositories – simple, scalable ways to share and access data.

• Collaboration platforms – boost transparency and teamwork among partners.

• Data federations & virtual databases – allow access without physically moving sensitive data.

• Marketplaces – expand availability but require strong governance and clear rules.

• Hybrid models – combine flexibility with high levels of security.

By comparing these models, the report helps organisations choose the right approach for their goals: whether that’s boosting transparency, protecting sensitive information, or balancing openness with control.

Building sustainable and secure food systems

As our food systems become increasingly digital, secure and efficient data sharing is no longer optional — it’s a strategic necessity. Projects like SOSFood are paving the way by exploring practical, trustworthy ways to collaborate, so that innovation can flourish without compromising privacy or fairness.

Read the full report here: bit.ly/SOSFOODanalysis

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From Athens to Pescara: SOSFood’s September of Science and Collaboration

September was a busy and inspiring month for the SOSFood Project team. Our partners travelled across Europe to share research results, exchange knowledge and strengthen collaborations for safer and more sustainable food systems.

We began the month in Athens, where the 13th International Conference on Predictive Modelling in Food took place at the vibrant Technopolis City of Athens. On September 3rd, our lead partner Prof. Jesús Simal-Gándara presented SOSFood’s vision and progress to an international audience of scientists and innovators. The conference offered three days of stimulating discussions and fresh ideas on how predictive modelling can enhance food safety and sustainability.

While in Athens, the SOSFood consortium also gathered for an intensive partner meeting at the Agricultural University of Athens. Despite the sizzling weather outside, the atmosphere inside was even hotter — filled with strategic planning, research updates and collaboration to push the project forward.

Later in the month, members of the team travelled to Pescara to take part in the 46th AIEAA Conference – Territorial Inequalities: Prospects for Regions and Cities. On September 11th, we presented the paper “Interregional Knowledge Diffusion and its Impact on R&D Investment in Europe”, a study exploring how spatial spillovers and interregional knowledge flows shape private R&D investments across European regions. Using a spatial econometric approach at the NUTS2 level, the research highlights the importance of highly skilled human capital and strong research infrastructures, cross-regional knowledge diffusion and collaboration, and policies that foster balanced innovation ecosystems. The findings show that regions with strong public R&D and skilled workforces are more likely to attract private R&D, creating a virtuous cycle of innovation-led growth. At the same time, interregional knowledge spillovers can reduce inequalities if supported by mobility, collaboration and infrastructure investment. The paper, authored by Andrea Pronti, Emy Zecca, Ginevra Coletti and Marco De Nigris, reinforces SOSFood’s mission to generate knowledge and solutions that support sustainable and inclusive regional development.

We wrapped up September again in Greece for the Joint International Conference of Mikrobiokosmos & CEESME (Central and Eastern Europe Symposium on Microbial Ecology) — a true scientific fest on all aspects of microbial life in terrestrial and aquatic habitats, agriculture and food science. Our colleagues George-John Nychas and Chrysoula Tassou presented the SOSFood poster, showcasing how our work contributes to tackling food safety and sustainability challenges through cutting-edge research. You can explore the full scientific programme of the conference here.

September once again demonstrated the breadth and depth of SOSFood’s expertise - from predictive modelling and microbial ecology to regional innovation policies. Each event strengthened our network, expanded our knowledge and brought us closer to our shared goal: building safer, more sustainable and more resilient food systems for the future.

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Online Workshop: Sharing Data for Sustainable Food Solutions

Data, together with AI and other digital technologies, has the potential to transform our food systems and make them more sustainable. However, achieving this transformation requires a careful balance. While access to data can empower individuals and consumers to make sustainable choices, much of the information held by industry remains difficult to access.

To foster systemic and sustainable change, the Data4FoodCluster is organising an online workshop “What helps and hurts when sharing data for sustainable food solutions”. The event will explore the challenges, enablers, and benefits of data sharing and AI-driven solutions in the food sector.

The four cluster projects – DRG4Food, FOODITY, SOSFood, and FoodDataQuest EU – are bringing together citizens, consumers, researchers, and industry professionals to:

• Discuss the role of data in building inclusive and sustainable food systems

• Share experiences and reflections on opportunities and barriers

• Identify actions to improve data accessibility and collaboration

📅 Date: Wednesday, 11 June 2025
⏰ Time: 13:00–14:30 CET
📍 Format: Interactive Online Workshop

This is an opportunity to contribute to a critical discussion and help shape the future of food data.

👉 Register here to join the conversation.

