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The Piedmont Region has approved “MATCHIN,” a measure that allocates €5 million from the 2021–2027 ERDF Programme to encourage the integration of highly qualified researchers into small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Piedmont. The goal is clear: to strengthen the region’s research, development, and innovation capacity by building a stable bridge between the world of public research and private enterprise. The call for proposals, which will be published by the end of 2025, includes two lines of intervention: Grants for the direct hiring of researchers by SMEs with an operational or production site in Piedmont. Support for the temporary collaboration of personnel from universities and research organizations.   Through this dual approach, MATCHIN aims to foster the circulation of skills and knowledge between universities and businesses, while supporting new opportunities for professional growth for researchers and applied innovation processes for companies.

From October 2 to 4, 2025, NODES – Nord Ovest Digitale e Sostenibile brought the voice and vision of the Ecosystem to Expo 2025 Osaka, within the Italy Pavilion of the Ministry of University and Research.   Three intense days on an international stage of innovation, featuring aerospace research, sustainable mobility, and new opportunities for global cooperation. At the center stood the dialogue between research, business, and institutions, with Piedmont and the North-West of Italy leading a shared vision of a sustainable future.   The opening day on October 2, titled “Volare”, gathered some of the most prominent institutional and academic figures: Ambassador Mario Vattani, Commissioner General for Italy at Expo; Stefano Corgnati, Rector of Politecnico di Torino; Alberto Cirio, President of the Piedmont Region; Stefano Lo Russo, Mayor of Turin; and Gianmarco Montanari, Director General of MOST – National Centre for Sustainable Mobility.   Alongside them, the speech by Chiara Ferroni, Director General of NODES, gave substance to the role of the Ecosystem as an open and inclusive model of innovation, highlighting how innovation acts as a driver of territorial development, a concrete instrument for implementing the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), and a model capable of inspiring international collaborations.   “Research that becomes innovation, innovation that becomes impact” – with these words, Ferroni summarized the mission of NODES: an ecosystem that unites universities, enterprises, and the entire territory to face the great challenges of our time.

From October 2 to 4 2025, NODES – Nord Ovest Digitale E Sostenibile will take center stage at Expo Osaka 2025, inside the Italy Pavilion hosted by the Ministry of Universities and Research, together with the Politecnico di Torino and MOST – National Center for Sustainable Mobility.    The University, coordinator of the Ecosystem, will showcase the AIRONE project – Aircraft and drones for sustainable civil mobility, a multimedia journey dedicated to the new frontiers of aerospace research and the mobility of the future. Topics presented will include: drones entering everyday mobility, next-generation low-emission aircraft, technologies for supersonic and space flight, as well as satellites and innovative applications improving life on Earth.   On the opening day, October 2, NODES will participate with a keynote by General Manager Chiara Ferroni, who will share the Ecosystem’s vision of innovation as a driver for regional development and the opportunities created by the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan). Her speech will be part of an institutional talk also featuring Mario Vattani (Commissioner General, Italy Expo 2025 Osaka), Stefano Corgnati (Rector, Politecnico di Torino), Alberto Cirio (President, Piedmont Region), Stefano Lo Russo (Mayor of Turin), and Gianmarco Montanari (General Director, MOST).   Participation in Expo Osaka represents a unique opportunity for NODES to enhance its role as a national research and innovation ecosystem and to strengthen international relations with Japan and other global stakeholders. With the contribution of its seven thematic Spokes, NODES promotes an interdisciplinary innovation model that brings together universities, enterprises, and territories.. Its presence at the Expo reaffirms the Ecosystem’s commitment to giving international visibility to the excellence of Northwest Italy and to their impact on the future of mobility, sustainability, and digitalization.  

In Turin, an intense weekend of research took shape with UNIGHT – The European Researchers’ Night, which turned the city into a vast open-air laboratory. Over 350 activities animated the Castello del Valentino, the Botanical Garden and many other city spaces with exhibitions, experiments, performances and talks designed to bring everyone – from children to adults – closer to the world of research.   Promoted by the Politecnico di Torino and the University of Turin, with the support of the Municipality and the Region, the initiative highlighted not only scientific achievements but also the everyday work of attempts, obstacles and errors. It was an invitation to see science as a living and imperfect process that grows precisely through its challenges. Within this rich programme, NODES – Nord Ovest Digitale e Sostenibile presented activities that combined innovation, sustainability and participation, through exhibitions, labs and institutional stands.  

