Academic PoCs

In the dairy cattle farming sector, it is essential to combine productive and economic efficiency with a reduction in environmental impact and animal welfare. The DigiMilk project aims to enhance animal performance and milk quality through the rational use of precision feeding tools, thereby reducing environmental impact and improving economic, social, and environmental sustainability. To achieve these objectives, it is necessary to monitor individual animals and the herd, quickly analysing data for timely interventions. This approach also applies to precision nutrition, improving feed quality and ration efficiency. Modelling in animal science is crucial for assessing various parameters and achieving more sustainable performance. Increasing monitoring through sensors and precision feeding tools, as well as ensuring animal welfare, is fundamental. DigiMilk will integrate data on feed intake and production in order to maximise both the production and quality of the milk produced, while also considering the end consumer, thus ensuring the welfare of the animals both individually and within the herd, monitored using the Well-being Diagnostic System (SDIB).     Contacts: Contact person Antonio Gallo Email antonio.gallo@unicatt.it Tel +39 0523 599433  

The hazel tree is the fourth most widely cultivated tree species in Italy, and hazelnuts are a strategic raw material for the Italian and European confectionery industries, which import about 70% of production from outside the EU. However, the hazelnut sector lacks decision support tools for agronomic and industrial practices. This proposal aims to create a digital twin model that simulates the growth of the plant in 3D throughout the season and assesses the impact of various cultivation operations on productivity. Additionally, the tool will provide information on the shelf life of hazelnuts and alternative processing methods for utilizing batches with low shelf life. It will also integrate the economic assessment of the techniques used, allowing stakeholders in the supply chain to evaluate the impact of their choices. The model is based on a Functional Structural Plant Model (FSPM) currently applied to one of the most widely cultivated hazelnut varieties globally, with plans to include other varieties and cultivation techniques, as well as a predictive shelf life model. Results will be validated using data collected from experimental fields at UCSC in Piacenza. The project, conducted by a multidisciplinary team from UCSC, will have complementary components with a proposal presented by the University of Pavia (DEMETRA).     Contacts: Contact person Sergio Tombesi Email sergio.tombesi@unicatt.it Tel +39 0523 599221  

The agri-food sector is known for generating enormous amounts of waste, which not only represents a significant economic loss for companies but also has a considerable environmental impact. This waste arises from food production processes and can include unused plant parts such as peels, leaves, and other non-consumable parts. However, bioRESTART has introduced an innovative approach to transform this waste into a valuable resource. By using hydrolytic enzymes produced by engineered bacterial strains, the extraction process of bioactive compounds is carried out efficiently and sustainably. This eliminates the need for toxic chemical solvents, thereby reducing the environmental impact of the entire production cycle. bioRESTART 4.0 represents a further advancement, with the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. These tools allow for continuous monitoring and optimization of the extraction process, improving the yields of bioactive compounds and reducing the time required to bring products to market.   Contacts: Contact person Cinzia Calvio Email cinzia.calvio@unipv.it Tel +39 0382 985559  

The implementation of simulation and training solutions in the primary agro-industrial sector aims to overcome the typical temporal limitations of agriculture (seasons, day-night cycles, weather conditions) and liberate the agricultural learning process from seasonal dependency. Currently, the use of simulations for training agricultural operators has not yet found widespread applications, although some solutions are being studied for specific activities like grapevine pruning. However, these solutions offer limited engagement for the operator within the virtual environment, compromising realistic perception and training effectiveness. DEMETRA aims to develop an innovative platform for training agricultural operators in a virtual environment, based on human-in-the-loop techniques and characterized by a high level of immersiveness. Operators will be able to move and interact in a virtual environment using advanced technologies such as omnidirectional platforms and haptic interfaces to simulate contact with plants.   Contacts: Contact person Marco Carnevale Email marco.carnevale@unipv.it Tel +39 0382 985258  

