News

All the news about NODES and its innovation ecosystem: projects, partners, announcements, and events.

7. Secondary agroindustry
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6. Primary agroindustry
DigiFarm: successful conclusion of the project for a more efficient and sustainable livestock sector
The DigiFarm project has successfully concluded. This industrial Proof of Concept (POC), funded through the cascade call Line A, was developed to provide innovative tools to dairy sector enterprises, with the goal of improving nutritional and economic efficiency in milk production. At the heart of the project lies a well-known challenge for farmers: feed costs can account for up to 60% of the total cost of milk production. DigiFarm tackled this issue by developing a simple, effective, and easily applicable assessment model, based on a system of aggregated indicators capable of delivering a clear picture of farm performance—even with minimal field data. The strength of the model lies in its accessibility: it does not require full corporate accounting and can be adopted even by small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up the majority of Italy’s livestock production sector. By integrating technical and economic data, DigiFarm overcomes the limitations of partial indicators, which are often affected by external variables such as market fluctuations in feed or milk prices. The model enables precise identification of areas for improvement, enhancing production efficiency and economic sustainability for the farms involved. The results gathered during implementation confirm the model’s effectiveness: good feed conversion efficiency, satisfactory milk quality, and cost coverage even in less favorable market conditions. Beyond operational benefits, DigiFarm has also had a positive impact in terms of training and professional development, strengthening participants’ skills in livestock data analysis, efficiency modeling, and knowledge transfer to the production sector. DigiFarm stands as a concrete example of how digital innovation can support the agro-food sector’s transition toward more resilient, sustainable, and quality-driven production models—fully aligned with the priorities of the new European agriculture.
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7. Secondary agroindustry
UNISG researchers present Flagship Project research results in Valencia
Research conducted in collaboration with the MadeInAdd company launched Luisa Torri and Chiara Chirilli of the Sensory, Behavior and Cognition Lab research team of the University of Gastronomic Sciences participated in the 7th International Conference on Food Oral Processing – Physics, Physiology and Psychology of Eating in Valencia (12-14 May 2025), to share the results of the research activities conducted as part of the Spoke 7 Flagship Projects.   The conference saw the research group present two works related to an innovative study on an aspect relevant to understanding how people perceive and evaluate the characteristics of texture of foods, known as oral tactile acuity.   Individual differences in oral tactile acuity contribute to each person having a different oral perception of texture from another person and consequently influence eating behavior. "Participating in the conference - explained Chiara Chirilli - was a valuable opportunity to discuss interdisciplinary topics that connect oral sensitivity, sensory perception, nutrition, metabolism and design of new foods. Our contribution highlighted how oral tactile sensitivity can influence eating behavior and explain some individual preferences. Investigating differences in lingual tactile acuity can offer important insights for the development of personalized eating patterns based on sensory responses".   The research was conducted in collaboration with MadeInAdd, a partner company in the creation of the devices used to assess oral tactile acuity. Participation in the conference represented an important opportunity for visibility for the activities of Spoke 7 and strengthened the dialogue between scientific research, technological innovation and the food industry.
