Secondary agroindustry

Innovation in the food system of northwestern Italy

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Spoke 7. Secondary agroindustry

Spoke 7 will innovate the food system in Northwestern Italy by making companies more competitive in local, national and international markets

News

News
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From the Kitchen to the Future: The Role of Technology in Reducing Household Food Waste
From the Kitchen to the Future: The Role of Technology in Reducing Household Food Waste   The research project, led by Dr. Alberto Piovano and Prof. Maurizio Galetto of the Polytechnic University of Turin, in collaboration with Prof. Elliot Woolley of Loughborough University, was born within the activities of the Spoke 7 Flagship Projects and aims to investigate how technologies can help us reduce food waste in our homes.   The goal is to explore consumer behavior and opinions regarding the adoption of technological tools that can prevent waste, making food management at the household level more efficient and sustainable.   The research therefore represents an important step towards building a more conscious consumption model, in which citizens' daily choices are supported by innovations capable of generating a positive impact not only economically, but also environmentally and socially. social.   Why participate? ✅ You will contribute to international research on a crucial topic for the future. ✅ You will help identify more effective technological solutions that meet the real needs of families. ✅ You will be an active participant in building a more responsible and sustainable consumption model.   ♻️ Let's shape a waste-free future, together.   PARTICIPATE IN QUESTIONNAIRE

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Educating children about sustainable nutrition
The food education project to fight waste From June 21 to July 1, 2025, Federica Quintiero (University of Pavia) conducted a food education initiative aimed at boys and girls from the Voghera summer camp, traveling to the mountain resort of Macugnaga.   The initiative promotes sustainable and innovative approaches in the fields of health and nutrition. Specifically, the activity aimed to introduce children to the issues of food and environmental sustainability through an educational program based on practical experiences and moments of shared reflection.   The project was divided into several phases. A significant portion was dedicated to promoting virtuous behaviors to reduce food waste, such as reusing leftovers and paying attention to portion sizes. Another key focus was reducing the use of single-use plastic by encouraging the use of water bottles filled with drinking water from local fountains: a natural, safe, and sustainable resource.   Among the most engaging moments, the cooking workshop allowed children to try their hand at preparing simple, low-impact dishes, contributing to the development of manual skills, creativity, and greater awareness of the value of food, in line with the principles of sustainability education promoted by NODES.   At the end of the program, a nutrition education lesson was offered, focusing on the creation of balanced meals, exploring topics such as the Mediterranean Diet pyramid, the variety and seasonality of foods, and the importance of informed choices. This project was a valuable educational experience, providing participants with concrete tools to develop healthy, sustainable, and conscious eating habits that can be maintained in their daily lives.

News
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NODES Spoke 7 takes centre stage at the Future Foods International Conference in Singapore
Secondary agro-industry at the reference event for the sustainable future of the global food system The Spoke 7 of the NODES project has recently brought the results of the research to Singapore, participating in the international conference Future Foods - Bridging the future of sustainability and food science, a reference event for the sustainable future of the global food system.   During the event, the results of some research activities conducted within Spoke 7 were presented, in particular in the context of the Industrial PoC "Circular Egg". Luisa Torri illustrated the main outcomes of the project, highlighting how the "circular egg" represents a concrete and promising solution for the market, capable of combining innovation and sustainability.   Next, Marta Bertolino presented the results of the activity "Apple pomaces: from waste to potential functional ingredient in biscuits. Investigation of the effects of variety and concentration of use", the result of a collaboration between the University of Turin and the University of Gastronomic Sciences, focused on the reuse of apple cake - a by-product of the food industry - to increase the nutritional value of biscuits, showing a virtuous example of circular economy applied to food.   A further contribution entitled "Appl[e]ause: evaluation of gastronomic pairing, context of consumption and consumer acceptability of apple pomace-based bakery products", presented in poster format by Nazarena Cela, illustrated a research activity developed in synergy between Unisg and Politecnico di Torino, demonstrating the strong interdisciplinary approach that characterizes Spoke 7.   Participation in Future Foods confirmed the international level of the activities conducted within Spoke 7, demonstrating how the NODES project is at the forefront of guiding future trends in the food system, through research, innovation and strategic collaborations.