The search for natural products with anti-aging properties is currently experiencing rapid growth, gaining increasing importance in the international market. Anti-aging products derived from plant species are common, while fungal extracts, despite demonstrating anti-aging and antioxidant activity, remain underexplored. In particular, functional studies conducted by our team highlight the positive effects of  Lentinus tigrinus (Bull.) Fr., a medicinal fungus, in this area. Currently, there are no market products that exploit the properties of this fungus.   Our project aims to create a prototype of a beauty mask using 3D printing technology. This mask will contain extracts high in beta-glucans, mannitol, and trehalose obtained from L. tigrinus, cultivated on hazelnut shells supplied by a local company specializing in hazelnut production and processing.   Contacts: Contact person Paola Rossi Email paola.rossi@unipv.it Tel +39 0382 986076   

The Voghera pepper, a landrace at risk of genetic erosion, is the subject of recovery and characterization projects to preserve its genetic purity. Previously affected by Verticillium dahliae in the piedmont clay soils, it now prefers the sandy-loam areas of the Voghera region. Trichoderma asperellum, a rhizosphere microfungus, is known to promote plant resistance to pathogens and enhance physiological efficiency, also facilitating mycorrhizal symbiosis. According to data from the DSTA Mycology Laboratory, treatment with T. asperellum significantly increases plant height, leaf development, branching, flower formation, and the number of ripe fruits. The objectives of SAPEVO include the formulation of a biostimulant based on T. asperellum, the implementation of agronomic protocols combining the biostimulant with the use of cover crops to improve germination, plant development, productivity, and reduce the incidence of pathogens. Additionally, the project aims to characterize the microbial diversity of the soil before and after treatment to assess the impact of the intervention on soil microbiota.   Contacts: Contact person Carolina Elena Girometta Email carolinaelena.girometta@unipv.it Tel +39 0382 984867  

Water stress for the vine (Vitis vinifera) is a critical condition for the production of grapes with a high content of secondary metabolites. Conversely, when the stress period is prolonged, it negatively affects the quality, yield, and consequently the economic sustainability of the farms. The project aims to address the emergency of drought in vine cultivation through the application of multidisciplinary technologies in the context of climate change, fully aligning with the themes of Spoke 6.   Contacts: Contact person Alberto Acquadro  Email alberto.acquadro@unito.it Tel +39 0116708813  

DIGI-FERT aims to demonstrate and validate variable rate (VR) fertilisation strategies for seed crops intended for forage or grain production in a real-world setting. A multidisciplinary team, comprising researchers from various fields with expertise in the technology being tested, collaborates closely with agricultural service companies and local farms to carry out the project.     Contacts: Contact person Massimo Blandino  Email massimo.blandino@unito.it Tel +39 0116708895  

Today's consumer is highly conscious of the sustainability of livestock farming and animal welfare. The current context makes it urgent to identify new solutions to reduce waste and repurpose it in other sectors through a virtuous process. Surplus baked goods from industries and supermarkets can be a potential energy source in ruminant diets. These supplements are highly palatable, relatively inexpensive, and safe. Products already used in dairy cows should be further assessed for beef cattle. In fact, these products are rich in fats and sugars and contain less fibre than native cereal grains, which could influence rumen activity, cause a rapid accumulation of short-chain fatty acids, and lead to a sharp drop in rumen pH, affecting the animal’s metabolic health overall. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a diet supplemented with surplus baked goods, discarded for aesthetic reasons or packaging errors, on intestinal health and animal welfare.   Contacts: Contact person Francesca Tiziana Cannizzo  Email tiziana.cannizzo@unito.it Tel +39 0116709032  

The BRAVE project aims to validate an innovative biodegradable device for tendon rupture repair, eliminating the need for sutures. Developed in Turin, it will be tested on horse tendons as a model for the human Achilles tendon. Expected outcomes include the implementation of the new technique, mechanical and micro-vascular assessments, and cell viability tests. The primary beneficiaries are both human and animal patients with tendon ruptures, as well as medical and veterinary professionals. This device promises to enhance quality of life and advance research in orthopedic surgery and regenerative medicine.   Contact: Contact person Andrea Bertuglia Email andrea.bertuglia@unito.it Tel +39 0116709058 +39 3470034742  