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2. Green technologies and sustainable industries
Spoke 2 at BioeCO₂nomy
NODES Spoke 2 participates in the BioeCO2nomy event with its researchers and the GRIP project On Thursday 22 May 2025, on the occasion of the National Bioeconomy Day, Spoke 2 of NODES - Green technologies and sustainable industries will be among the protagonists of the event ‘The BioeCO2nomy: Opportunities and challenges in CO₂ reduction, capture and reuse’, organised at the Environment Park Conference Centre in Turin. Promoted by the CLEVER Cluster, the initiative is part of the national calendar of events organised by Cluster SPRING and Assobiotec-Federchimica, with the aim of exploring the opportunities offered by the circular bioeconomy and the new frontiers of decarbonisation.   Spoke 2's GRIP research is told Spoke 2 will be present thanks to the contribution of two researchers involved in the GRIP programme activities: Silvia Fraterrigo Garofalo and Samir Bensaid from the Politecnico di Torino. The researcher will present the project during the morning session devoted to advanced technologies for CO₂ enhancement, illustrating innovative solutions developed within the framework of the applied research pathway promoted by NODES. “La BioeCO2nomy” rappresenta un’occasione preziosa di confronto tra imprese, centri di ricerca e stakeholder del territorio, con momenti di networking, incontri B2B e visite ai laboratori di Environment Park. Una vetrina importante anche per valorizzare il ruolo strategico delle tecnologie CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage) e la capacità del sistema dell’innovazione di rispondere concretamente alle sfide della transizione ecologica. ‘BioeCO2nomy’ represents a valuable opportunity for companies, research centres and local stakeholders to meet, with networking opportunities, B2B meetings and visits to Environment Park laboratories. It is also an important showcase for highlighting the strategic role of CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage) technologies and the ability of the innovation system to respond concretely to the challenges of the ecological transition.   Find out more and subscribe
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3. Industria del turismo e cultura
Uninsubria organizza l'urban game: Alla Volta di Como
Dal 19 maggio 2025 fino al 19 giugno 2025 sarà attiva l’esperienza “Alla Volta di Como”, l’urban game sviluppato dagli studenti della Scuola Specializzata Superiore d’Arte Applicata di Lugano e gli studenti della Laurea Magistrale in Hospitality for Sustainable Tourism Development dell’Università dell’Insubria, sostenuto dallo Spoke 3  (Nord Ovest Digitale e Sostenibile) del progetto NODES.   Il gioco, disponibile in italiano e inglese e completamente gratuito, proporrà una caccia al tesoro alla scoperta del patrimonio culturale della città di Como, tra dettagli curiosi e itinerari nascosti, indovinelli e premi; cinque tappe, una città da scoprire e personaggi storici pronti a sfidarti con domande e storie tutte da vivere.   A guidarvi una speciale rana e cinque personaggi storici in realtà aumentata, per un’esperienza divertente e dinamica.   L'attività è aperta a tutti. Scopri come partecipare scansionando il QR code presente sulla locandina!
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Hub Nodes
Verso un sistema universitario integrato nel Nord Ovest? NODES come laboratorio di cooperazione tra atenei, territori e imprese
Una proposta per rafforzare la collaborazione tra università del Nord Ovest è stata rilanciata sulle pagine de La Stampa dal Rettore del Politecnico di Torino, Stefano Corgnati che punta a costituire una federazione tra atenei per affrontare insieme le grandi sfide della ricerca, dell’innovazione e della formazione, in chiave cooperativa e sistemica.   L’obiettivo dichiarato sarebbe costruire un nuovo modello di governance accademica, in grado di coordinare percorsi formativi e laboratori, condividere infrastrutture e attrezzature, creare hub di ricerca aperti anche alle imprese, attrarre maggiori finanziamenti pubblici e privati, valorizzare le diverse vocazioni territoriali.   «Oggi non ha più senso parlare di ricerca del singolo, ma servono le grandi infrastrutture», ha affermato il rettore del Politecnico chiamato a ricoprire il ruolo di Presidente dell'Ecosistema NODES, di cui l'Ateneo è coordinatore. «Proiettiamoci a ciò che accadrà tra vent’anni: sarà vincente chi saprà coprire tutte le fasi della ricerca, mettendo in rete le competenze tecnologiche, umanistiche, economiche e giuridiche». Una visione che in parte è già realtà L’ipotesi di una federazione accademica del Nord Ovest potrebbe trovare proprio in esperienze come NODES un punto di riferimento operativo. In questo scenario, l’Ecosistema dell’Innovazione NODES - finanziato dal MUR nell’ambito del PNRR, si configura come un’esperienza già attiva e concreta di cooperazione interateneo che, coinvolge università partner – tra cui molte delle accademie citate nell’articolo – insieme a centri di ricerca, imprese e territori.    