General details
EDIHs involved
Challenges
SonntagPlus is a consulting firm based in Tyrol that supports conservation areas, municipalities and regions in implementing practical nature and climate protection projects. The company combines scientific expertise with strong regional networks, to provide services that include project development, management, communication and funding guidance, all rooted in collaboration and local engagement.
Peatlands are vital ecosystems that play a crucial role in climate regulation and biodiversity conservation, thanks to their exceptional capacity to store CO₂. Despite their environmental importance, peatlands often suffer from a negative or mysterious public image, unlike the more visually appealing landscapes such as forests, mountain ranges or river valleys. Their true value is not immediately evident to the average observer.
In response to this communication gap, an idea emerged in spring 2024: to develop an interactive mechanical-digital model that educates the public about the ecological significance and functions of peatlands. The model aims to visually and intuitively demonstrate:
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The structural composition of a peatland
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Its role in water retention
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Its ability to store carbon (CO₂)
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The effects of drainage on the water cycle
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The process and benefits of renaturation
However, while the concept had strong educational and environmental impact potential, the initiating organisation SonntagPlus lacked both the technical expertise and resources to bring it to life independently.
Solutions
To address the challenge, fablab.tirol proposed a structured, innovation-driven approach that combined co-design, rapid prototyping and digital fabrication, facilitated through EDIH Crowd in Motion. The solution evolved through four key phases:
Step 1: EDIH Design Sprint (March 2023)
In collaboration with SonntagPlus, the State of Tyrol, the Kaunergrat and Karwendel Nature Parks, and the environmental education association natopia, a co-creation process was launched to define the challenge and translate it into detailed functional and educational specifications for the model.
Step 2: EDIH Tech-Prototyping Bootcamp (July – November 2024)
Through iterative experimentation and testing, a functional prototype was developed, including:
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Technology scouting & research.
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Integration of microelectronics and sensors.
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Design and fabrication using CAD, 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling.
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Development of the first prototype: PEAT 1.0.
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Public debut at the Tyrolean Landhaus Open Day.
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Collection of feedback and refinement of specifications.
The prototyping process showed that the message was best conveyed using two models: one of a living peatland showing its structure and growth, and another of a drained peatland illustrating water runoff and renaturation with sheet piling.
Step 3: EDIH Digital Fabrication Product Development (Dec 2024 – Feb 2025)
A scalable and user-ready PEAT 2.0 MVP was developed through:
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Further tech scouting.
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Enhanced material and morphology testing.
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Integration of smart components.
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Public demonstrations at multiple events.
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Iterative improvements based on user feedback.
Step 4: Small-Scale Production Launch (Starting April 2025)
With the success of PEAT 2.0, small-scale production of PEAT 3.0 began in April 2025, independently financed through product revenues. The aim is to make the models accessible to schools, museums, environmental NGOs, and public institutions to support climate education and awareness at scale.
Results and Benefits
The EDIH Tech Design Sprint was a critical foundation for success. It helped define the educational objectives, key messages, target audiences and technical feasibility for the peatland models. Through this collaborative process, SonntagPlus received valuable support in innovation, entrepreneurship and digital technologies—ranging from digital fabrication and microelectronics to IoT and sensor integration. The selected solution concepts were refined through expert feedback and translated into specifications for the first prototype, PEAT 1.0.
During the Tech-Prototyping Bootcamp, several material and technical experiments were conducted. Although initial attempts using 3D-printed sponge-like structures failed to meet durability and realism requirements, these trials led to a shift in approach: focusing on a clear, interactive representation of peatland states—natural, drained and renatured. This resulted in the creation of PEAT 1.0, which was successfully tested with the public during an Open Day event.
User feedback highlighted a key insight: educational impact was greatest using two distinct models — one showing a healthy, growing peatland and another simulating a drained ecosystem with water flow and renaturation via sheet piling.
Innovative technical features were developed, including a waterproof lifting mechanism controlled via mobile phone LED and servos, and CO₂ absorption visualised through capacitive sensors, offering a robust, hands-on learning experience.