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SOSFood joins Data4FoodCluster

In 2023, two pioneering EU-funded projects - DRG4FOOD and FOODITY - came together to launch the Data4FoodCluster, a collaborative initiative with a bold mission: to make our food system smarter, more sustainable, and fairer by harnessing the power of data.

By 2025, this visionary cluster expanded with the addition of two more cutting-edge projects: FoodDataQuest EU and our very own SOSFood Project. Together, these four projects are shaping the future of food by developing digital solutions that enhance transparency, traceability, and efficiency across the food value chain – all while placing a strong emphasis on individual data sovereignty.

The Data4FoodCluster is more than a collaboration – it’s an emerging ecosystem of innovation. We’re working across the entire food system, from farm to fork, to empower citizens, support data-driven decision-making, and ensure that people retain full control over their personal data.

Learn more about who we are, what we’re building, and how we’re transforming food systems for the better – with data, ethics, and innovation at the core: https://www.sosfood-project.eu/cluster/

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SOSFood presented at the Conference on Food Systems Transformation in Athens

Last week, we had the pleasure of participating in a remarkable event organized by the Agricultural University of Athens, focusing on the pressing challenges and opportunities in the evolving food system. The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing  infrastructure, fostering local and international collaborations, and advancing science for the benefit of education and society.

In an era defined by environmental crisis, the transformation of our food system is not just timely - it is essential. The conference addressed challenges that span all thematic sections of the University’s work, from long-standing issues to emerging concerns. Food, as a daily necessity and a field ripe for innovation, continues to inspire, particularly the younger generation.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the SOSFood project, an ambitious interdisciplinary initiative that brings together stakeholders from academia, industry, governance, and civil society. The ultimate goal of SOSFood is to support the transition toward a more sustainable, inclusive, productive, and resilient European food system, empowered by technology and informed by robust data.

Heartfelt thanks to the University leadership, the Administration, and the members of the Organizing and Scientific Committees for their dedicated work in making this event a success and engaging a wide audience to discuss our common cause.

We look forward to seeing SOSFood initiative grow and to the continued success of this important conference in the years ahead.

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Recap of the 3rd Project Meeting: Advancing Sustainability Goals

On March 5th, 2025, key stakeholders of the SOSfood project gathered in Brussels for the 3rd Project Meeting, augmented by digital participation to foster inclusivity. The event at TOPOS Parliament was marked by a series of enlightening talks, robust discussions, and strategic planning, all aimed at advancing the project's sustainability objectives.

Highlights from the Meeting

• Opening Remarks: Initiated by Euro Coop's Fabrizio Fabbri and Annalisa de Chirico, alongside UVIGO's Jesús Simal-Gandara, the meeting commenced with a warm welcome and an agenda overview. This introduction set the stage for a day dedicated to tackling core challenges in sustainability within food systems.
  
• Insights on Sustainability: Emy Zecca from UNIFE provided a comprehensive overview of the Sustainability Conceptual Framework, which was complemented by Koen Kuipers from SRU who delivered insights into regional sustainability strategies through a digital presentation.
  
• Dynamic Discussions: Led by Jesús Simal-Gandara, the meeting engaged in an invigorating discussion centered around three pivotal case studies. The dialogue culminated in forming strategic perspectives for the project’s future, enhancing collaborative efforts among all participants.
  
• Yearly Progress Review: This session reviewed various work packages, highlighting key achievements and outlining next steps. Discussions covered data strategies, impacts on ecosystems, and advancements in AI-based data tools, along with the initial rollout of the project's app and dashboard.
  
• Strategic Outreach and Operational Planning: The latter part of the meeting focused on updating the consortium on outreach strategies and reviewing operational deliverables. Irmantas Čepulis from AFL detailed progress on WP6 and shared insights into the dissemination efforts, while Eloy Miranda discussed the operational aspects crucial for moving forward.

Reflecting and Looking Forward

The meeting emphasized enhancing collaboration among scientific staff, researchers, and use case partners. This focus aimed at defining and establishing clear criteria to develop tools, systems, and policy recommendations for implementing sustainable methods and models to reduce food waste. The collaborative spirit was palpable throughout the sessions, reflecting our shared commitment to transformative solutions.

The meeting showcased the dedication and passion of all consortium members, whose contributions are vital to steering the project towards achieving its sustainability goals in food systems. The discussions not only reinforced our collaborative framework but also set a clear path for future endeavors.

We are enthusiastic to continue this journey and implement the strategies discussed, aiming for significant advancements in sustainable food systems.

SOSfood project is funded by the EU's Horizon Europe program. Funding does not represent endorsing. Neither REA nor the European Commission can be made responsible for the views and opinions of the project partners.

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