Un Ecosistema fondato su una logica di alleanza territoriale per l’innovazione, capace di una cabina di regia condivisa, di una visione strategica comune, d'integrazione tra le competenze accademiche e i bisogni del sistema produttivo, di apertura delle infrastrutture a servizio di imprese e comunità locali. L’Ecosistema sta dimostrando che mettere in rete persone, risorse e competenze non solo è possibile, ma è efficace: accelera i processi, rafforza l’impatto, valorizza ogni territorio nella sua specificità   E in quest’ottica si colloca anche l’iniziativa in programma il 27 e 28 maggio al Politecnico di Torino: i NODES' Tech Sharing Days, momento di incontro tra ricerca e impresa, durante i quali saranno presentati oltre 60 PoC accademici sviluppati dagli Atenei del territorio. Progetti nati nei laboratori universitari e già pronti per essere trasferiti al mercato o alla società.    Si tratta di soluzioni concrete, che testimoniano il valore della collaborazione tra atenei, la forza della ricerca pubblica e la capacità di creare connessioni vive con il mondo produttivo. Scopri il programma completo dei Tech Sharing Days
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2. Green technologies and sustainable industries
From research to entrepreneurial reality: Plant Flow Solutions, the spin-off that measures plant performance, is born
Plant Flow Solutions (PFS), a new entrepreneurial reality was born from a Proof of Concept developed within Spoke 2 of NODES - Green Technologies and Sustainable Industries, under the guidance of Prof. Claudio Lovisolo (DISAFA, Università di Torino).   The project was also able to continue its development thanks to the collaboration with the 2i3T incubator, moving from academic research to market innovation. The spin-off proposes a platform capable of automatically and continuously monitoring gas exchange between plant and atmosphere (CO₂ and H₂O), with an unprecedented level of precision and modularity. A technology designed to revolutionise the Agritech sector, but also applicable in industrial and urban contexts, up to carbon capture and air remediation from VOCs and pollutants.   Plant Flow Solutions is a virtuous example of technology transfer and sustainable innovation, perfectly in line with the objectives of NODES.   Get to know more
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7. Secondary agroindustry
Students’ Challenge on Agrifood Innovation Kicks Off
The University of Turin launches challenges for students from Piedmont  The program of the University of Turin 2030 Academy will be used to carry out the challenges of Spoke 7.   The NODES Spoke 7 Challenges are aimed at students enrolled at universities in Piedmont and will focus on the following topics: Digitalization as a tool to increase the efficiency of transformative food systems Innovative technologies for the stabilization of food Enhancement of food industry waste and its intelligent reuse Innovative approaches for the hygienic health control of food New innovative products based on vegetable raw materials   The challenges are linked to two Piedmontese companies:   Molino Stenca S.r.l. Born as an ancient water mill, Molino Stenca has been a point of reference for the soft wheat milling sector for sixty years and for 4 generations. Innovation and product customization are the distinctive features of the company. Ziccat S.r.l. Artisan chocolate maker since 1958, reinvented by a young and innovative group. In the artisan laboratory, the chocolate ingredients are carefully selected to guarantee quality and authenticity.   To register for the program, you must fill out the following form by May 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. 
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6. Primary agroindustry
The VINO Flagship Project in the Spotlight at EGU 2025: Research and Innovation for Sustainable Viticulture
The session “Soil management practices and land degradation in vineyards”, held on 28–29 April during the European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2025 (EGU) in Vienna, featured active participation from researchers at the University of Pavia. Claudia Meisina chaired the session, guiding an international scientific dialogue on soil degradation and sustainable practices in viticulture.   The contributions presented stemmed from research activities carried out within the VINO flagship project, part of NODES – SPOKE 6 – Primary Agroindustry, and covered a broad range of topics. Massimiliano Bordoni, Valerio Vivaldi, and Claudia Meisina presented work on shallow landslide prediction models, hydrogeological characterisation, and vulnerability analysis on vineyard slopes. Fabio Dell’Acqua introduced an automated mapping approach for inter-row vineyard management using satellite imagery and Bézier curve analysis. Diego Ravazzolo discussed a surface runoff model applied to assess erosion in agricultural landscapes.   Among the on-site posters, Antonio Gambarani, Matteo Giganti, along with Bordoni, Vivaldi, and Meisina, showcased studies on the application of nature-based solutions, the quantification of soil degradation, and future land suitability for perennial crops. The event highlighted the quality and relevance of the outcomes generated by the VINO project, fostering an interdisciplinary exchange between geosciences, digital technologies, and sustainable farming practices. 🔗 Learn more about the session: https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU25/session/52887
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5. Industria della salute e silver economy
VR-WISE: la campagna sperimentale ha inizio!
