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On the afternoon of Thursday 11 July 2024 in Varese, in the splendid location of Villa Toeplitz, a meeting entitled: Nodes Challenges: students and companies for technological innovation was held. The event was organized by the University of Insubria, leader of Spoke 3 with the aim of presenting the results of 3 challenges in which some Uninsubria students were involved to citizens, businesses and researchers.  In the last two months, twenty-four students from the Department of Economics of the course on Economics and Management of Innovation and Sustainability (CLEMIS) and the course on Economics, Law and Corporate Finance (CLEDIFI) and fifteen students from the department of Law, Economics and Cultures of the Hospitality for Sustainable Toruism Development course had the opportunity to work side by side with important corporate entities such as ComoNext Innovation Hub, and Logos Centro Studi srl. The three challenges: "Sustainability reporting", "Skills" and "Museum innovation based on extended reality and generative artificial intelligence", had the aim of putting young people face to face with the completeness of the problems that companies and institutions encounter on a daily basis in their business and development journey and to therefore develop targeted projects that take into account technological innovation to be used as a tool for the valorisation and promotion of the territory and sustainability. During the event, professors, students and representatives of the companies involved discussed the challenges and objectives and results achieved; Furthermore, the Nodes flagship projects were presented as well as various opportunities for businesses deriving from the project.

On 9th July, researchers from the University of Pavia affiliated with the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture presented their research as part of the Nodes project in the session “NODES. Nature-based solutions for increasing resilience to water-related hazards” at the international conference TerraEnVision 2024. The session, coordinated by Dr Valerio Vivaldi and Dr Nadia Bertolino, featured the participation of international researchers who presented and discussed their work on natural hazards such as slope instability, floods, and droughts. These hazards pose global risks, especially in agro-ecosystems in semi-arid regions such as the Mediterranean. With the ongoing climate change, these events are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, thus requiring innovative and sustainable approaches to mitigate their environmental impact. The session, proposed within the context of the NODES - Spoke 6 project, addressed the role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in mitigating the impacts of water-related hazards in agro-ecosystems. In addition to the two co-chairs, Vivaldi and Bertolino, the Pavia researchers included Prof Claudia Meisina, Dr Valentina Vaglia, Dr Antonio Gambarani, Dr Margherita Pavanello, and Dr Matteo Giganti. Their research, developed within the flagship projects of Spoke 6, covers biological, agronomic, geological, geomorphological, and hydrogeological aspects, as well as the multidisciplinary applications of NbS for reducing water-related risks. This includes techniques for detection and models aimed at measuring, monitoring, and predicting the effects of NbS and climate change on agro-ecosystems.

18th June 2024 saw the launch of the call for start-ups of ReAction, the green-tech themed acceleration programme created as part of the NODES project for Spoke 2 - Green technologies and sustainable industry. Realised in collaboration with OGR Torino and Feat. Ventures, ReAction aims to accelerate Italian start-ups active, in particular, in the fields of environmental sustainability and circular economy onto the market. The 7-month acceleration programme is tailor-made for the most promising start-ups in the green sectors. From 24th October 2024 to May 2025, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their skills with targeted workshops and customised mentorship; develop their business model and market strategy; present themselves to investors during the exclusive Demo Day and network with experts, professionals and potential partners.   ‘OGR Torino's support for innovation is further strengthened with the launch of ReAction - Acceleration Program by NODES, the new project to support Green Tech companies realised in collaboration with the NODES ecosystem’ - says Matteo Pessione, OGR Tech Coordinator. - ’The acceleration path will provide startups with tools and skills to grow in the market and tackle urgent environmental challenges with the aim of fostering the evolution of a new sustainable balance in respect of the planet. Our hope is that many of the realities that will participate in this first edition of ReAction will find a home at OGR Torino, enriching our ecosystem and more generally our region’.