Heart failure is a complex syndrome with high morbidity and mortality, affecting 64 million people and costing over $100 billion annually. To address this challenge, a biocompatible, resorbable, multilayer cardiac patch has been develped. It mimics the mechanical and anisotropic properties of the myocardium and it is designed to interact at the molecular level with various types of carciac cells. The goals are to reduce technological risks and create a new entrepreneurial reality within the NODES Ecosystem.  Proof-of-concept studies on pigs and rats have demonstrated the cardioprotective capabilities of the patch, leading to new patentable technologies. The IMPAVID 2.0 projects aims to bridge the gap between research and industry, making the device accessible to patients, delivering economic benefits, and improving quality of life and care.  The multidiscliplinary team will analyse the economic sustainability of innovation and the risk/benefit ratio, involving the main players in the medtech sector.      Contact: Contact person  Claudia Giachino  Email chiara.giachino@unito.it Tel +39 0116705056  

Patient preference studies (PPS) are crucial in clinical research for designing studies and developing therapies, but they present methodological challenges due to the heterogeneity of preferences. Repertor.io aims to facilitate the use of PPS in healthcare decision-making with a platform for collecting and analyzing preferences, improving healthcare strategies and therapy development. This platform supports health technology assessment agencies, researchers in selecting relevant endpoints, and pharmaceutical companies in planning R&D investments. The global market for patient engagement solutions, of which PPS are a part, is valued at $17.88 billion with a growth rate of 20.1% from 2023 to 2028.     Contact: Contact person  Paola Berchialla   Email paola.berchialla@unito.it Tel +39 3478768532  

POTENTE aims to develop glassy and ceramic biomaterials (bioactive glass, hydroxyapatite, zirconia) to promote osteointegration and reduce infections without antibiotics, using non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma treatments. This technology, which is relatively unexplored for these materials, offers advantages over current methods. The project includes new plasma treatments, their characterization, and the creation of prototypes, with potential applications extending to other biomedical fields.     Contact: Contact person  Marta Miola Email marta.miola@polito.it Tel  +39 0110904717  

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common infection in intensive care units, challenging to diagnose quickly and accurately. Diagnosing VAP often takes time, leading to the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and the risk of overtreatment, which increases the likelihood of antibiotic resistance. The DIAGNO-VAP project aims to develop a rapid and minimally invasive diagnostic test for identifying bacterial infections in intensive care units through the analysis of exhaled breath condensate (EBC). This method, already tested on intubated and non-intubated patients, aims to identify pathogen biomarkers in EBC to create a diagnostic kit. The kit will use specific antibodies and will be supported by a digital platform for analyzing and interpreting results, enabling more timely diagnoses and treatments while reducing antibiotic resistance. The team includes researchers and doctors specializing in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and intensive care.     Contact: Contact person Elettra Barberis  Email elettra.barberis@uniupo.it Tel +39 3393752351  

After chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgical treatment, patients with breast cancer often report upper limb deficits and lymphedema in the ipsilateral arm. These symptoms affect more than 20% of patients who have undergone axillary incision. Both lymphedema, pain, and motor deficits can become chronic, significantly impacting not only the physical but also the psychological well-being of patients. Exercise, optimized for quantity and intensity, plays a crucial role in reducing the number and severity of side effects and contributes to improving the quality of life. Furthermore, it has been shown that women with breast cancer who maintain appropriate physical activity have a lower risk of recurrence and the development of other chronic diseases, leading to better overall survival. The RESTORE-MAM project aims to utilize telemedicine to offer supportive therapies, improving upper limb functionality with personalized care through a mHealth app.        Contact: Contact person Lia Rimondini  Email lia.rimondini@uniupo.it Tel +39 0321 660673  

