ROUND GRIP: A Journey of Innovation Toward a Sustainable Future
ROUND GRIP is a structured initiative designed to transform the landscape of green technologies and sustainable industries. Since its launch, its goal has been to build connections, share knowledge, and support the most innovative solutions in the field of environmental sustainability.
The project consists of a series of scientific outreach events inspired by the research activities of GRIP - GReen Processes for Industrial Productions, the flagship project of Spoke 2 – Green Technologies and Sustainable Industries.
Appropriately, the program includes eight stops (ten, counting the two opening plenary sessions and the final one), mirroring the eight Research Modules (RMs) that make up the GRIP project.
To date, after nine successful stages, ROUND GRIP has proven to be an extraordinary success. Each event has provided a valuable opportunity for companies, researchers, and stakeholders to meet, exchange ideas, and contribute to the growth of a collaborative innovation ecosystem.
Now, with the tenth stage, the circle closes, marking the completion of a journey of dialogue, exchange, and shared growth.
The ROUND GRIP Stops
Stop 1 - Opening plenary #SwitchYourImpact
On March 13, 2024, the first stage of ROUND GRIP took place in the Kyoto Hall at Environment Park in Turin. The event marked the launch of a series of meetings promoted by Spoke 2 - Green Technologies and Sustainable Industries within the NODES Ecosystem.
The inaugural session introduced the themes and objectives of the initiative, aimed at fostering collaboration between research and industry to address the challenges of the ecological transition.
Throughout the day, participants explored the GRIP - Green Processes for Industrial Productions project, focusing on the most promising green technologies. The program also included a poster session showcasing the winning projects from the first cut-off of the Cascade Calls (Lines A, B, and Industrial PhDs), along with networking opportunities connecting businesses and the research community.
Stop 2 - Public (Dis)value in the Energy Transition
On May 21, 2024, a delegation from Spoke 2 visited the University of Sannio in Benevento, a partner of the southern area of the NODES Ecosystem, with the goal of strengthening synergies and gaining a closer look at the region’s research infrastructures.
The day focused on the public value of energy communities and waste separation, featuring hands-on demonstrations in UniSannio’s laboratories - including RCOST, the nZEB demonstrator, and the LAMAS lab - tangible examples of a shared commitment to ecological transition.
Contributions from institutional and academic representatives further enriched the event, highlighting best practices such as the BeneClima plan and the TRUST project, funded by NODES.
Stop 3 - Exploring Industrial Symbiosis
The third ROUND GRIP event was dedicated to Industrial Symbiosis, a key theme of the RM 6 module within the GRIP project. Following the introductory remarks by Nicole Mariotti and Edoardo Braccio, Prof. Enrica Vesce and Prof. Paolo Garza presented a mock-up of the upcoming digital platform and explored the main regulatory, environmental, and social aspects related to the topic.
The event fostered collaboration among start-ups, companies, and the academic community, showcasing innovative projects and funding opportunities. The day concluded with presentations from companies supported by NODES, including Vortex, Biova, Sandeza, Minerali Industriali, and Mater.
Stop 4 - Roadshow del mezzogiorno: Ideas and Projects for Innovation and Sustainability on the Move
The fourth stop of ROUND GRIP, part of the Mezzogiorno Roadshow has been organized by Spoke 2 and Spoke 4 of the NODES Ecosystem in collaboration with the University of Basilicata.
The event, titled “Ideas and Projects of Innovation and Sustainability on the Move”, explored the research progress of GRIP’s RM 7, dedicated to the recovery and valorization of plant residues from agro-forestry activities.
Projects funded under the “Linea A Mezzogiorno” call were presented, alongside institutional addresses, round tables, poster sessions, and company pitches. The event also showcased research results from the University of Basilicata and included networking opportunities connecting academia, industry, and the local community.
Stop 5 - Mineral and Organic Waste: Circular Transformations
The fifth stop of Round GRIP, held in the Kyoto Room of Environment Park in Turin and promoted by Spoke 2 of the NODES Ecosystem within the GRIP project, was dedicated to the circular transformation of mineral and organic waste, featuring contributions from Research Module 1 (RM 1).
The event showcased practical applications of sustainable technologies in industrial processes, presenting case studies and best practices such as The Circle project, a winner of the NODES calls. Among the activities were the Circular Materials Market, an interactive exhibition of sustainable solutions, and thematic working tables that encouraged networking and collaboration among researchers, companies, and stakeholders.
Stop 6 - Crazy About CO₂? Learn How to Get Rid of It with GRIP Technologies!
The sixth stage of ROUND GRIP, held at the Politecnico di Torino, brought together researchers, companies, and students to discuss CO₂ capture, utilization, and storage technologies (CCUS) and the solutions developed by the GRIP project within Spoke 2 of the NODES Ecosystem.
Following an introduction on the challenges of decarbonization, the program featured technical presentations on CCUS, biochar, and innovative industrial case studies, followed by a visit to the university’s laboratories.
The event highlighted the crucial role of collaboration between research and industry in transforming CO₂ from waste into a resource, advancing the path toward sustainability.
Tappa 7 - Sustainable Textiles: GRIP Joins the Innovation!
The seventh stage of ROUND GRIP, the Como stop of the Spring Roadshow, was held at the Chiostro di Sant’Abbondio of the University of Insubria, focusing on sustainability and circular economy in the textile sector.
Promoted by Spoke 2 of the NODES Ecosystem, the event showcased the activities of Research Module 3 (RM 3) and the industry Proofs of Concept (PoCs) funded by NODES, featuring examples such as Atelier Riforma, VEGEA, and TOT.
Through panels, round tables, and networking sessions, experts and companies discussed innovative solutions to foster a more sustainable and forward-looking fashion industry.
Stop 8 - Upcycling and Innovation: Solutions for Waste Recovery
At the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Novara of the University of Eastern Piedmont, the eighth stage of ROUND GRIP took place, focusing on upcycling and waste valorization within Research Module 2 (RM 2) of the GRIP project.
Promoted by Spoke 2 of the NODES Ecosystem, the event featured presentations, company testimonials, and thematic working groups aimed at fostering dialogue between research and industry. The day concluded with a networking session, reaffirming GRIP’s commitment to promoting innovation and circular sustainability.
Stop 9 - Valuable Water: Hidden Treasures in Wastewater
On July 16, 2025, the ninth stage of ROUND GRIP was held online, focusing on the valorization of wastewater as a resource for sustainable innovation.
During the event, the results of Research Module 4 (RM 4) of the GRIP project were presented, with a focus on technologies and solutions for recovering valuable elements from waste materials.
The meeting offered an opportunity for exchange and dialogue among researchers, companies, and professionals, who discussed new perspectives on the circular economy and the key role of applied research in driving the transition toward more sustainable models.
Stop 10 - Final Plenary - Make Your Impact Bloom
The tenth stage of ROUND GRIP is approaching - an opportunity to come together once again and reflect on the journey so far.
This event will mark the conclusion of the ROUND GRIP series and of Spoke 2, serving as a moment of reflection and forward-looking perspective, highlighting the achievements reached and the future directions for sustainable innovation.
Stay tuned for updates and insights from this final chapter, dedicated to research, industry, and sustainability.
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