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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!

On Friday, September 19, 2025, the ComoNext Innovation Hub hosted the event "Research for Textiles: Universities and Businesses for Innovation" in the presence of the University of Insubria's scientific community and a large audience of entrepreneurs.   The meeting, promoted as part of the NODES project, was held in collaboration between Spoke 2 - Green Technologies and Sustainable Industries and Spoke 3 - Tourism and Culture Industry. The event was an important opportunity to bring together academia and businesses to strengthen strategic collaborations and stimulate new opportunities in the textile sector.   During the morning, researchers from the University of Insubria and businesses discussed innovative research, ongoing collaborations, funding opportunities, and presented ongoing projects in the textile sector. The presentations by the Insubria coordinators of Spoke 3, Professor Barbara Pozzo, and Spoke 2, Professor Mauro Fasano, were of great interest. They illustrated ongoing projects and the results achieved to date.   The event was attended by over 80 people, who demonstrated great collaboration in seeking to enhance the integration between academic research and the manufacturing sector. The primary objective of the meeting was to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in manufacturing supply chains, specifically the textile sector, with particular attention to sustainability and the green transition, and to enhancing the heritage of excellence for the Nodes region.

Il dott. Giuseppe Cappellano, la prof.ssa Tracey Pirali, la dott.ssa Rita Di Martino ed in collaborazione con la dott.ssa Beatrice Riva e il dott. Luigi Azzarone (ChemiCare) hanno recentemente pubblicato, nella prestigiosa rivista Autoimmunity Reviews, una revisione scientifica dal titolo ''Calcium signaling dysregulation in rhemuatoid arthritis: a comparative perspective with osteoarthritis'' (doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2025.103923).   L'artrite reumatoide (AR) e osteoartrite (OA) sono tra le malattie croniche più diffuse a livello globale, con un impatto significativo sui pazienti e sui sistemi sanitari. Nonostante abbiano un'eziologia e una progressione differenti, le evidenze più recenti indicano che la segnalazione del calcio svolge un ruolo chiave nella patogenesi di entrambe, influenzando numerosi processi cellulari nei tessuti articolari.    Il calcio, infatti, è essenziale per funzioni fondamentali come l'espressione genica, la contrazione muscolare, il ciclo cellulare, la proliferazione, l'apoptosi e la trasmissione sinaptica. Nel contesto delle malattie articolari, uno squilibrio dell'omeostasi del calcio ha conseguenze rilevanti, poiché i processi osteogenici e condrogenici, così come la formazione della matrice extracellulare, dipendono strettamente dai livelli di calcio. In questo processo può essere coinvolto anche il SOCE (Store-Operated Calcium Entry), un meccanismo che regola l'ingresso del calcio nelle cellule e che, se alterato, contribuisce all'infiammazione e al danno articolare.    La revisione propone un'analisi comparativa dei meccanismi di regolazione del calcio in AR e OA, concentrandosi sulle cellule e i tessuti maggiormente coinvolti, e offre una panoramica sulle terapie emergenti che mirano a modulare il matabolismo del calcio.Questi approcci potrebbero aprire nuove prospettive terapeutiche, migliorando le opzioni attualmente disponibili per i pazienti.      Adattata da  Nguyen TD, Abreu H, Tommasi N, Azzarone L, Di Martino RMC, Riva B, Raineri D, Pirali T, Chiocchetti A, Cappellano G. Calcium signaling dysregulation in rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative perspective with osteoarthritis. Autoimmun Rev. 2025 Aug 28;24(12):103923. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2025.103923 

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      

On september 16, students of Polytechnic High School presented GORSE project, financed by NODES.   GORSE is about reversing mountain depopulation with a digital twin of Desate Village, mapping its past, envisioning its future, and testing sustainable revival strategies by creating an accessible 3D virtual replica that synchronizes real-time data, engages stakeholders, and supports the design of a unique Italian hospitality model, the "Albergo Diffuso", fostering cultural immersion, resilience, and informed strategies for a possible future of Italy’s mountain villages.