The PREDIRE project aims to develop software based on artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to reliably predict the formation of co-crystals between active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and co-formers. This technology is crucial because 70% of new drugs exhibit low solubility, compromising therapeutic efficacy. Pharmaceutical co-crystals offer a solution by improving drug properties without altering their therapeutic action. However, selecting the right co-former from thousands is a complex process. The project aims to overcome this issue with a predictive approach, reducing time, costs, and the need for experimental trials. In collaboration with the EXPANDO project, the goal is to develop an integrated system for creating more effective and accessible drugs.         Contact: Contact person  Roberto Gobetto  Email roberto.gobetto@unito.it Tel +39 0116707520  +39 3343953536  

Healthcare is undergoing a transformation thanks to digital innovation, offering new technologies to improve prevention, care, economic and environmental sustainability. Digital twins of individual organs, personalized models updated with medical data and sensors, represent an innovation for personalized healthcare. Organ-on-chips (OoCs) simulate organ activities in vitro, contributing to the creation of both digital and biological twins. The TWINs4RA project aims to develop a microfluidic platform for the 3D culture of joint tissues, focusing on the synovium and synovial fluid, while also integrating the immune system. The platform will use organ-on-chips and digital twins to create personalized disease models, enabling personalized clinical trials. The digital twin, powered by data from the biological twin through AI and machine learning, will help predict each patient’s therapeutic response.         Contact: Contact person  Annalisa Chiocchetti  Email annalisa.chiocchetti@med.uniupo.it ; info@aitwin.it  Tel +39 3492951764  

Cancer is one of the leading cause of death globally, and early diagnsosi is crucial to improving treatments.  The NanoZoom project aims to develop and optimize an experimental diagnostic system using ultrasonic pressure probes and biomimetic nanoparticles (Lipo-NPs) to detect tumors quickly and accurately. Lipo-NPs enhance ultrasound contrast and enable enhanced sonoluminescence, providing high-resolution diagnostic images.   Biocompatible and non-toxic, these nanoparticles increase the precision of diagnosis for colon and breast cancers. Artificial intelligence reconstructs detailed 3D images, promising a revolution in oncological diagnosis.          Contact: Contact person Valentina Cauda  Email valentina.cauda@polito.it Tel +39 0110907389 +39 3336333043  

Post-myocardial infarction ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of  death worldwide, with no clinical therapies capable of restoring cardiac function. RNAs represent a promising therapeutic frotnier, but its clinical applications are limited due to the lack of safe release systems. The NAPTER project is developing a new platform of hybrid polymer nanoparticles for the safe and effective release of specific microRNAs to target cells, aiming to recover cardiac function by reprogramming fibroblasts in the fibrotic scar into cardiomyocytes. NAPTER nanoparticles, which are biocompatible and effective according to preliminary tests, are produced using a patented scalable method. The project includes dose-dependent efficacy analysis, the development of AI-based methods, scale-up production, de-risking tests, and the definition of an industrial development strategy, along with entrepreneurial training and investor engagement for the creation of a spin-off.          Contact: Contact person Valeria Chiono Email valeria.chiono@polito.it Tel +39 0110906920  +39 3273636923  

This project aims to address the problem of wastewater pollution caused by contrast agents used in medical diagnostics. Although essential for improving the visualisation of tissues and organs in X-ray or MRI imaging, contrast agents containing iodine and heavy metals, such as gadolinium, are a significant source of environmental pollution. Once administered, these agents are excreted through urine and end up in the wastewater system. It is estimated that several hundred million doses of contrast agents are administered each year for X-ray tomography alone, and their increasing use has led to the detection of significant amounts of pollutants in the environment, potentially posing a risk to human health and ecosystems.     Contact: Contact person Angelo Bifone E-mail angelo.bifone@unito.it  Tel. 0116706437 3351270982  