L'approvazione da parte del Comitato Etico segna l'avvio ufficiale della fase sperimentale del progetto.    L'invecchiamento sano rappresenta una sfida cruciale per la società moderna, con una crescita dei costi pubblici stimata fino al 28,3% del PIL italiano entro il 2040. Il progressivo declino delle capacità motorie e cognitive nella popolazione anziana richiede strategie innovative; tra queste, la realtà virtuale (VR) si sta affermando come strumento promettente grazie alla sua capacità di creare ambienti immersivi, migliorando coinvolgimento, memoria, attenzione e problem-solving, oltre ad offrire anche benefici psicosociali, riducendo isolamento e depressione.    In questo contesto, il progetto ''VR-AGEWISE'' mira ad esplorare l'uso di dispositivi di visualizzazione avanzata per valutare l'efficacia dell'utilizzo della VR su soggetti anziani. Gli obiettivi principali sono: misurare l'impatto su funzioni cognitive e motorie, analizzare usabilità e accettabilità della tecnologia, confrontare giovani e anziani sui benefici cognitivi e fisici e studiare longitudinalmente l'effetto sull'andamento del declino cognitivo.    La recente approvazione ottenuta dal Comitato Etico segna l'avvio ufficiale della fase sperimentale del progetto. Questa campagna si baserà sull'impiego delle tecnologie digitali identificate e sviluppate nei primi due anni di lavoro, con l'obiettivo di testarne l'efficacia in modo sistematico. In particolare, l'attenzione sarà rivolta alla realtà virtuale (VR), valutandone i benefici attraverso un confronto diretto tra differenti coorti di partecipanti, giovani e anziani. Verranno analizzati diversi parametri cognitivi e motori per comprendere meglio come l'età influenzi la risposta alla tecnologia.  Oltre a misurare gli effetti delle attività in VR, lo studio si propone di raccogliere feedback qualitativi e quantitativi dei partecipanti, informazioni fondamentali per perfezionare e ottimizzare l'usabilità delle soluzioni proposte. L'obiettivo finale è massimizzare l'impatto positivo delle tecnologie digitali sulla qualità della vita, promuovendo un loro impiego diffuso e consapevole all'interno della società contemporanea.      
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6. Primary agroindustry
International Collaboration and Applied Agroecology: A Learning Experience for the Degree Programme in Agri-Food Sustainability
From 22 to 24 April 2025, students from the Master’s Degree Programme in Agri-Food Sustainability at the University of Pavia took part in an intensive learning experience as part of the course “Sustainable Grass Crops, Integrated Production, Organic Farming” (9 ECTS), offered within the activities of Spoke 6.   Coordinated by Professor Valentina Vaglia (Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences), the course featured visiting professor Anna Peterson from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), providing students with a valuable opportunity to engage with international academic and practical perspectives on agroecology and the sustainability of agricultural landscapes.   The programme included field visits to the “I Doria” farm in Montalto Pavese (PV) and group work focused on real-world challenges such as agrivoltaics, soil and forest management, and crop diversification. Thanks to collaboration with European researchers and practitioners, students tackled complex issues through an interdisciplinary and project-based approach. Drawing inspiration from historical references such as Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Allegory of Good and Bad Government, participants were asked to envision sustainable transformation scenarios for the farm by 2050, rooted in the local context and grounded in the principles of environmental justice and resilience.