From June 24 to 28, the 7th World Congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society was held in Seattle. The event brought together experts from around the world, with an attendance of over 1,000 registrants. Representing the University of Piemonte Orientale, Dr Dalila Di Francesco and Dr Simona Casarella, PhD students led by Professor Francesca Boccafoschi, Full Professor of Human Anatomy and scientific manager of the INNDIANA flagship project of the Spoke 5 of the NODES project.  Both presentations of the PhD students have attracted a lot of interest and have been useful to strengthen international collaborations with world reference groups in the field of regenerative medicine. Within the context of the presentations at the congress, the fundamental role of the NODES flagship in supporting and promoting research in the field of regenerative medicine clearly emerged.   NODES, through the INNDIANA project, is positioned at the forefront of research in regenerative medicine, facilitating collaboration between researchers and promoting discoveries that can revolutionize future medical care. The presentations not only highlight their commitment and talent, but also the support and guidance provided by NODES, consolidating the role of the University of Eastern Piedmont as a leader in scientific and technological research.

The software DINO by Paperbox Health is geared towards the identification of early signs of learning disorders in children, e.g. dyslexia. It is based on a statistical model which is being studied by a team of researchers of the start-up Paperbox Health and statisticians in the Department of Mathematical Sciences of Politecnico di Torino, a participant to the flagship project TINCARE of Spoke 5 of NODES. It will also be one of the core activities of a new doctoral student who will be recruited by the team in the secondo hald of 2024.    The main ideas laying the foundations of the statistical model are rooted on Psychometry and its digital applications, and in particular on interacting videogames evaluated using Item Response Theory (IRT), They have been presented by professor Mauro Gasparini at the 52nd Meeting of the Italian Statistical Society in Bari on June 20, 2024 on behalf of coauthors Cecilia Campanile (Politecnico di Torino), Stefano Piacentini (Sapienza Università di Roma) and Giacomo Pratesi (Paperbox Health s.r.l.). 

Starting with a case study developed within Spoke 4 NODES - the virtual reality modeling of a mountain cabin in Valle Cervo based on its photograph - an experiment was initiated at the Politecnico di Torino to explore the course topics with a new approach, capable of simulating the expected outcomes in an alternative, virtual, and immersive reality. Participants in the new course "Virtual Reality and Vulnerabilities," led by Anna Osello, a professor in the Department of Structural, Building, and Geotechnical Engineering (DISEG), and Umberto Manera, a researcher at the University of Turin, as part of the curricular course "Great Challenges – Health," used specific headsets to tackle digital modeling concerning the chosen type of vulnerability. The vulnerabilities of individuals - from physical illnesses to mental disorders - are at the heart of the proposed teaching. Thanks to the synergy between different disciplines - engineering and humanities - it explores the potential of digital tools in designing shared and interconnected spaces where users can interact through their avatars. Enhancing reality with virtuality is the goal of this educational experience, aiming to offer entertainment activities for those suffering from debilitating conditions through a therapeutically designed path. From lessons to exams, the entire course took place in the Metaverse, with the teachers and collaborators also present in the virtual reality modeled by the participants. A total of 23 multidisciplinary groups were formed, including "Digital and Sustainable Mountain," each composed of six students. Each group identified a vulnerability to address and modeled the virtual space according to the specific needs of the people involved. The ultimate goal is to train well-rounded engineers capable of designing public spaces precisely while safeguarding the various vulnerabilities present in our society.

  Enrollment is now open for the course "Frontier Olive Growing and Other Alternative Herbaceous Crops in Non-Mediterranean Climate Areas", offered by the University of Pavia. The course, led by Professor Graziano Rossi, is designed to provide agricultural operators with a wide range of practical and theoretical skills related to the development of olive cultivation and herbaceous crops such as cereals and artichokes, which are particularly suited to the sub-mountainous areas of northern Italy. Through a combination of theoretical lessons, practical activities, and company visits, participants will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully cultivate olives and other herbaceous crops in the sub-mountainous areas of northern Italy, thereby contributing to the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector.   The course is free and will take place from October 6, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Enrollment is open until September 10, 2024.   For further information, please consult the course information sheet.    