Whey is the main waste product of the dairy industry. Worldwide, 160 Mton/year of it is produced, 8 in Italy alone. Due to its high organic load, whey cannot be discharged directly into surface waters. The recovery of high feed value proteins by means of ultrafiltration is often carried out to valorise this effluent. Nevertheless, the residual liquid (permeate) still has too high a load due mainly to the lactose content. The permeate is often concentrated to facilitate its transport to purifiers, reaching lactose concentrations of up to 160 g/L. REFINEMENT develops two technologies to create additional value from permeate: ethanol production by fermentation and surfactant synthesis by biocatalysis. Furthermore, it assesses how the integration of the two processes into a single ‘no-waste’ biorefinery can increase sustainability and facilitate technology transfer and business development of the developed know-how. In particular, it studies how the effluents of the two processes, which are currently unused, can be further exploited: the lactose residue at the end of fermentation can be used as a substrate for biotransformations, while the glucose-containing effluent from the biotransformations can be exploited as a medium for the preparation of the bacterial inoculum for pre-fermentation. Thanks to the synergy between the two processes so far considered separately, further added value will be generated from the up-cycling of the by-products by enhancing the circularity of the two processes.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most powerful clinical imaging techniques for diagnosing various diseases such as cancer, neurological diseases, metabolic diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Approximately 40% of MRI scans use Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) to enhance diagnostic information and detect pathological tissue. In Europe, more than 25 million MRI scans are performed per year, of which about 10 million use GBCA (a quarter of the world total). GBCAs are excreted from the human body through urine and end up in city sewers.  

Through the 2i3T incubator, a business acceleration process has been launched for the foundation of a university spin-off offering an innovative service for the automatic measurement of the gaseous exchange of water vapour and carbon dioxide between plant and atmosphere (Plant Flow Solutions, PFS). The PoC aims to support a project that will enable a technological advancement capable of redefining the applicability of these measurements, giving them all the characteristics of modern phenotyping systems, which will support the scientific basis of the nascent university spin-off.  

The need to ensure access to raw materials (RM), including critical materials (CRM), has stimulated EU policies to find alternative and supplementary sources to exploit. RM, secondary raw materials (SRM) and sometimes CRM can be recovered from old landfills and flowing waste from different production cycles, applying landfill mining and circular economy approaches respectively.  

The biomedical research and industry use cell cultures extensively, generating significant amounts of waste. BioReMediA was born from reflections on the economic and environmental impact caused by the daily disposal of large quantities of Exhausted Cell Culture Media (ECCM). Inspired by the exceptional versatility of microalgae and their ability to decontaminate heavily polluted matrices (such as wastewater and industrial effluents), Biomedica aims to develop strategies to recycle this waste into supplements that can efficiently grow microalgae. In detail, the project aims at: reducing the impact of liquid waste from the bio-medical research/industry; activating circular economy pathways by fostering sustainability in the same supply chains; increasing yields in microalgae cultivation for bioremediation applications through the use of ECCM-derived products; developing methods to obtain high value-added products (lipids, proteins, pigments) from microalgae with a cost-effective approach.

BiOCARE recovers cutin from agro-food waste, transforming it into a medical fabric with the aim of recovering (upcycling) food waste, resulting in environmental and economic benefits.

According to the preliminary environmental report of December 2021, which is part of the strategic environmental assessment procedure implemented by the Ministry of Ecological Transition (MITE) in cooperation with the Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), the annual production of waste in our country amounts to approximately 184 million tonnes. Of this, about 30 million are from urban sources and the remaining share (more than 80 %) comes from production activities. The largest production, for the latter category, is in Lombardy and Piedmont. In this context and in accordance with the aims of Spoke 2 of the NODES project, this project proposal is positioned and developed.

Plastics are now a necessary technology, but they are increasingly the focus of attention due to their direct effects on the environment and the land-water ecosystem, as well as the use of petroleum derivatives required for their production. In this project, a technology already patented by our research group as a resin for 3D printing will be optimised for industrial applications. The material under study in this project is a polymerisable, thermosetting bio-resin under curing conditions. All protocols used will follow Green Chemistry standards, producing a >80 % bio-based resin with low or no VOC emissions. This will give us an ecological advantage over current resins that often contain hazardous compounds such as styrene. Possible applications for the product will be wood flatting/impregnating (light-curing resin) and intumescent paints for fire-fighting use with a high filler content (heat-curing resin). The latter use is of particular interest due to the high heat resistance and non-melting nature of the cured product.

