News

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

Notizie
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Hub Nodes
Conclusi i Bandi a Cascata di NODES
L’Ecosistema NODES finanzierà complessivamente più di 310 imprese su 186 iniziative finanziate mettendo a disposizione complessivamente 36,4 milioni di euro Si sono concluse le valutazioni per le imprese del Nord Ovest che hanno partecipato alla seconda finestra dei bandi a cascata NODES - Linea A e Linea B, terminata lo scorso 31 ottobre 2023.  Le commissioni hanno quindi stilato, per ciascuno Spoke, le graduatorie di attribuzione dei fondi disponibili per progetti di ricerca industriale, sviluppo sperimentale e accesso ai servizi di innovazione che potranno essere finanziati sui fondi MUR-PNRR dell’Ecosistema.    L’importo totale dei finanziamenti allocati da NODES per questa tranche è pari a 11,7 milioni di euro, per un totale di 112 imprese finanziate.  Delle 72 iniziative finanziate, 46 sono progetti per ricerca industriale e sviluppo sperimentale, presentati sulla Linea A dei bandi per un investimento complessivo di 17,6 milioni di euro: per questi l’Ecosistema contribuirà con oltre 11,2 milioni di euro, per circa il 64,7% sul valore complessivo.   Sulla Linea B, invece, sono 26 le proposte finanziate che permetteranno alle imprese di accedere a importanti servizi di innovazione: qui NODES contribuirà con 527 mila euro su 1 milione di costi preventivati dalle imprese, per circa il 52,7% del valore complessivo.  Le graduatorie delle domande ammesse sono disponibili sulle pagine dedicate ai Bandi del portale ecs-nodes.eu: LINEA A - IIa finestra Spoke 1 - Spoke 2 - Spoke 3 - Spoke 4 - Spoke 5 - Spoke 6 - Spoke 7 LINEA B - IIa finestra Spoke 1 - Spoke 2 - Spoke 3 - Spoke 4 - Spoke 5 - Spoke 6 - Spoke 7     Con questi esiti, si concludono i Bandi a Cascata di NODES che finanziano complessivamente 186 proposte progettuali, coinvolgendo più di 310 realtà imprenditoriali dal Nord-Ovest al Sud del paese, mettendo a disposizione delle imprese oltre 36,4 milioni di euro di finanziamenti.   I Bandi a cascata per le imprese, gestiti dagli Atenei dall'Ecosistema grazie alla collaborazione con Unioncamere Piemonte, hanno visto coinvolto 14 Commissioni e più di 42 esperti scientifici impegnati nel processo di selezione delle domande di finanziamento. Da oggi, inizia la fase di monitoraggio e controllo delle 186 iniziative finanziate.   Per consultare gli esiti di tutti i bandi, leggi qui!
Notizie
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7. Agroindustria secondaria
Nuovi prodotti dagli scarti di mela
L’Uovo di Colombo Volume 7. New Food Products from Apple by-products   Dal 4 all’8 marzo, entro la cornice dell’evento dei Polito Design Workshop, si svolgerà la settima edizione dell’Uovo di Colombo, il workshop di “Learning by Food Designing” destinato a studentesse e studenti della Laurea Triennale in Design e Comunicazione e in Design Sostenibile per il Sistema Alimentare del Politecnico di Torino.   Una settimana per rispondere a una delle sfide della transizione ecologica: come valorizzare lo scarto alimentare?   Un workshop di Food Design, tra progetto e fornelli, che parte da un bisogno reale: valorizzare i sottoprodotti dell'agroindustria secondaria realizzando nuovi prodotti edibili. Co-progettare nuovi concept e prototipi di nuovi prodotti alimentari con un approccio di Design With Food attraverso le conoscenze e competenze apprese durante il percorso di formazione.
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5. Industry for health and Silver Economy
The role of probiotics to improve mechanisms related to the protection of neuronal cells from oxidative conditions
Despite the identification of several innovative strategies to prevent cognitive decline, there is currently no single effective approach to minimize the deterioration of cognitive function. Recent studies suggest that the regulation of the strong connection between intestine and brain, with probiotics, is a potential therapeutic strategy to support brain health. 
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6. Primary agroindustry
Success of participants for the course 'Plant Extracts and Health'!
