News

The "Networking and Acceleration on the Digital and Sustainable Mountain" meeting, held on January 16 at the LINKS Foundation headquarters, was an important moment of progress for NODES Spoke 4. This is demonstrated by the data, such as: 68 registered attendees 22 participating companies and startups 8 meetings between companies/startups and investors 25 B2B meetings between companies/startups The average rating of the event by the participating funded companies, collected at the end of the meeting, was 8.75/10. An event that is only the first of a 2025 full of activities and initiatives.

Eye tracking is a technology that records eye movements to analyze where and how a person focuses their visual attention.    Eye tracking is a cutting-edge technology with applications across multiple fields and proves particularly valuable for enhancing user interaction in applications designed for congitive testing. By tracking eye movements - such as fixations (moments when the eye pauses at the specific point) and saccades (rapid movement of the eye between two points) - eye tracking enables the collection of detailed data on users' visual behavior.  In the context of cognitive test applications, this data helps assess key aspects such as attention level, distribution of visual focus, cognitive load, and emotional engagement during task execution. These insights are crucial to understanding how users interact with the test and to identify any difficulties or distractions the could affect their performance.     The integration of eye tracking in cognitive applications offers numerous advantages. For instance, the technology can be used to dynamically adapt test content based on the user's observed visual behavior. If the user shows signs of cognitive overload - such as increased pupil dilation or erratic eye movement - the application could reduce task complexity or suggest breaks to support recovery. Conversely, if the look indicates low interaction or inattention, the system can introduce more stimulating elements to help maintain focus. In addition, the data collected can be used to build personalized cognitive profiles, enabling the monitoring of changes in cognitive abilities over time and comparing individual performance with standardized benchmarks.    From the user's perspectives, the eye tracking integration helps make the overall experience more intuitive and natural. Users no longer need to provide explicit input via mouse or keyboard, as the application can respond directly to their eye movements. This feature is especiallly important for individuals with motor disabilities, for whom eye tracking an effective means of interacting with digital environments. In addition, the automation and real-time analysis of visual data improve the fluidity of the experience, reducing frustration and icreasing confidence in the use of the tool.  

NODES continues to support the SMEs receiving funding (Line A and Line B) by offering tailored strategic guidance in the fields of health and ageing, thorugh a direct dialogue with experts from the BioPmed cluster.   Results of the third session Following previous reports which highlighted projects distinguished by their interest in end-user research and internationalisation, this third session supported four new projects:  YOGA  DPLaBs IAMSH DCAre During the meetings, particular attention was given to: Networking: the projects worked to create strategic networks, identifying industrial and commercial partners to initiate collaborations for pilot projects. This process of research and engagement aimed to promote the practical application of the proposed solutions and their market positioning.  Fundraising: the companies were supported in exploring public and private funding opportunities, essential for supporting technological development, project validation and marker entry.  Looking ahead  These meetings have provided companies with concrete tools to face market challenges, enhancing their capacity to innovate and grow. 

In vista dell’aggiornamento del Piano Triennale di Prevenzione della Corruzione e della Trasparenza (PTPCT) per il triennio 2025-2027, da approvarsi entro il 31 gennaio 2025, NODES S.c.a.r.l. avvia una consultazione pubblica per raccogliere osservazioni e proposte sul vigente Piano, reperibile sul sito alla seguente pagina:   https://ecs-nodes.eu/trasparenza/altri-contenuti/prevenzione-corruzione/piano-triennale-2024-2026   Tutti gli stakeholder sono pertanto invitati a far pervenire – entro il prossimo 22 gennaio 2025 – le rispettive proposte di modifiche e/o integrazioni, delle quali si terrà conto nel percorso di predisposizione e adozione interna. Per formulare le suddette proposte è possibile scrivere al RPCT all’indirizzo info@ecs-nodes.eu inserendo quale oggetto della e-mail: "CONSULTAZIONE PUBBLICA – AGGIORNAMENTO PTPCT 2025 – 2027”.  

Segnaliamo che gli uffici HUB NODES resteranno chiusi dal 23 Dicembre al 6 Gennaio 2025 per le vacanze natalizie.  L'Ecosistema augura a tutti Buone Feste e un felice anno nuovo!

