On February 17, the Faculty of Sciences hosted the **IMEYMATCH** conference, organized by the **Institute of Research in Electron Microscopy and Materials (IMEYMAT)** to rediscover the center’s potential and seek new synergies between its members. In this context, researchers from the **Smart Manufacturing Lab**, located at the **UCA-SEA** innovation center in Algeciras, made key contributions linking materials science with real industrial applications.

The laboratory’s participation, represented by Leticia Moreno, Blanca Silva, and Luis Segovia, highlighted the center’s capacity to lead advanced manufacturing and circular economy projects through effective digital transformation. In the field of technology transfer, **Luis Segovia Guerrero** introduced the ***Digital Shape Engineering*** initiative, a new spin-off from the **University of Cadiz** and **IMEYMAT**. During his presentation, he explained how the use of high-precision 3D digitization, reverse engineering, and the development of **digital twins** allow companies to accelerate product development and optimize the operation of their industrial assets. Simultaneously, **Blanca Silva** detailed the progress of the ***ARCOS project***, research within the **IMEYJUMP** program focused on the valorization of aggregate washing sludge and recycled cork. Her presentation highlighted the creation of porous ceramic materials with excellent thermal insulation and durability properties, transforming a difficult-to-manage waste into a “green” construction product for the Campo de Gibraltar area.

The intervention of this team of researchers at **IMEYMATCH** reaffirms the **Smart Manufacturing Lab’s** mission as a strategic actor in supporting the metal-mechanical industry in Andalusia. These activities not only increase the visibility of research developed at the **School of Engineering of Algeciras (ETSIA)** but also foster interaction with other groups to achieve more ambitious milestones in terms of publication and social impact. The laboratory management congratulated the participants on their work, which contributes to consolidating the image of a “living university” focused on technical excellence and sustainability.