The proposing research group has patented a simple and inexpensive yet effective portable procedure for the determination of total mercury (HgTOT), inorganic Hg (HgIN) and methylmercury (CH3Hg) in fish products.  

The system stems from the need to reduce the overall environmental impact of cars during their lifetime by mitigating secondary emissions from braking systems, which, for the latest generation of combustion vehicles, produce a portion of particulate matter comparable to that of the engine itself.

The objective of this project is to develop a new mechanism called 'Infinite Stroke System - ISS'.

The project aims to use “marmettola” as an ingredient in the preparation of two-component grout (2CG), a technology used for backfilling in the mechanised excavation of tunnels using shielded machines. The development of the idea makes it possible to improve the quality of the "tunnel product," durability and hydraulic sealing capacity (thus reducing long-term maintenance) on the one hand, and facilitate the disposal of a waste from the mining industry in a virtuous process of circular economy on the other. The goal of the PoC is to take the technology to the level of industrial demonstration by experimenting with the preparation of backfilling mortar using turbo mixers commonly used on tunnel construction sites.  

Following the pandemic, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have developed forms of remote work and agile work (which we call flexible remote work). After the pandemic phase, many SMEs have opted for hybrid forms of work, where employees have the opportunity to work remotely typically up to 2 or 3 days a week. This change has required new organizational forms and weekly goal setting. However, due to complexity and costs, only a few SMEs have equipped themselves with suitable management tools to measure and evaluate the effects of this organizational change. This critical issue particularly affects businesses located in mountainous regions. The project aims to refine the Activity-Based Costing (ABC) methodology and develop a prototype of a low-cost cloud-accessible application that enables SMEs to evaluate work performance by breaking down activities into processes, considering hybrid work modes. The project is structured in 4 phases: - In the first phase, the ABC methodology is adapted to account for flexible remote work. - In the second phase, a new methodology called Activity Multidimensional Performance (AMP) is developed to comprehensively assess activity performance: this includes parameters such as efficiency, output quality, recipient satisfaction, and completion times. - The third phase develops a new methodology called Process Performance Management (PPM), which combines the results of the previous two methodologies (ABC and AMP) to measure and design or redesign the allocation of different activities between flexible remote work and in-person work. - In the final phase, an application is developed that allows for the collection, processing, analysis of data, and reorganization of activities based on these new methodologies.  

Nature-based Solutions (NBS) contribute to the recovery of mountainous areas through local water treatment, thermal control of buildings, and reduction of small landslides. The PoC aims to apply NBS technology for wastewater treatment in a mountain village, acting on building scale across multiple fronts: water management and energy aspects, slope stabilization, landscape value, economic attractiveness of buildings, and data collection for monitoring and managing properties and infrastructure. Building on previous research, interactive thematic maps will be developed to classify areas based on resource availability and terrain configuration. Within a case study, an architectural project managed through Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology will be formulated, integrating the installation of a green wall demonstrator for water management in mountain environments and terraces for rainwater management. Installation of IoT sensors facilitating the management of mountain and autonomous energy communities will also be planned. The construction and development of a versatile tool for use in sustainable building renovations will lead to the creation of an online platform with a section dedicated to graphical boards, interactive maps, informative sheets, and multi-target events to stimulate investments and co-design, two pillars of a virtuous circle in environmental protection, combating climate change, adapting to extreme events, and ecological and digital transition. At the heart of the proposed technology will also be the design and implementation of demonstrators aimed at developing vegetated system modules for thermal control and air quality, to be integrated into a high-value, low-impact architectural project. The proposed project will pass through phases of design, implementation, monitoring, installation, and monitoring for demonstrators. The development of the decision-making flow chart for the value proposition will pass through the creation of the online platform, which will encompass the results of territorial analyses and architectural proposals. At the end of the project, all elements will be available to propose a methodology for use in the revitalization of mountain villages both in the decision-making phase and in terms of architectural archetypes, integrating Nature-based Solutions into the value proposition. The developed technology will offer cutting-edge construction and plant solutions to increase the resilience of mountain living environments, benefiting entrepreneurship, citizenship, and administrations.  