The 'Plant Extracts and Health' course, organized by Spoke 6 - Primary Agroindustry, and designed for professionals in primary agroindustry and related sectors, has successfully reached its maximum capacity with 25 participants.    Coordinated by Prof. Daniela Rossi from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Pavia, the four training sessions provided a valuable opportunity to explore the intricate connections between plant extracts and their potential applications in the field of health. Three of these sessions took place online on February 2, February 3, and February 9, while the fourth was in person on February 10 at the Calatroni vinery in Montecalvo Versiggia, in the province of Pavia.   The in-person session at the Calatroni farm started at 9:30 AM, offering participants a unique chance to experience the authentic atmosphere of a working agricultural enterprise. The session included a guided tour led by Dr. Francesco Biale, an expert enologist from the company. Throughout the visit, advanced techniques employed in the winemaking process were explained, highlighting by-products derived from viticulture.
Notizie
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Hub Nodes
General Assembly NODES: l'appuntamento di Pavia mette in luce nuovi passi avanti
Martedì 13 febbraio, Pavia ha ospitato la General Assembly dell'Ecosistema dell'Innovazione NODES - Nord Ovest Digitale E Sostenibile - accogliendo una folta schiera di partecipanti nella suggestiva Aula Magna dell'Università.    A firmare il foglio presenze c'erano i rappresentanti dei 24 Partners: Responsabili scientifici, Project Manager, Amministrativi, WP Leader, Massa critica... per fare il punto di persona sulle attività e i nuovi passi che l'Ecosistema si prefigge di compiere nel futuro.   Hellas Cena - ProRettrice dell'Università di Pavia (Ateneo padrone di casa e che insieme a Politecnico di Torino e Università degli Studi di Torino presiede il Consiglio di Amministrazione dell'Ente) - ha preso la parola per salutare i 200 del pubblico dando avvio così ai lavori:   "È ormai evidente come l'Ecosistema NODES esprima una forte capacità di fare squadra" - ha esordito. "Tutte le persone coinvolte, di ogni ruolo e livello, ne sono la forza trainante, capaci di un grande impegno per superare la maggior parte delle difficoltà, produrre sforzi sempre più intensi e raggiungere traguardi importanti a beneficio di tutto il gruppo e il Progetto". 
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6. Primary agroindustry
OLIOP: Cutting-Edge Olive Production Chain in Oltrepò Pavese
On February 16, 2024, at 4:00 PM, a highly significant event for Oltrepò Pavese will take place at CO.PRO.VI. Società Cooperativa in Casteggio: the meeting "OLIOP: Perspectives for a Cutting-Edge Olive Production Chain".    The OLIOP project has been financed under the Cascade Calls for businesses provided by NODES Spoke 6 (Line A). The lead partner is ECO srl, which, together with its partners Az. Agr. Germano Valentini, Az. Agr. La radisa di Filippo Pre’, and Az. Agr. Andrea Saroni, proposes OLIOP to support the establishment of a new supply chain: olive cultivation in Oltrepò Pavese.   Oltrepò Pavese is an area historically characterized by high-quality viticulture, the cultivation levels of which are gradually rising due to the effects of climate change. The project aims to define a precise protocol for low-altitude olive production, which includes the digitization of olive distribution areas, the design of pilot plants in different microclimates, and the development of advanced monitoring systems to providing predictive models and decision support.    The objectives of the OLIOP project aim to define a precise production protocol, to be achieved through a series of targeted strategies:    Survey and Digitization of Olive Distribution Areas Design of Pilot Plants in Different Microclimates Population of a Database in a Mobile/Desktop Application Agronomic and Nursery Consulting Agro-Meteorological Bulletin for Sustainable Cultivation    Event Program 4:00 PM: Agr. Dr. Bazzano Paolo Nodes PNRR, prospects for a new production chain in Oltrepò Pavese    4:30 PM: Prof. Rossi Graziano Agr. Dr. Russo Lavinia University of Pavia, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Traces of historical presence and life requirements for the olive tree    5:00 PM: Prof. Meisina Claudia Dr. Bordoni Massimiliano University of Pavia, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Vocational Chart of the Olive Tree in Oltrepò Pavese    5:30 PM: Agr. Dr. Trespidi Luigi Feasibility study of an IGP/DOP area    6:00 PM: Dr. Girometta Carolina Elena University of Pavia, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Fungal diseases of the Olive Tree in Oltrepò Pavese    6:30 PM: Az. agr. Valentini Germano Partner agricultural company of OLIOP   Free event with open access.  