Gli obiettivi di NODES e dello Spoke 1 prevedono il massimo supporto all’irrobustimento e alla creazione di nuove realtà imprenditoriali innovative nei settori di riferimento, Aerospazio e Mobilità sostenibile. Grazie ai finanziamenti di Spoke 1, alcune realtà sono pronte a fare il passo successivo nel loro percorso di sviluppo tecnologico, verso il mercato e con grande potenziale di impatto. Tra i Proof of Concept finanziati dallo Spoke 1, il progetto IDRA, iniziato a dicembre 2023 sulla base dei primi sviluppi della omonima tecnologia, già vincitrice dell’Intellectual Property Award 2023, ha fatto grandi passi avanti ed il team, composto da ricercatrici e ricercatori del Politecnico di Torino, ha appena fondato una nuova Start-Up: DEPLOTIC, Spin-Off del Politecnico di Torino, che ne porterà avanti lo sviluppo.  

NODES continues its efforts to support SMEs that received funding through the cut-offs by offering personalised 1to1 consulting services. These sessions provides a unique opportunity for companies to engage directly with experts from the BioPmed cluster and receive tailored strategic guidance.    Results of the second session After the first report (available at the following link) which explored the interest of certain projects towards end-user research, this second session covered four other innovative projects: Pocus AI ROBO-HOSPITAL REMEDIO CaReMaM During the 1to1, the following topics were explored in depth:  Internationalisation: the session helped companies to define targeted strategies for strengthening their presence at trade frais, establishing contacts with international partenrs and expanding their global network.  Fundraising: with the support of experts, beneficiaries are exploring opportunities for both public and private funding, which is crucial to project scalability and growth.  These actions represent significant steps towards ensuring the success of projects in highly competitive contexts, offering innovative solutions in their respective fields of application and NODES will continue to share the outcomes of these initiatives, highlighting the contribution of each projects and promoting collaboration among its beneficiaries.    Next news:  The report of 1to1 activities will continue with a last dedicated news, in which further projects and the results of the last session will be highlighted.   Stay tuned to find out how NODES continues to value innovation and to promote collaboration among its beneficiaries. 

Starting in October with a double event between Oristano and Potenza, after the stops in Catania and Benevento, the tour concludes in Bari at the end of November.   A rich journey of events awaits NODES in October and November, with stops on the Roadshow designed specifically to explore the progress and investment capacity of projects funded in Southern Italy by the innovation Ecosystem through Cascading Grants.  The Roadshow is an important opportunity to discuss the validity of projects funded in Southern Italy and to promote collaboration between companies, universities, and stakeholders, opening new opportunities for synergies in the fields of innovation and sustainability.        

The DEMETRA academic POC, a system designed to train agricultural operators in a virtual reality environment, was presented at the EIMA 2024 international fair at the stand of Pellenc Italia. Pellenc, a partner company, provided the 3D model of the pruning shears used in the simulation.   During the event, visitors were able to test a demo of the immersive platform, discovering its potential to revolutionise training in the agro-industrial sector. The activity facilitated discussions with industry specialists, allowing the collection of valuable feedback for improving the technology and initiating new contacts with companies interested in implementing the system for their business.   Coordinated by Prof. Carnevale of the University of Pavia, the DEMETRA project aims to implement simulation and training solutions in the primary agro-industrial sector. These solutions overcome the temporal limitations typical of agriculture—such as seasons, day-night cycles, and weather conditions—freeing agricultural learning processes from seasonal dependency.

Global aging represents an increasing challenge for healthcare systems, requiring innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for the elderly. As part of the collaboration with the TINCARE flagship project of NODES - specifically regarding the wearable technology used in RM3 - a study has been launched at the RSA Belletti Bona in Biella to assess the acceptability of wearable devices among guests.     The project, led by Dr. Erika Bassi with the supervision of Prof. Alberto Dal Molin and Prof. Massimo Canonico, uses smartbadge-type device equipped with advanced sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes to monitor real-time parameters related to mobility, sedentary lifestyle and fall prevention. The data collected are processed using machine learning algorithms, offering a detailed view of the guests' motor patterns, including step entropy, useful for identifying early risk signals.    The study adopts a mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative analysis. While numerical data provide information on the use and effectiveness of devices, semi-structured interviews with guests allow to explore aspects related to comfort, usability and perception of the usefulness of the devices.    The expected outcomes will help to optimise the adoption of wearable technologies in RSA, improving security and promoting more active lifestyles. This project represents a significant step towards personalised and innovative care for the elderly. 

