The AQUADETECT Project – “Advanced quantum avalanche detectors for aquatic monitoring” (101298573), financed under the HORIZON-MSCA-2025-SE-01-01 call, aims to develop advanced optical LIDAR technology based on next-generation photon-sensitive sensors to improve the monitoring and management of aquatic environments.

Climate change, including rising sea levels, increased flood frequency, and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems, poses significant challenges to water resource management. In this context, effective monitoring of water quality and environmental conditions is essential to ensure ecological balance and the protection of aquatic habitats.

AQUADETECT addresses these challenges through the development of an innovative optical LIDAR system capable of detecting single photons with up to 60% greater efficiency than existing technologies. This system enables the generation of high-resolution, real-time three-dimensional maps of aquatic environments, supporting more accurate and timely data collection.

This innovative system is supported by a team of highly skilled scientists and engineers from Portugal, Germany, Turkey, Italy, Morocco, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The proposed technology offers key advantages, including reduced monitoring time, lower operational costs, and improved measurement resolution. It is designed for applications such as flood risk assessment, seabed mapping, ecosystem analysis, and the monitoring of underwater habitats.

Overall, AQUADETECT contributes to strengthening water resource management, supporting EU water-related policies, and promoting the uptake of sustainable and environmentally responsible technologies, in line with the objectives of Horizon Europe.