September 26–27, 2025 – The European Researchers’ Night returns, an event promoted by the European Commission that brings science to squares, universities, and cities across Europe. This year again, NODES – North-West Digital and Sustainable will be a key player, with researchers from its 7 Spokes present in Turin, Pavia, Como, Busto Arsizio, and Aosta, offering many free and public initiatives.   In Turin – UNIGHT 2025: exhibitions and workshops at Valentino Castle and the Botanical Garden, covering digital communication, health, energy, and smart cities, plus a treasure hunt you won’t want to miss!   In Pavia – SHARPER 2025: experiments, games, and scientific stands dedicated to sustainability, agri-food, biotechnology, and circular economy.   In Como and Busto Arsizio – UNINSUBRIA: NODES projects and PoCs on augmented reality, immersive technologies, and circular economy.   In Aosta – UniVdA: workshops for children and families, lectures, scientific tastings, and sky observations with the Astronomical Observatory. A unique opportunity to get to know the research that is changing our daily lives and to imagine future solutions together. Discover the full program and come visit us!

The Venture Booster Program officially kicked off on October 13, 2025. Promoted by NODES – Nord Ovest Digitale E Sostenibile in collaboration with LifeGate Way, the initiative supports startups and entrepreneurial teams committed to the dual digital and ecological transition. Following the public call that closed on October 6, three innovative projects were selected to take part in an intensive, tailor-made acceleration journey running until December 15, 2025:   Altered Materials Biodegradable bio-encapsulation for precision and sustainable agriculture. Agritech, sustainable innovation and scalable technologies using hydrogels and biopolymers to improve fertilizer efficiency and reduce environmental impact.   NAPTER Hybrid nanocarriers for RNA therapies in cardiology, with clinical applications and potential impact on cardiovascular disease treatment. Healthtech, medtech and deep science converge in this frontier project developing targeted RNA delivery systems for post-infarction therapies. New Oil Factory Self-structured oleogels for healthier and more sustainable food formulations, additive-free and low-impact. Foodtech, nutritional innovation and sustainable ingredients designed to replace animal and tropical fats in food products, delivering health and environmental benefits.   A tailor-made journey Each startup is supported by a dedicated tutor and follows a custom acceleration path that includes: Business model development and validation Fundraising and pitch preparation Legal, IP and patent protection Strategic positioning and sustainability The first training session took place on October 15, with a workshop titled “Human Sustainability & Company Culture”, led by Elga Corricelli and Helga Ogliari – a moment of cross-cutting reflection on the human values that guide the growth of sustainable startups.   The initiative is part of the strategic actions of the NODES Ecosystem, funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) under the PNRR – Next Generation EU, with the goal of promoting the emergence and development of innovative, sustainable and interconnected business models. Through the Venture Booster Program, NODES aims to concretely support the growth of high-impact entrepreneurial projects, enhancing the role of the ecosystem as a platform connecting research, business and territories. Learn more Program overview | Launch news      