As part of the General Assembly of the European Geosciences Union (EGU), which will take place in Vienna from 27 April to 2 May 2025, abstracts are now being accepted for the session titled “Soil Management Practices and Land Degradation in Vineyards.” This session, aligned with the flagship VINO project, focuses on the impact of agricultural practices on soil degradation in hillside vineyards, addressing key issues such as erosion, shallow landslides, soil compaction, and organic matter loss. Advanced technologies, including remote sensing, field and laboratory measurements, predictive modelling, and mitigation strategies, will be presented to monitor and tackle these challenges. The session aims to foster dialogue among experts on innovative and traditional approaches to sustainable soil management. Contributions are invited on the following topics:   Remote sensing techniques and field measurements to monitor the effects of agricultural practices on soil; Implementation, parameterisation, and uncertainty management in predictive models; Simulation of the effects of climate change and soil management practices; Innovative mitigation measures to support farmers and policymakers in combating soil degradation and promoting sustainability.   This initiative seeks to integrate science, technology, and agricultural practices to develop effective and sustainable strategies for hillside vineyards.   The call for abstracts is open until 15 January 2025. Further information is available at: Session SSS9.7.   Conveners: Claudia Meisina, Jantiene Baartman, Mihai Niculita, Alessia Giarola  

In the grand setting of the Unione Industriale di Ancona, on November 22, 2024, the awards ceremony for the IT-Wiin 2024 Prize took place. This awards is aimed at Italian women who are entrepreneuts or researchers in public or private institutions and holders of patents.    Dr. Veronica Vighetto, a member of the NanoZoom research and co-inventor with Prof Valentina Cauda, was awarded for the internation patent titled "Metodo e apparato per immagini di contrasto in sonoluminescenza assistita da nanoparticelle in ambito medico-diagnostico, in particolare oncologico" (WO2022185208). This patent forms the foundation of the technology developed within the NanoZoom project, funded under the PoC Accademic scheme by NODES-Spoke 5. This is an excell recognition of both the value of the technology proposed in the NanoZoom project and the hard work the research team is putting in to transform an idea born in the academic field into an innovative application in diagnostic imaging.    For more information about the award: Click here For details on the NanoZoom project and research, please contact Professor Valentina Cauda at  valentina.cauda@polito.it

Starting in October with a double event between Oristano and Potenza, after the stops in Catania and Benevento, the tour concludes in Bari at the end of November.   A rich journey of events awaits NODES in October and November, with stops on the Roadshow designed specifically to explore the progress and investment capacity of projects funded in Southern Italy by the innovation Ecosystem through Cascading Grants.  The Roadshow is an important opportunity to discuss the validity of projects funded in Southern Italy and to promote collaboration between companies, universities, and stakeholders, opening new opportunities for synergies in the fields of innovation and sustainability.        

MEDICA - Leading International Trade fair saw the active participation of numerous regional entities and Italian clusters, including Bioindustry Park Silvano Fumero Società Benefit  with the BioPmed pole, CEI Piemonte, Camera di Commercio Venezia Giulia, Trieste e Gorizia, Trentino Sviluppo and Cluster Scienze della Vita del Friuli Venezia Giulia, gathered together in the collective stand organized by ITA - Italian Trade Agency.  The outcome of the event was overwhelmingly positive: collaborations with international partners such as KOBE Biomedical Innovation Cluster, Life Science Nord, Human Technology Styrua GmbH, and the other European clusters have opened up new perspectives for innovation. It was also a valuable occasion to promote NODES through the dissemination of One Pagers of academic and industrial PoC funded projects, Circular Health EDIH, the activities of the Sistema Poli di Innovazione Piemonte e il progetto ''Innovazione in mostra''.     Networking and Innovation in the heart of Düsseldorf  During the fair, an evening networking event took place at the historic Uerige brewery. Organized by Clust-ER Helath Emilia Romangna, Biopmed - Piemonte Healthcare Cluster Scienze della Vita del Friuli Venezia Giulia, in collaboration with Global Marketing Architecture, the initiative brought together Italian companies and internation partners in a place rich in charm and tradition.   The evening represented an opportunity for the participating companies, encouraging new connections and consolidating existing collaboration. The event highlighting the importance of teamwork among regional clusters, showcasing Italian innovation and paving the way towards international markets.    Looking to the future: emerging markets and international collaborations  The side event highlightined the future prospects of the sector, with a focus on emerging markets such at the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Latin America. The event showcased how the combination of innovation, collaboration and sustainability is driving the force of the sector, laying the foundation for an increasingly integrated and global system.