Enrollment is now open for the course "Wine Tourism: Omnichannel Customer Experience," offered by the University of Turin. The course, led by Professor Anna Claudia Pellicelli from the Department of Management, aims to provide an in-depth understanding of positioning and communication dynamics in the wine sector, highlighting the crucial importance of these aspects in the context of the growing competition in the current market. By providing an overview of the most innovative trends, such as content marketing and social media marketing, the course aims to equip participants with the necessary tools to effectively engage consumers and build emotional connections with the brand. The course is intended for professionals aiming to develop marketing strategies that consider environmental changes, efficient resource management, and the integration of digital technologies to optimize the entire production process. It includes theoretical lessons and company testimonials, offering participants practical inspiration derived from the direct experience of industry enterprises.   The course is free and will take place from September 27 to October 9, 2024. Enrollment is open until September 2, 2024.   For further information, please consult the course information sheet.

On Wednesday 26 June 2024, at the Como - S. Abbondio headquarters of the University of Insubria, the results of the initiative were presented: Innovation Camp for PhD students; a course dedicated to PhD students who, during the sessions, were able to discuss important topics such as entrepreneurship and innovation, the development of hard and soft skills as well as technological transfer and the economic exploitation of research results.   The initiative, which falls within the scope of the NODES project and the initiatives of the Teaching and Learning Center, is organized by Prof. Mauro Fasano (Rector's Delegate for Innovation and Technology Transfer), Prof. Alessia Pisoni and the Prof. Andrea Vezzulli, in collaboration with the Strategic Planning Office. During the course, interventions were also made by Prof. Ilaria Capelli, Dr. Andrea Bellucci and Dr. Chiara Ronchetti.   In recent months, the course participants have worked in teams in order to create, thanks to the knowledge acquired in the theoretical introductory lessons regarding the Lean Startup approach, a proposal for an innovative business idea which was presented in front of a jury of external experts which decreed the Best Innovative Project of 2024.   The members of the jury include: Dr. Elena Zaffaroni, head of the Incubation Area of ​​ComoNext Innovation Hub, Dr. Immacolata Tina, head of the Innovation and Digitalization operational unit of the Como - Lecco Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Luisa Minoli, head of the Research Area and Innovation of Confindustria Varese, Eng. Gabriele Del Pero, Innovation and Research Area of ​​Confindustria Como and Dr. Edoardo Braccio, Project Manager of Spoke 2 - Department of Management of the University of Turin.   The 2 teams of PhD students presented 2 projects: Cornexus and OphthaLink; two innovative Apps to be used in the health field.   After careful analysis, OphthaLink was found to be the Best Innovative Project of 2024.

Ecosystem players meet to find interesting new ways forward together, identifying the skills, synergies and needs of players in the Aerospace and Sustainable Mobility supply chains. The event "Projects and Progress. Academy and Industry dialogue" on June 19 was a great success in terms of participation and discussion among Spoke 1 actors, representatives from innovative companies and applied research presented projects funded through NODES, and then looked together for new developments and applications, comparing possibilities for cooperation and complementary skills.