The Venture Booster Program kicks off, an initiative by NODES – Nord Ovest Digitale e Sostenibile in collaboration with LifeGate Way, designed to support startups and entrepreneurial teams engaged in the dual digital and ecological transition. The program will select 3 high-potential projects, offering an intensive and tailored path that combines assessments, mentorship, targeted training, and strategic networking with businesses, investors, and stakeholders. The goal is to strengthen the growth potential of emerging companies, facilitate access to new market and investment opportunities, and promote innovative and sustainable business models.   The Venture Booster Program is aimed at both teams with entrepreneurial ideas in development and startups established for less than 6 months, operating in one of NODES' strategic sectors: from aerospace and mobility to green tech and sustainable industry, from culture and tourism to mountain-related projects, from health to agroindustry.   The selected companies will benefit from personalized mentorship and consultancy, with support in business plan development, marketing strategy definition, and financial management. Additionally, they will gain access to strategic networking, with direct connections to businesses, investors, and key professionals, participation in exclusive events, and entry into a global network of contacts and partners.   “With the Venture Booster Program, we aim to provide emerging startups and teams – both within and outside the NODES ecosystem – with a tangible growth opportunity, offering tools, expertise, and connections. It is a concrete example of NODES' mission: to transform research and innovation into value for people and territories” – said Chiara L. G. Ferroni, CEO of NODES.   The Venture Booster Program is thus part of the NODES Ecosystem, funded by the MUR within the framework of the PNRR NextGenEU, as one of the tools dedicated to identifying and strengthening local startups and entrepreneurial teams, offering them a tailored path, access to specialized expertise, and concrete growth opportunities.   Timeline     •    October 6, 2025 – Application deadline     •    October 10, 2025 – Winners announcement     •    October 13, 2025 – Start of the acceleration program     •    December 18, 2025 – Final event and program closure   For more information and to apply, please visit the program page    

Please note that the HUB NODES offices will be closed for the summer break from Monday, August 11 to Friday, August 22, 2025, Activities will resume regularly starting from Monday, August 25.   The summer break is a valuable opportunity to recharge and restart with renewed momentum: the coming months will be intense, filled with milestones to consolidate, challenges to face, and new opportunities to seize, together. Wishing everyone a wonderful summer! The HUB NODES Team

HUB NODES S.c.a.r.l. has launched a procedure, through a preliminary market consultation, for the identification of an Economic Operator to potentially entrust with the VENTURE BOOSTER PROGRAM service of NODES.   To participate in the consultation, Economic Operators must submit their financial offer and technical proposal, both digitally signed, no later than August 27, 2025, via PEC (Certified Email) to the address nodes@pec.it.  Applicants must also meet the general and professional suitability requirements indicated in the documentation, demonstrate relevant previous experience, and be registered on the Electronic Marketplace of the Public Administration (MePA).   For all details related to the procedure, please refer to the full Notice.   Go to the page

In Aosta, a day of creative dialogue among key players on results, impacts, and future visions On Friday, 18 July 2025, the NODES – North-West Digital and Sustainable Innovation Ecosystem gathered in Aosta for its sixth General Assembly, hosted at the new University Campus of the Università della Valle d’Aosta (UniVdA). It was an intense, well-attended day that placed shared assessment front and center: taking stock of results achieved, examining the first evidence of impact, and charting the horizon of activities between now and the Program’s conclusion at the end of the year.   The proceedings opened with a video welcome message from Stefano Paolo Corgnati, President of HUB NODES, while Alberto Gaggero, the newly appointed lead of Spoke 4 – Digital & Sustainable Mountain, conveyed greetings on behalf of UniVdA’s Rector, Manuela Ceretta.   With total participation exceeding 110 people, 85 onsite and about 25 online, the day marked an important opportunity for broad-based dialogue across the entire NODES network.

In today’s edition of Il Sole 24 Ore, June 20, the Nord Ovest insert features an in-depth article on the NODES Innovation Ecosystem, highlighting the results achieved thanks to the investment of over €112 million from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).   In the article by Filomena Greco, it is emphasized how these funds have made it possible to activate a broad and synergistic network involving 8 universities, innovation hubs, research centers, incubators, and companies, engaging 617 innovation professionals and creating 491 new jobs.   Also featured in the article are the 61 academic Proofs of Concept (PoCs) presented during the Tech Sharing Days at Politecnico di Torino, which for two days was transformed into a true exchange platform between research and industry.  «Technology transfer is a strategic lever for the future of our territory,» says General Director Chiara Ferroni. «The synergy between universities, institutions, and businesses is essential to generate concrete impact.»   Read the article on the newspaper’s website

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.