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5. Industria della salute e silver economy
Imprese e Innovazione: I PoC Industrali protagonisti del Roadshow di Primavera dello Spoke 5
Una tappa significativa e densa di idee, ispirazione e concretezza ha animato il Rettorato dell’Università del Piemonte Orientale il 14 aprile, in occasione dell’evento “Impresa e Innovazione: la Primavera della Salute e della Silver Economy”, organizzato dallo Spoke 5 del progetto NODES nell’ambito del Roadshow dedicato alle imprese finanziate dai bandi a cascata.   L'iniziativa, finanziata dal MUR attraverso il PNRR e i fondi NextGenerationEU, ha acceso i riflettori sulle soluzioni innovative e sviluppate da imprese e ricercatori per affrontare le sfide della sanità moderna con un focus su digitalizzazione, intelligenza artificiale, tecnologie biomedicali e medicina personalizzata.    Dopo i saluti istituzionali del Magnifico Rettore Prof. Menico Rizzi e del Prof. Marco Invernizzi, Project Manager dello Spoke 5, il pubblico ha potuto conoscere i primi risultati dei flagship projects INNDIANA e TINCARE, rispettivamente illustrati dalle ricercatrici dott.ssa Elena Canciani e dott.ssa Ines Basso e una panoramica sui bandi a cascata, strumenti fondamentali per il sostegno all’innovazione nelle imprese presentata dalla dott.ssa Chiara Caucino, Junior Innovation Manager & Business Development del BioIndustryPark.   Grande attenzione è stata riservata ai progetti finanziati dai bandi a cascata: in pitch di 4 minuti ciascuno, le imprese hanno presentato con entusiasmo i loro risultati e prototipi, spaziando dalla robotica assistiva alla telemedicina, dalla nutraceutica per la longevità fino alle nanotecnologie applicate all'oncologia.    L'evento ha confermato la forza dell'ecosistema NODES nel creare sinergie tra mondo accademico, impresa e territorio, e nel sostenere lo sviluppo di tecnologie al servizio della persona, della prevenzione e della qualità della vita.    Continuate a seguire il progetto NODES e lo Spoke 5 per scoprire le prossime novità sul fronte della salute e dell'innovazione.   
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2. Green technologies and sustainable industries
The third edition of the Students' Green Challenge: ideas, passion and a sustainable future with Michelin
Students' Green Challenge 3rd edition: the last stage of an extraordinary journey towards green innovation A room full of students ready to change the world, an international company of excellence such as Michelin to launch the challenge, and a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and vision: this was the third and final edition of the Students' Green Challenge, organised by the Università degli Studi di Torino (UniTo) Spin-off and Entrepreneurship Office together with NODES Spoke 2. The initiative ended on a high note with a challenge that was both concrete and visionary: to rethink industrial water management from a sustainable perspective, turning a need into an opportunity to reduce environmental impact and improve company performance.
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6. Primary agroindustry
Three Pavia-Based Companies Take Centre Stage in the Student Challenge Launched by Spoke 6 and the University of Pavia
Three agricultural businesses from the province of Pavia have been selected to take an active role in the project within Spoke 6, which is focused on sustainability and the digitalisation of agricultural and livestock production intended for industrial processing. The participating companies are:   Il Sabbione, run by Alice Zanaboni, based in Robecco Pavese (PV) Azienda Agricola Frigerio Anna Maria, located in Voghera (PV) Azienda Agricola Luca Bonizzoni, based in Casteggio (PV)   The challenges proposed by these companies were presented to students on 14 March during the Advanced Digital Marketing course, part of the Master’s Degree Programme in Digital Communication. This marked the beginning of an innovative educational journey based on the “learning by doing” method. The students, organised into multidisciplinary teams and guided by Professor Elisa Conz, will develop ideas, projects, and innovative solutions in response to the companies' real-world needs.   The initiative has a dual aim: To provide students with the opportunity to work on real business cases, gaining practical and project-based skills in a dynamic and authentic environment. To enable companies to connect with young talent and discover innovative, applicable solutions for their production and communication strategies.   Students will have until June to develop digital marketing plans designed to enhance brand awareness and engagement for the selected businesses. Particular attention will be given to competitiveness on both national and international levels: the marketing strategies must highlight the authenticity and quality of local products, helping to position these brands in a distinctive way within Italian and global markets.
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4. Digital innovation toward sustainable mountain
Clone of Success for Spoke 4's Networking and Acceleration meeting
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.