A new model for the valorisation of the landscape-cultural heritage of the territory On Tuesday 18 June 2024, in Livorno Ferraris, at the MAVO - Archaeological Museum of Eastern Vercelli, the activities of the PARADIGMA project (Multimodal Digital Active Rural Landscapes in Livorno FerrAris) financed by the cascade calls of the NODES Ecosystem within the Spoke 3 - Tourism industry and culture, through the MUR - PNRR funds of the European Union - NextGeneration EU.  The project is coordinated by Ithaca Srl with the support of the Inter-university Department of Territorial Sciences, Projects and Policies (DIST) of the Polytechnic of Turin and involves the Municipality of Livorno Ferraris as an area of ​​study and experimentation.  The objective is to create an interactive and digital platform, based on cartographic supports and integrated with information and data specific to the territory to offer an accessible and complete narrative of the municipality and its surroundings.   Thanks to the platform, it will be possible to explore the main points of cultural, rural and historical interest through the description of the cycling itineraries that branch off from Livorno Ferraris. Together with the web platform, citizens and tourists will also have an app available for more immediate and smart use. The PARADIGMA project aims to propose a new model of enjoyment of the landscape-cultural heritage, both from the point of view of valorization and of the active participation of the population in the processes of protection of the environmental heritage. One of the most interesting and innovative planning phases of the project is in fact that of "knowledge building" which sees the involvement and direct participation of the administration, the stakeholders of the territory and the citizens, a precious source of information and narration of its territory, from a cultural and historical point of view.   The Mayor of Livorno Ferraris, Franco Sandra, shows satisfaction: “We are very happy that our territory has been chosen as a pilot for the experimentation of the PARADIGMA project. The platform that we are going to create adds and integrates into the path that we have already started with the Borghi delle Vie d'Acqua Association of which our Municipality is part and validates our passion and our commitment in making known the numerous excellences that the Vercelli area expresses". For Marco Valle, Director of Ithaca Srl: "With this project, we continue to increase our skills in the analysis and management of geospatial data to offer solutions and products also for the cultural and historical valorization of territorial heritage" explains Marco Valle, Director by Ithaca Srl "PARADIGMA is also particularly strategic because we will have the opportunity to develop an adaptable and flexible model in other contexts, giving other Municipalities and Villages the opportunity to promote their excellence".  A model therefore replicable on those territories not included in the dynamics of mass tourism but which can offer cultural, historical and food and wine resources of excellence and interest and which, thanks to new increasingly flexible and adaptable digital tools, can position themselves and promote themselves towards a wider audience.        

During the presentation event of the courses offered by the University of Pavia as part of the Spoke 6 training offer, Hermes Giberti, Full Professor at the Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Rector’s Delegate for Technology Transfer, outlined the "Agritech Training: Precision Viticulture" course, which he leads. Giberti explains: "Agritech represents a crucial step for anyone wishing to adopt cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices to improve their productivity and competitiveness. The course focuses on the adoption of digital technologies in agriculture, such as precision farming and internet farming, which significantly increase agricultural productivity. These technologies optimize the use of resources like water, fertilizers, and pesticides, increasing crop yields by 10% to 30% and reducing environmental impact. Sensors and real-time monitoring systems reduce fertilizer and pesticide waste by up to 40%, enhancing efficiency and lowering operational costs. Smart irrigation systems reduce water consumption by up to 50%, ensuring optimal plant growth. Continuous monitoring of crop and soil conditions allows for timely interventions, improving crop quality and reducing post-harvest losses.” "Agritech- continues Giberti- offers numerous benefits from an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) perspective. It improves the working conditions of farmers, increases the productivity and profitability of agricultural businesses, and facilitates access to crucial information. It also enhances the transparency and accountability of agricultural companies, helping them comply with environmental and food safety regulations. These tools facilitate informed decision-making and improve access to credit through verifiable and accurate data. In summary, digital technologies in agriculture support sustainable and responsible practices, with significant benefits for the environment, society, and governance of agricultural businesses." The contribution of industry specialists from IBF Servizi, Bayer Crop Science, and TIM is fundamental, as they will share their expertise with course participants as instructors. The Agritech course will be held from July 15 to 31, 2024, and can be attended both online and in person. Enrollment closes on July 1, 2024. For more information and registration, consult the course information sheet.

The first Students' Challenge of the University of Valle d'Aosta for NODES, organized with Grivel, a mountain equipment manufacturer, ended successfully with a final meeting held on Monday 10th at the Department of Economic and Political Sciences. The winners were awarded by prof. Marco Alderighi, Project Manager of Spoke 4 NODES; by prof. Mario Benassi, tutor of the Open Innovation course for business development; Federico Molino, representing the Spoke 4 Stakeholders Committee; by Oliviero Gobbi, CEO Grivel; and Matteo Boffi, Sales Manager Grivel.   Winners: Cojla Pezo Nelson Michael Davison Cristian Filimon Diego Foti Alessia Juglair Nicole Bordet Dario Boero Andrea Lesto Nathanael Chabod