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3. Culture and tourism industry
Spoke 3 presents the specialization course in Fashion Law: "The legal problems of the fashion supply chain"
Spoke 3 - Tourism and Culture Industry presents the specialization course in Fashion Law "The legal problems of the fashion supply chain".   The course organized by the University of Milan and the University of Insubria, leader of Spoke 3, aims to offer in-depth skills in the fashion sector to legal operators active within fashion companies (corporate lawyers), those who work closely with these companies (lawyers and consultants), as well as training those who aspire to take on these roles.   60 hours of online lessons held by teachers from the University of Milan, the University of Insubria, lawyers from leading law firms in the sector, general counsel of fashion houses, notaries, operators and top experts in the fields treated.   The function of the course can be summarized in the satisfaction of the needs of specialized professional training in a sector which constitutes one of the areas of greatest use of highly qualified human resources. The employment opportunities are numerous and concern all the various aspects of the fashion supply chain.   The specialization course will be held on a weekly basis (every Monday) from 18/03/2024 to 01/07/2024 from 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm and during the lessons various topics will be addressed including: contracts in the world of fashion, the Made in Italy, law, new technologies and fashion. The complete program is attached. Registrations are open until March 11, 2024   For further information and registration, see link    
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5. Industry for health and Silver Economy
Innovation in Cognitive Rehabilitation: a digital and motivational approach
The Research Module 5 of the flagship project TINCARE of the Spoke 5, aims to develop and validate a platform for the cognitive rehabilitation of elderly fragile people. To ensure accessibility to rehabilitation protocols, digitalization can help: if made available from one's own home, rehabilitation protocols could be easier for users to access and also more readily available for healthcare personnel administering them. In the clinical settings there is increasing importance placed on personalized treatment approaches, based on the individual characteristics and needs of each patient.     For this reason, thew research group BIP, led by Professor Katiuscia Sacco, has started a collaboration with Brainer S.r.l., a company specializing in developing products for digital cognitive rehabilitation. The aim of the collaboration is to propose, as part of their research, some exercises whose mechanics are based on standard cognitive rehabilitation, typically carried out in a pen-and-paper format, enhanced with key elements of gamification, which allow to engage the user also from a motivational point of view.    Moreover, the proposal of ecological tasks is relevant because it can simulate everyday life situations in which frail elderly individuals may encounter greater difficulties.  Furthermore, the research interest of the BIP group is oriented towards aestethic gratification and its effect on intrinsic motivation. Since patients motivation is often a determining factor in the success of rehabilitation protocols, it is essential to consider it in therapeutic procedures. In this sense, comes into play Neuroaesthetics, a discipline that investigate the link between beauty and brain function, including learning, memory, attention and motivation.     The collaboration between the research group BIP and Brainer S.r.l. aims to study the characteristics of digital rehabilitation protocols that can maximize motivation for therapeutic adherence, using musical, visual and gamification elements.       
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6. Primary agroindustry
Spoke 6 presents the first student challenge!