At the conclusion of the project, we expect to have an advanced and fully functional technology that synergistically integrates augmented reality, BIM/GIS platform, and IoT network for natural disaster prevention. Compared to current technology, there will be several significant differences. Firstly, our system will feature greater scalability and flexibility through the integration of static and dynamic data from IoT devices, enabling real-time monitoring and continuous updates of environmental conditions. Furthermore, the virtual environment will be significantly enhanced, offering a more accurate and interactive representation of natural hazards and emergency procedures. User interfaces will be intuitive and engaging, facilitating user understanding and interaction with the system. Ultimately, we anticipate that our technology will have a significant impact on natural disaster prevention and management, enhancing the safety and resilience of vulnerable communities worldwide. 1. Implementation of IoT Network Integration: During the project, a key step will be implementing a robust IoT network to enable scalability of the BIM/GIS/IoT platform. This will involve designing and installing IoT devices for continuous monitoring of static and dynamic data related to flood and landslide risks. Additionally, developing a data management system will be necessary to ensure regular updates and real-time accessibility of this information. This step is crucial for effectively connecting the virtual and real worlds, providing users with the ability to interpret and utilize monitored data for disaster prevention and management. 2. Development of Interactive Virtual Environment: Another key step of the project will be the development of an interactive and innovative virtual environment. This process will require creating an accurate digital representation of the area of interest, integrating geospatial data and BIM models to provide a detailed overview of existing natural hazards. It will also be important to design and implement intuitive and engaging user interfaces that allow users to explore the virtual environment, access information on risks, and learn proper alarm and emergency procedures. This virtual environment will play a fundamental role in educating and raising awareness among the local population about natural hazards, and instilling safe and responsive behaviors in case of emergencies. Once proven effective and versatile, this technology could find numerous applications beyond the initial project scope. For example, it could be adopted in other geographical areas prone to similar natural risks, adapting BIM and GIS models to local specifications. Additionally, IoT network integration could be expanded to other environmental monitoring situations, such as seismic risk management or extreme weather conditions. The interactive virtual environment could also be used for educational and training purposes outside the context of natural disaster prevention. For instance, it could be used for emergency responders' training, environmental education in schools, or public awareness campaigns on climate change and environmental sustainability. Moreover, considering the growing popularity of augmented reality and wearable devices, there may be a market for customized applications that provide real-time safety and environmental condition information to individuals during their daily activities, such as mountain hikes or walks in potentially hazardous areas. In summary, the potential future applications of this technology are broad and varied, and could significantly contribute to safety, education, and environmental awareness in various contexts.    

The idea of TeleFragMont 4.0 to experiment with an integrated telemedicine system aimed at strengthening healthcare in marginal and remote areas arises from the need to overcome the challenges faced by mountainous regions, often treated as peripheral. Mountainous territories are facing significant challenges, such as demographic trends due to the combined effects of aging and migration, as well as socio-economic impoverishment. The distance between peripheral mountainous areas and hospital facilities exacerbates their fragility, leading to critical conditions for healthcare provision to the fragile population, elderly, and individuals with chronic conditions requiring assistance. Through a remote monitoring system of vital parameters, teleconsultation for the correct administration of therapies, and specialized medical visits, TeleFragMont 4.0 aims to reduce discomfort for the elderly and those most in need of care and assistance. This initiative offers them the opportunity to access adequate services without having to travel to larger centers with suitable healthcare and social facilities, thereby helping to counteract the depopulation phenomenon in mountainous and remote areas. Moreover, the telemedicine system will greatly support early diagnosis and prompt, personalized interventions tailored to the specific needs of individuals, making it easier to address the complex needs of frail, chronically ill patients. The project is characterized by its multidisciplinary approach, involving two departments of the University of Turin and integrating aspects related to the health of individuals residing in remote areas with informatics, organizational, and economic dimensions. State of advancement Currently, the project has addressed privacy-related aspects to enable monitoring of individuals interested in participating in the experimentation while complying with regulations. Research has been initiated to explore telemedicine solutions available on the market to assess their suitability in terms of detectable parameters and data availability.

