Research powering the North-West: success for the NODES Tech Sharing Days at Politecnico di Torino
The NODES Tech Sharing Days, held on May 27–28, 2025 at Politecnico di Torino, confirmed the value of scientific knowledge when it translates into concrete, useful, and shared impact.
The initiative transformed the university’s spaces into a vibrant platform for exchange among universities, research centers, businesses, and stakeholders, with the goal of promoting the digital and ecological transition and strengthening the link between knowledge and local development.
It was a two-day event filled with meetings, dialogue, and discussion among research, industry, and the region, featuring over 60 academic Proofs of Concept (PoCs) developed within the NODES Innovation Ecosystem – North-West Digital and Sustainable – which drew significant interest from attendees.
An ecosystem that connects and creates impact
NODES is a national innovation ecosystem with strong roots in the North-West and an open outlook on the entire country. Born within the framework of the PNRR – NextGenerationEU, the project pursues an ambitious goal: to strengthen research as a driver of growth, innovation, and territorial regeneration, including in the most vulnerable areas.
The model promoted by NODES is both practical and inclusive. It is built on the synergy between research, business, and local communities, aiming to bridge the gap between those who produce knowledge and those who can apply it.
Academic Proofs of Concept (PoCs) are among the main tools of this vision: experimental projects, ready to be tested, adopted, and scaled up, addressing key challenges in strategic sectors such as sustainable mobility, green tech, health, tourism, agri-food, and culture.
PoCs in sprint format: 5 minutes to present the future
At the heart of the two-day event were the pitch sessions, where research teams presented over 60 Proofs of Concept in rapid 3-minute talks. A true high-intensity “marathon” that brought to the stage innovative projects tackling key themes of the ongoing transition: from aerospace to smart mobility, from healthcare to sustainability, from urban regeneration to AI for tourism.
The sessions were moderated by a diverse group of experts from academia and the innovation ecosystem: Giuseppe Scellato (I3P – PoliTo), Nicole Mariotti (University of Turin), Marcello Sarino (University of Eastern Piedmont), Sara Lucca (ComoNExT), Roberto Bosio (Politecnico di Torino), Valeria Vercesi (University of Pavia), and Maurizio Martina (Politecnico di Torino).
The audience responded with great enthusiasm: over 500 registrations, more than 300 attendees, 160 exhibitors, and a continuous flow of exchanges at the booths set up in the courtyard of Politecnico. Among the highlights was the active participation of many university students, who were drawn to the event and engaged with curiosity and energy in a dynamic and stimulating environment.
Two roundtables to set the course
The institutional opening featured remarks by Chiara Ferroni, General Director of NODES, and Stefano Corgnati, President of the Ecosystem and Rector of Politecnico di Torino. In addition to emphasizing the strategic importance of technology transfer, their speeches highlighted the founding spirit of the project, the collaboration among universities and territories, and the long-term vision of an ecosystem aiming to become a permanent national reference point for innovation.
The roundtable held on May 27, moderated by Il Sole 24 Ore journalist Filomena Greco, focused on the theme: “Innovation and Technology Transfer: NODES and Academic Research as a Driver of Enterprise.”
Speakers in the first part of the session included: Giuliana Mattiazzo (Politecnico di Torino), Cristina Prandi (University of Turin), Andrea Vezzulli (University of Insubria), Marco Alderighi (University of Valle d’Aosta), Marco Invernizzi (University of Eastern Piedmont), Hermes Giberti (University of Pavia), and Andrea Pieroni (University of Gastronomic Sciences).
In the second part, perspectives from the innovation and finance sectors were shared by: Paolo Mulassano (Compagnia di San Paolo), Cristina Odasso (LifTT), Pietro Puglisi (Claris Venture), Giancarlo Rocchietti (Club degli Investitori), Giuseppe Scellato (I3P Incubator – PoliTo), and Giuseppe Serrao (2i3T Incubator – UniTo).
The roundtable on May 28, moderated by La Repubblica journalist Cristina Palazzo, explored the theme “Sustainability and Innovation in the NODES Territories”, offering a broad perspective on local regeneration and the value of regional supply chains.
Speakers included: Guido Cerrato (Turin Chamber of Commerce), Roberto Colombero (UNCEM Piemonte), Chiara Ferroni (NODES), Luca Formenti (Eleva), and Alessandro Zanon (Visit Piemonte).
A future to build together
The event also featured informal moments of networking and conviviality, designed to showcase the gastronomic and productive identity of the territories involved. These were valuable opportunities to meet, exchange ideas, build connections, and plan new collaborations.
The NODES Tech Sharing Days proved that innovation can truly be a collective endeavor-one that creates value for society, the economy, and local communities.
An event that gave voice to research that engages, opens up, and makes an impact.
And it confirmed that today, to innovate is the most tangible way to shape the future.