These insights shaped PEAT 2.0, which was presented at multiple public events. Continuous testing and feedback collection led to the development of PEAT 3.0—a scalable, market-ready digital model designed for use in schools, exhibitions and environmental education programs.
The project demonstrated how targeted innovation support can turn a bold educational idea into a replicable, high-impact product.
Perceived social/economic impact
Peatlands provide remarkable services to humanity, as they store vast amounts of CO₂ and water and serve as vital habitats for unique animal and plant species. The core idea behind the peatland model is to make these invisible functions visible to the general public, helping to raise awareness and appreciation for these critical ecosystems.
Over the course of 1.5 years, and with the invaluable support of fablab.tirol, a fully functional and educational peatland model was successfully developed. Starting July 2025, the model will enter series production in collaboration with the renowned model-building company Steck, bringing this impactful tool to educational institutions and exhibitions across the region.
Measurable data
The shared goal went far beyond building a single prototype, as the company aimed to make the peatland model accessible to a wide range of institutions. To achieve this, a partner capable of small-scale production was needed, ensuring consistent product quality and providing a reliable repair service with available spare parts. For this purpose, Steck, a professional model-building company based in Innsbruck, was selected. They are now preparing for series production of the model.
The manufacturing costs of PEAT 3.0 vary between €1,500 and €2,300, depending on the version. While the final sales price is yet to be set by SonntagPlus, only a modest markup is expected to cover marketing, logistics and administrative expenses. The initial production volume is projected in the lower double-digit range, with the first customers including regional, national and international nature parks (e.g., Karwendel Nature Park), government bodies (e.g., the State of Tyrol) and educational institutions such as schools and universities.
Ultimately, the true value of PEAT 3.0 lies not in profit, but in its impact on knowledge transfer and raising awareness about peatland restoration and their role as vital water and carbon reservoirs. Initial feedback is promising and points to a strong educational contribution in fostering environmental understanding and shaping ecological perspectives.
DMA score and results - Stage 0
The initial Digital Maturity Assessment (T0 DMA) revealed varied levels of digital maturity across the six dimensions. Digital Business Strategy and Human-centric Digitalisation scored as average, reflecting a general awareness of digital transformation but lacking structured strategies or support mechanisms. Digital Readiness and Data Management were assessed as moderate, indicating some foundational technologies and digitilised data in place, yet with gaps in readiness for advanced solutions and comprehensive data strategies. Automation and Intelligence scored low to moderate, showing limited implementation of intelligent technologies. Green Digitalisation was rated low, highlighting a lack of focus on sustainable digital practices.
Among the strengths identified were the use of mainstream digital tools in daily operations, basic digital skills among staff, and initial steps in digitising business information. These elements demonstrate a foundational base upon which to build further digital transformation efforts.
However, several weaknesses were also noted: the absence of a comprehensive digital strategy, limited readiness for more advanced technologies, insufficient staff training and internal support, and a lack of focus on data analytics, automation, and green digitalisation. These areas present opportunities for targeted improvement moving forward.
Lessons learned
Do's
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Apply design thinking to guide the innovation process from challenge to solution.
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Combine entrepreneurial, innovation and technology competences within a multidisciplinary team to enhance problem-solving and creativity.
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Address critical questions early in the process through structured scouting, prototyping, and testing.
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Use rapid iteration and testing to accelerate knowledge gain and improve solution relevance.
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Leverage circular innovation to ensure feedback loops and continual refinement.
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Focus on reducing cost and risk by validating assumptions early in technology-driven product or service development.
Don'ts
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Don’t delay exploring uncertainties: ignoring critical questions early leads to higher risk later.
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Don’t rely on isolated expertise: avoid working in silos without integrating business, design, and tech perspectives.
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Don’t skip prototyping or testing stages, as doing so increases the chance of misaligned or unviable solutions.
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Don’t assume innovation success without iteration: learning comes through cycles of building, testing, and adapting.
Other Information
Learn more: PEAT 3.0 Project Page
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