Spoke 6 "Primary Agroindustry," has officially kicked-off the first student challenge, providing businesses with the unique opportunity to present innovation and digitalization challenges to digital marketing students of the University of Pavia.    This challenge, tailored for Business to Consumer (B2C) proposers within the primary agroindustry sector, will actively involve students in crafting digital marketing plans. The primary objective is to build brand awareness and engagement, with a focus on both national and international competitiveness.    Proposals should articulate how the firm is currently adopting or plans to leverage digital communication tools. This includes strategies for promoting the company's history, sustainability efforts, and product quality, emphasising cultural identity, innovation, and sustainability practices.   This initiative allows students to test their theoretical knowledge in practical, real-world contexts and fosters collaboration between academia and the entrepreneurial sphere. By encouraging innovation and developing creative solutions, the Challenge aims to deliver an enriching experience for all participants.    For further details, please click here below.    CHECK THE CALL HERE
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3. Culture and tourism industry
Spoke 3 Flagship Projects Meeting
The first Spoke 3 Flagship Projects Meeting was held on Thursday 1 February 2024 at the Department of Management of the University of Turin.   Researchers from the University of Insubria, University of Turin, University of Eastern Piedmont, University of Valle d'Aosta, Città Studi Biella and ComoNext Innovation Hub participated in the event. The objective of the meeting was to start a fruitful collaboration between researchers from the universities involved in the NODES project in reference to the research topics of the CIRIL - Cultural-Industry Regeneration Lab and TOEP - Tourism Open-ended Experimentation Platform flagship projects.   In the first phase of the meeting, Prof. Piercarlo Rossi of the University of Turin and Prof. Stefania Cerruti of the University of Eastern Piedmont presented the flagship projects, recalling their objectives and highlighting the current state of progress activities.   Specifically, Prof. Rossi, regarding the CIRIL flagships project, explained that we are currently proceeding with the reconnaissance of the technologies, the monitoring of the initiatives on the national territory (mixed reality device building kit), the acquisition of the instrumentation, and the activation of cultural cluster asset and digital textile hub activities.   Regarding the TOEP project, Prof. Cerutti clarified that the design of the middleware, the delivery architecture and the API standards are being defined. Furthermore, we are proceeding with the recognition of integrated solutions (public databases and federatable services), data sources and acquisition methods, the activation of the thematic cluster and the implementation of innovation initiatives in territorial branding.   Both flagship projects are proceeding in collaboration with partners from the South for the creation of startups.   Once the presentation was concluded, the main lines of research and their areas of relevance were then illustrated; these include: Fashion design, Management and sustainability, Intersection between Cultural Heritage and Natural Conservation (Museums, Archaeological and Historical Places, Landscape), Multimedia Narratives and Digital Creativity, Digital Tourism and Destination Management and Lifestyle tourism and marketing.  
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2. Green technologies and sustainable industries
Students' Green Challenge - 1st edition
Spoke 2 - Green technologies and sustainable industries and the University of Turin present the first edition of the Students' Green Challenge, in collaboration with Edison.  Registration is open until 29 April 2024, subject to availability of 30 places.   SUBSCRIBE     Who is it addressed to? Students on master's or single-cycle degree courses at the University of Turin.   Edison and the sustainable re-use of reclaimed land and resolution of regulatory and management issues Edison is Europe's oldest energy company and among the leading energy companies in Italy and Europe. The Edison Group offers solutions and advanced technologies to its residential, industrial and public administration customers to optimise energy consumption and gradually reduce their carbon footprint, accompanying them in the transition towards greater environmental, social and economic sustainability. Edison, through its Edison Next Environment company, therefore works to support companies in understanding their impact on the territory and to manage in a ‘circular’ manner materials no longer used. This takes place in 3 areas of intervention: Environmental Services, Waste Management and Valorization, Biomethane. In the area of Environmental Services, thanks to NODES, the Company has chosen to launch a Challenge to UniTo's students in order to collaborate in solving related regulatory and management issues. Specifically, they are asked to highlight and find possible solutions for the following (compatibly with current legislation and possible access to PNRR incentives): the sustainable re-use of reclaimed land; the future uses of reclaimed sites. At the Challenge launch event on 9 May 2024, the Challenge will be explained to participants in detail by company representatives.   Application Instructions individual and/or pre-composed teams of minimum 3 - maximum 5 participants, preferably multidisciplinary. all team members must still register on the form, under penalty of exclusion from the initiative, specifying the name of their team in the ‘Note’ section Attendance at all activities and production of a final pitch to present to the company required. Why participate? In addition to putting their skills to the test, the students will be able to work closely with experts in the field and actively contribute to our country's energy transition. In addition to academic recognition, through the award of an Open Badge, the winning team will have the opportunity to see their idea become reality, with the direct support of Edison. By the end of June 2024, the winners will benefit from: a visit to the laboratories; opportunity to meet company managers with lunch provided on the premises; opportunity to access a talent acquisition session aimed at future job opportunities. How does it work? Kick-off event on 9 May 2024 Sala Principi D’Acaja - Palazzo del Rettorato, University of Turin Morning: presentation of the initiative and the actors involved Afternoon: team matchmaking and first work session   Mentoring speed-date event on 16 May 2024 Place: Aula 3D1 36 - 3rd floor - Campus Luigi Einaudi, University of Turin Afternoon: During the event, teams will benefit from the presence of mentors' operational tables to ask for support and opinions on the idea, pitch and innovative proposal. Final pitching and award ceremony event on 23 May 2024 Place: OGR Torino Afternoon: all teams will present their solution with a pitch to an evaluation committee composed of representatives of the organising bodies with a final award ceremony. More details and information on the programme of events will be provided in the coming days.