News
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“From Research to Business”: A Seminar on Science, Innovation and Sustainability for Public Health
The Spoke 7 event at Simbiosi, Innovation Center Giulio Natta The seminar "From research to business: sustainable strategies for public health" (June 20, 2025) represented an opportunity for discussion between the academic world, applied research and businesses on the topic of sustainability, with particular attention to its implications in the health and environmental fields.   Promoted as part of the NODES project and the extended OnFoods partnership, the event involved students, young researchers, university professors, startups and local businesses in a day full of ideas and testimonials. The program addressed the issue of sustainability through an integrated approach, along the entire supply chain: from the environment to nutrition, from the valorization of waste to the circular economy, up to the strategic role of businesses.   Hellas Cena opened the proceedings with a reflection on the link between environment and health, underlining the urgency of promoting lifestyles and dietary models capable of preserving public health and the planet. Following this, Sara Boussetta examined the concept of sustainable nutrition, illustrating innovative solutions for a fairer and healthier future. The dialogue between research and business was at the center of the speech by Vincenzo Della Monica, who presented the vision of Simbiosi: transforming utilities, industries and property owners into “environment producers” through nature-based solutions, waste valorization and resource regeneration.   The second part of the morning was dedicated to the valorization of bioactive molecules and the  fight against malnutrition, with the speech by Niccolò Meriggi (CNR IBBA) and Adele Papetti (University of Pavia), who highlighted the therapeutic and nutraceutical potential of compounds extracted from organic matrices. Closing the session, Pietro Agostinelli illustrated how artificial intelligence can support the circular economy, monitoring and optimizing the use of land and natural resources.   In the afternoon, a guided tour was organized at Simbiosi, a host company born from agro-environmental research projects and now active in the development of sustainable technologies applied to the real world. The experience allowed those present to see circular and nature-based solutions in action that integrate innovation, environmental protection and social responsibility.

Boost your competence

7. Secondary agroindustry
Microscopy at the Service of Food - 2nd Edition
Course holder
Università di Pavia/ Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “L. Spallanzani” + Maria Grazia Bottone – Fabrizio De Luca
Upskilling
Registration open
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7. Secondary agroindustry
0to1 Acceleration Sprint
Course holder
SPOKE 7 supported by ISIRES, *beeco e ToSeed & Partners
Acceleration
Registration closed
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Eventi

Meeting
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Rewind & Grow, the matchmaking event dedicated to agrifood
Rewind & Grow, the matchmaking event dedicated to agrifood An unmissable opportunity, promoted by Spoke 7 NODES, to connect teams and investors focused on sustainable innovation in the food sector. Discover innovative projects and engage with those who are fueling the future of the sector.   Meet startups ready to share successes and lessons learned in the field: a stimulating environment where critical thinking and openness to change are key.   For investors, it's an opportunity to discover high-potential agrifood initiatives, evaluate growth strategies, and diversify their portfolio with sustainable solutions.   For project teams, the event is a showcase to showcase their progress, receive direct feedback, and build partnerships capable of accelerating the journey to market.   Register now here to reserve your place: REGISTRATION HERE   The event is held in Italian.   The event is organized by SPOKE 7, with the support of the Italian Research and Development Institute, *beeco, and ToSeed & Partners. Institutional partner: InnovUp.