A proposal to strengthen collaboration among universities in the North-West has been relaunched in the pages of La Stampa by the Rector of the Politecnico di Torino, Stefano Corgnati, who aims to establish a federation of universities to jointly address the great challenges of research, innovation, and education, with a cooperative and systemic approach.   The stated goal would be to build a new model of academic governance capable of coordinating educational paths and laboratories, sharing infrastructures and equipment, creating research hubs also open to businesses, attracting greater public and private funding, and enhancing the different territorial vocations.   «Today it no longer makes sense to talk about individual research, we need large infrastructures,» stated the Rector of the Politecnico, who has been appointed President of the NODES Ecosystem, coordinated by the university. «Let’s project ourselves twenty years into the future: those who will succeed will be those able to cover all phases of research, networking technological, humanistic, economic, and legal skills.»   A vision that is already partly a reality   The idea of an academic federation in the North-West could find in experiences like NODES a concrete operational reference. In this scenario, the NODES Innovation Ecosystem — funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) — represents an already active and concrete experience of inter-university cooperation, involving partner universities (including many of the institutions mentioned in the article) together with research centers, businesses, and local territories.   An ecosystem built on a logic of territorial alliance for innovation, capable of a shared governance structure, a common strategic vision, integration between academic skills and the needs of the production system, and the opening up of infrastructures to serve companies and local communities. The Ecosystem is demonstrating that networking people, resources, and skills is not only possible but effective: it accelerates processes, strengthens impact, and enhances each territory in its own uniqueness.   In this perspective, the initiative scheduled for May 27 and 28 at the Politecnico di Torino also fits in: the NODES' Tech Sharing Days, a meeting point between research and industry, during which more than 60 academic Proofs of Concept developed by local universities will be presented. Projects born in university laboratories and already ready to be transferred to the market or society.   These are concrete solutions that demonstrate the value of collaboration among universities, the strength of public research, and the ability to create living connections with the productive world. Discover the full program of the Tech Sharing Days

Technological innovation, sustainability, and knowledge transfer are the pillars on which the NODES 2025 Spring Roadshow is built: a series of events focused on fostering collaboration between academia, businesses, and local stakeholders. From sustainable industry to healthcare, from aerospace to mobility, including agribusiness, tourism, and culture each stop is dedicated to a strategic sector, with the aim of highlighting the contribution of businesses and research to the digital and sustainable transition.   Organized as part of the NODES – North-West Digital and Sustainable project, the Roadshow offers a unique opportunity to explore the results of projects funded through cascade calls, get an up-close look at the developed Proofs of Concept (PoC), and delve into the solutions that are transforming key sectors for the economic and technological growth of the North-West.      

The Innovation Ecosystem Will Speak in the Panel on Initiatives for the Sustainable Transition   The NODES – North-West Digital and Sustainable Innovation Ecosystem confirms its active presence at major events dedicated to the country’s industrial transformation by taking part in the Turin stop of the MICS Roadshow – Made in Italy Circular and Sustainable, scheduled for 26 March 2025 at the Unione Industriali Conference Center in Turin.   During the event — which will bring together representatives from academia, public institutions, and industry — Chiara Ferroni, General Director of NODES, will give voice to the Ecosystem in Panel 3: “World, Europe, Territories: initiatives for sustainability.” She will highlight the concrete actions underway to support the Twin Transition across Italy’s North-West.   MICS and NODES: two pillars of the NRRP for a crcular, digital Made in Italy The MICS Roadshow provides an important opportunity for dialogue among the many actors in the production and research system. Its goal is to explore how innovative technologies can become a lever for a Made in Italy that is increasingly competitive, sustainable, and digital.   NODES’ participation in the Roadshow once again underscores the central role the Ecosystem plays in fostering collaboration among research organizations, businesses, and institutions, helping the production supply chains of the North-West navigate the dual digital and sustainable transition.   Through initiatives like this, NODES strengthens its commitment to accompanying entrepreneurs and SMEs as they adopt cutting-edge technologies, promoting innovative solutions and sustainable business models for competitive and responsible growth.   The 26 March event fits squarely within this mission, offering a full day of deep dives into the potential of additive manufacturing and advanced manufacturing to accelerate the transition of industrial processes. Discover the program