“Agriculture needs to embrace technology to enhance efficiency and well-being in the field.” – Georgina Siitta, Project Manager at Future Needs
From climate change to labor shortages, the viticulture industry faces increasing challenges. SmartVitiNet, a European research initiative, is transforming viticulture with drones, sensors, and AI-driven insights. At the heart of this innovation is the Competence Centre for Precision Viticulture, a hub for research, collaboration, and technological integration.
Women play a pivotal role in agriculture, yet like in many sectors, there is a significant gender gap. According to Eurostat, only 31.6% of farmers are female. Furthermore, the "She Figures 2024" report highlights that women remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers and leadership positions, with a notable gender gap in sectors such as information and communication technology, where only 22% of doctoral graduates are women. In SmartVitiNet, a project focusing on precision viticulture using technologies and data, we are proud to have several amazing women working in research, technical, and project implementation. We spoke with Georgina Siitta, Project Manager at Future Needs, to learn more about how the project is shaping the future of sustainable, tech-driven winemaking.
What is the Competence Centre, and what are its objectives?
The Competence Centre is the core of the SmartVitiNet project. It serves as a collaborative platform where researchers, industry professionals, and winemakers come together to develop and share innovative solutions for viticulture.
Our main objectives are:
Helping vineyards adapt to climate change
Enhancing sustainability through precision agriculture
Integrating digital technologies into vineyard management
By creating a space for cross-border knowledge exchange, we ensure that European viticulture remains competitive, resilient, and future-ready. The Competence Centre takes cutting-edge research on AI, remote sensing, and data-driven viticulture and makes it practical and accessible for winemakers.
What role does Future Needs play in the Competence Centre?
At Future Needs, we specialise in bridging the gap between innovative solutions and real world needs. We focus on adapting digital transformation, data-driven solutions, and technology integration to the end users’ needs. Our role in SmartVitiNet ensures that innovation doesn’t stay in the lab—it reaches vineyards and winemakers in a meaningful way.
Our key responsibilities include:
Developing digital platforms that connect stakeholders and share best practices
Bridging the gap between research and real-world application
Facilitating collaboration among researchers, industry partners, and winemakers
Beyond the technical aspects, we also lead communication and dissemination for SmartVitiNet. Our goal is to engage key stakeholders and ensure that the project’s vision and mission reach the right audiences. As part of this role, Future Needs is organising two activities in Cyprus in the coming months:
A workshop on “Funding and financing opportunities for the agriculture industry on national and European level” will take place in the following three months
An event in Autumn 2025, showcasing SmartVitiNet’s achievements and results. The event will bring together the local winemaking community, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Stay tuned for more details!
How will the SmartVitiNet project benefit viticulture?
The beauty of SmartVitiNet lies in its real-world impact. Winemakers today face complex challenges—climate change, sustainability pressures, labor shortages—and they need practical solutions.
By combining data-driven insights, smart farming tools, and AI-powered decision-making, we help vineyards become:
More resilient against climate change
More sustainable through precision viticulture
More efficient and profitable with cutting-edge technology
The goal isn’t just innovation for the sake of innovation—it’s about real, tangible solutions that respect the traditions of winemaking while embracing the future of smart agriculture.
“I truly believe that through SmartVitiNet, we are shaping the future of viticulture—one that is smarter, more sustainable, and better connected.” – Georgina Siitta
Like Georgina, there are many other female researchers, technical partners, and communication managers working together in the SmartVitiNet project, striving to create a better future for viticulture! It is encouraging to see more and more female professionals leading innovation in precision viticulture, from developing advanced AI-driven monitoring systems to optimising sustainable vineyard management practices. Their expertise and dedication are shaping a more resilient, efficient, and environmentally friendly wine industry. As gender diversity grows in the sector, we move closer to a future where inclusive leadership and technological advancements drive sustainable winemaking!
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