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2. Green technologies and sustainable industries
Spotlight on corporate sanitation
The course, promoted by the University of Turin and Butterfly Area and implemented as part of the NODES - Nord Ovest Digitale E Sostenibile Project and the National Agritech Centre, financed by the MUR and the European Union, aims to train business figures and consultants in cutting-edge techniques for environmental sanitisation. With a focus on sustainable technologies, the course aims to promote the reduction of environmental impact through the conscious use of conventional sanitation and the introduction of new technologies to optimise sanitisation practices, in order to reduce the risk of residues in the environment and contamination of foodstuffs in the agro-food chain.
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6. Primary agroindustry
A great kick off for the Spoke 6 Assembly
Tuesday, January 23rd, the University of Pavia successfully hosted the Assembly of Spoke 6 in an online format. The event saw significant participation, with 66 researchers involved in the flagship projects Vino and Formidabilae.    The meeting kicked off with a general presentation that delved into the structure and progress of Spoke 6's work. Following this initial overview, participants actively engaged in two thematic working groups.    The first group, dedicated to Internationalization, involved 27 participants. Discussions covered crucial topics related to the international projection of the flagship projects, highlighting the importance of collaborations and synergies on a global scale.    The second group, focused on Industrial Development, gathered 34 participants, including the 5 Industrial PhD students associated with Spoke 6 and the awardees of academic POCs. Conversations focused on industrial development strategies, innovations, and synergies between the academic and industrial worlds.    The Spoke 6 Assembly proved to be a crucial opportunity to strengthen collaboration among researchers, promote internationalization, and foster industrial development. The enthusiasm generated during the event anticipates new advancements and successes for the flagship projects Vino and Formidabilae in the landscape of university research.                  
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3. Culture and tourism industry
Spoke 3 Assembly: researchers comparing entrepreneurship and internationalization
On Friday 19 January 2024, the Spoke 3 - Tourism and Culture Industry held its first Spoke 3 Assembly in Lomazzo (CO) at the ComoNext Innovation Hub.   The researchers and all the staff of the institutions involved in the spoke3 activities were present or connected remotely at the event: University of Insubria, University of Eastern Piedmont, University of Turin, University of Sannio- Benevento, University of Salento COmoNExt and Cittàstudi Biella. During the morning, the progress of the project activities of each project WP was illustrated and any critical issues and actions to be taken in the coming months were discussed.   In the afternoon, the work of Spoke 3 focused on transversal issues relating to the development of entrepreneurship and internationalization with the aim of identifying objectives and activities to be carried out within the project.   In relation to internationalisation, various initiatives have been identified which involve the involvement of foreign institutional partners to promote the activities of the Spoke and the ecosystem outside national borders.   With respect to the theme of entrepreneurship, the possible critical issues linked to the thematic nature of the spoke3 were explored and some actions aimed at overcoming these critical issues were hypothesized.   Lastly, the functional work process was defined to bring together the ideas of all the Spoke partners, identifying contact persons for both themes in all the project partners who will work to build a shared proposal of viable actions.  
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5. Industry for health and Silver Economy
Spoke 5 towards the NODES Ecosystem General Assembly
Spoke 5 - Industry of Health and Silver Economy - recently meet online on January 10, 2024 to take a crucial step in the analysis of the state of work for the upcoming General Assembly of the Ecosystem.  Bringing together the working groups and partner involved, the event provided a valuable opportunity to closely examine the progress made so far, starting from the point-by-point progress of the invidual Work Packages.   During the meeting, the creation of two new Working Group on the themes of internationalization and enterpreneurial development was announced. These groups will actively work to bring together ideas, experiences and good practice, promoting proposals that will be presented during the next General Assembly, scheduled to take place at the University of Pavia on February 13, 2024, providing fertile ground for shared growth and development among the various actors involved.     The online meeting of 10 January has not only highlighted the progress made until now, but also laid the foundations for an even closer collaboration and knowledge sharing, which promises to be fundamental for the future success of the Ecosystem.