The primary objective of NEST is to explore the intersection of embedded systems, computational intelligence, and data science to develop scalable, energy-efficient, and secure embedded solutions in diverse domains. By designing scalable, secure, and adaptive embedded architectures, NEST aims to address the challenges inherent in resource-constrained environments and extend the capabilities of critical applications such as healthcare diagnostics, smart infrastructure, industrial automation, and autonomous systems. Our research focuses on the co-design of hardware and software, leveraging emerging technologies in edge computing, sensor integration, and neuromorphic processing to create systems that are not only high-performing but also resilient to dynamic operational conditions. In addition, NEST is committed to advancing the state-of-the-art in secure and reliable embedded systems by exploring novel approaches in encryption, fault-tolerant design, and real-time data analytics.