Meeting
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Applications for 0to1 Acceleration Sprint are now open
The acceleration program for agrifood tech starts Applications for 0to1 Acceleration Sprint, the new acceleration program promoted by NODES Spoke 7, are open until July 13, 2025. The initiative is aimed at startups and innovative projects in the agrifood tech sector and aims to strengthen their market positioning, promoting access to investments and the creation of strategic relationships. Launch event The program will be inaugurated on July 15, 2025, from 9:30 to 12:30, with an in-person event at the Cavallerizza Reale (UNITO), Via Verdi 9, Turin. Registration is mandatory through the form.   Program objectives and recipients “0to1 Acceleration Sprint” aims to: Support innovative projects in the validation and development of the business model; Promote matchmaking with investors and strategic partners; Promote access to new opportunities for growth and investment; Support the development of solutions in the Green Food, Smart Food and Healthy Food sectors. The program is aimed at: Proof of Concept, Startups and Spin-offs, even those not yet established; Projects that propose innovative solutions for the agri-food industry, in particular in the sectors: Sustainable production (Green Food), Intelligent systems and transformation 4.0/5.0 (Smart Food) and Safe and healthy foods (Healthy Food). Interested startups can apply by completing the online registration form no later than 13 July 2025 (11:59 p.m.).   How it works The program will be held from July 15 to November 30, 2025 in hybrid mode, with 12 online workshops on vertical topics; Personalized Mentorship and business model support; In-person events for the launch, matchmaking with investors (October) and the final Demo Day (November) at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo.   Timeline and deadlines     •    Call opening: 30 June 2025     •    Closing of applications: 13 July 2025, 11.59pm     •    Launch event: 15 July 2025 – Cavallerizza Reale, Turin     •    Matchmaking with investors: October 2025     •    Concluding Demo Day: November 2025 – Pollenzo (CN) For more information: nodes@unisg.it | 0to1@beecofarm.it The program is made with the support of ISIRES, *beeco and ToSeed & Partners, key players in the agrifood tech innovation ecosystem.   APPLY HERE  

Meeting
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From waste to resource: the process of creating the technical data sheet for apple pomace begins
The collaborative work between the Polytechnic and Panacea Social Forum continues As part of our research on the reuse of byproducts from Piedmont's secondary agro-industry, we're starting to develop the technical data sheet for apple pomace. This tool will allow us to recognize pomace—the residue from fruit pressing—as a reusable byproduct, capable of being used in new food production processes.   Thanks to the technical support of the Chemical Laboratory of the Turin Chamber of Commerce and Ecocerved, the factsheet will allow us to valorize the pomace produced by Cascina Danesa—a company specializing in the production of organic juices and ciders—by reusing it in the creation of new circular baked goods, developed in collaboration between the Polytechnic University of Turin and Panacea Social Farm.   The factsheet will represent a concrete tool for the companies involved and a replicable model for other byproducts, thus contributing to building a circular economy that fosters synergy between small local producers and promotes sustainability. The initiative is part of the appl[e]ause research, developed by Cristian Campagnaro and Raffaele Passaro of the Department of Architecture and Design at the Polytechnic University of Turin, part of the PNRR NODES – Spoke 7 project.   The process of creating the card will be presented during the webinar By-products and sustainable development, organized by Unioncamere Piemonte and the Chemical Laboratory of the Turin Chamber of Commerce, scheduled for Thursday, July 10.   Attend the event

Conferences
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From Research to Business: Sustainable Strategies for Public Health
A seminar on sustainability in Pavia: an integrated approach for the future of the planet On June 20, 2025, at Simbiosi – Innovation Center Giulio Natta in Giussago (PV), an unmissable event will be held for those interested in the sustainable future of our society.   The seminar, open both in presence (with mandatory registration by June 9 at this link) and online without the need for registration, it will offer an in-depth overview of sustainability through an integrated approach that embraces the entire supply chain, from industry to health.   During the day we will talk about: sustainable technologies for efficient use of environmental resources; circular economy strategies and waste valorization; extraction of bioactive molecules with nutraceutical and therapeutic potential, also in the fight against malnutrition. The program also includes a guided tour of Simbiosi, a unique opportunity to discover green technologies already in operation, immersed in a natural environment consistent with the values ​​of innovation and environmental responsibility. Simbiosi was born from agro-environmental research projects and today presents itself as a point of reference in the application of sustainable solutions for industry, public services and the real estate sector.   With the concept of "Environment Producers", it promotes the conscious use of natural resources, the reduction of emissions, the valorization of waste and the protection of biodiversity. An event not to be missed for those who want to be a protagonist of the ecological transition.   Register by June 9th to participate in person! Or follow the event online, without the need to register.