In cases where work activities are carried out in contexts different from company premises, such as in the case of smart working, the protection of the health and safety of the worker is the responsibility of the employer. The employer is indeed accountable for the proper functioning of the technological tools assigned to the worker for smart working activities; moreover, they are required to ensure adequate training on the correct execution of work activities in agile mode. In fact, the Protocol for the private sector (as well as the Guidelines for the public sector) envisages specific training initiatives for personnel engaged in smart working, particularly on the technical tools to be used, the characteristics of this organizational form, and the health and safety aspects related to performing work outside the workplace environment (such as adequacy of workspaces, correct ergonomics, and use of appropriate furniture and equipment). The primary objective of the SHAKE project is to support companies in meeting their obligations to inform and train employees who perform their work activities in agile mode. To achieve this goal, SHAKE aims to develop a modular online training course that addresses the multifaceted aspects of smart working, including technical-legal aspects and components related to the psychophysical well-being of workers. To this end, the SHAKE project relies on an interdisciplinary team composed of legal experts, engineers, occupational psychologists, and physiologists. Each researcher will provide qualified input based on their expertise to define the individual modules of the course and develop training materials. The course will be delivered through a dedicated digital e-learning platform specifically designed for the SHAKE project. State of advancement The project started on November 15, 2023, and proceeded with the organization of the kick-off meeting with the project team. On December 15, 2023, there was a detailed reorganization and distribution of the budget across the involved departments and resources necessary for project activities. Procedures were then implemented for consolidating personnel resources for project activities in January 2024 by all working groups from various departments. On February 9, 2024, participation occurred in the presentation meeting for the training course NODESL - Entrepreneurship in Action, from idea to execution.

The project aims to build and test a blockchain-based platform to support the tourism sector, particularly to encourage travel to lesser-known locations and activities in mountainous areas. The tokenization capability offered by blockchain technology enables the creation of an incentive system to encourage tourists to visit less-known mountain places and make purchases at local businesses offering typical and zero-mile products. The project's starting point will be the CommonsHood blockchain platform developed by the project leader at the University of Turin. CommonsHood is a wallet app that allows citizens, institutions, and merchants to create new types of cryptographic tokens from templates without technical knowledge, using a no-code approach. It enables the creation of tokens representing assets such as customer loyalty tools (discount coupons, cashback), crowdfunding tools (crowdsales), NFTs, and complementary currencies. CommonsHood is integrated with FirstLife, a georeferenced civic social network, an interactive map also developed by the project leader, which can be used to discover and share the tourist resources and opportunities offered by a city or region. It allows interaction with visitors, for instance, by signaling events that might interest them. The challenge addressed is to increase tourist flows in mountainous areas, particularly in lesser-known zones, by offering economic incentives to tourists and giving local businesses and other stakeholders the ability to create a blockchain-based economic ecosystem. The project will lead to an increase in the TRL (Technology Readiness Level) of the platform applied to the new field of tourism and the evaluation of the establishment of an academic spin-off. The spin-off's business model will be based on the sale of tokens and collaboration with tourism stakeholders. State of advancement Currently, the project is in the phase of gathering and specifying functional and non-functional requirements, which will lead to the system specification that will define the architectural and technological design of the system. The tokenization model to be used in the experiments is also under study.

They are ~1 million in LEO orbit and can collide with orbiting satellites, damaging them and producing new debris. As most of these are uncatalogued, the main purpose of the system is to pursue space safety, acting as a technological and scientific demonstrator with future commercial applications.   Contacts: Contact person Prof. Mario Edoardo BERTAINA   Email marioedoardo.bertaina@unito.it