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    

The preview transformed the former rice mill of Tenuta Vialone into a living laboratory of exchange between research, agriculture and community. The preview of the exhibition Cultivating the Future: Agriculture, Energy, Community took place on Sunday 7 September 2025 at the former rice mill of Tenuta Vialone in Sant’Alessio con Vialone, during the annual Rice Festival.   Curated by Carlo Berizzi and Nadia Bertolino (AUDe Lab, University of Pavia), the initiative drew over one hundred visitors, including representatives of the agricultural sector, local administrators and citizens interested in exploring how the traditional Lombard farmstead can evolve into an energy and community hub. The exhibition presents the outcomes of Research Module 1 – Formidabilae, with a particular focus on the final phase of the research dedicated to redefining Cascina Vialone as an experimental model of a future-oriented farm, integrating environmental sustainability, energy autonomy and community relations.   Ahead of the guided tour, the roundtable “The Sustainability of the Farm” was opened by Mayor Ivana Maria Cartanì, followed by contributions from Stefano Lamberti (Tenuta Vialone srl), Daniele Campari (Pro Loco Sant’Alessio con Vialone), Carlo Berizzi and Nadia Bertolino (AUDe Lab, University of Pavia), and Norma Anglani (Laboratory of Electrical Energy, University of Pavia). The session was concluded by Marta Sempio, President of Confagricoltura Pavia, who introduced the Spighe Verdi programme promoted by Confagricoltura and FEE Italia. On this occasion, the Municipality of Sant’Alessio con Vialone received the Spighe Verdi 2025 Award, recognising its commitment to sustainable rural practices.   The meeting also featured remarks by Ing. Lucia Marazzi, Head of the Third Mission Office at the University of Pavia, who highlighted the impact of the NODES project on the territory and the strategic role of research within Spoke 6 – Primary Agroindustry.   📍 Following the preview, the exhibition will be open from 23 to 27 September 2025 at the Palazzo del Broletto in Pavia, as part of Sharper Night Pavia. The week will include meetings and public discussions on sustainability, agro-industry and new energy systems.

I Ricercatori di TINCARE presentano i risultati preliminari di INTERCOACH, un programma infermieristico di teleassistenza per migliorare l'autocura dei pazienti con scompenso cardiaco.    Dal 15 al 17 maggio, a Rimini, i Ricercatori del Research Module 1 di TINCARE hanno partecipato al 56° Congresso Nazionale ANMCO presentando un poster dedicato a INTERCOACH, progetto di telenursing rivolto a persone con scompenso cardiaco. L'iniziativa mira a rafforzare l'autocura attraverso un percorso educativo infermieristico a distanza integrato da telemonitoraggio domiciliare dei parametri clinici.  I pazienti coinvolti nel programma hanno mostrato un'elevata accettazione del percorso, con un'adesione consistente ai follow-up telefonici strutturali e un impiego quotidiano degli strumenti quotidiani di telemonitoraggio forniti. I pazienti hanno manifestato un senso di maggiore sicurezza nella gestione quotidiana della loro condizione, segnalando una partecipazione attenta e motivata al programma.    Grazie al monitoraggio a distanza, gli infermieri sono riusciti a identificare tempestivamente potenziali segnali di instabilità clinica, attivando alert in tempo utile. Questo ha consentito un approccio proattivo nella gestione dei casi, facilitando comunicazioni più rapide e mirate con i servizi sanitari territoriali o ospedalieri, quando necessario.  La seduta educativa pre-dimissione e i colloqui telefonici di follow-up hanno favorito l'empowerment del paziente e dei suoi familiari, stimolando consapevolezza sui segnali d'allarme della malattia, sull'importanza dell'aderenza terapeutica e sul valore del coinvolgimento attivo nella gestione dello scompenso cardiaco. 

On June 17 and July 1, students from the Advanced Digital Marketing course (Master’s Degree in Digital Communication) at the University of Pavia, coordinated by Prof. Elisa Conz, presented their projects as part of the Student Challenge promoted by Spoke 6.   Three companies were involved: Azienda Agricola Luca Bonizzoni of Casteggio (honey production), Azienda Agricola Frigerio Anna Maria of Voghera (wine production), and Il Sabbione by Alice Zanaboni, an agricultural and agritourism business in Robecco Pavese. Working in groups, the students developed tailored marketing plans, addressing themes such as digital storytelling, social media, e-commerce, territorial identity, and sustainability strategies.The projects were presented directly to the entrepreneurs, who gave very positive feedback and acknowledged the concrete value of the proposals.   The initiative proved to be an effective bridge between university and enterprise, showing how collaboration with the local area can generate innovative digital solutions. For the students, it was a valuable learning opportunity to apply advanced skills to real-world cases.

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

Una nuova frontiera dell’intelligenza artificiale applicata alla robotica è stata esplorata il 18 luglio 2025 all’Aeroporto internazionale di Torino, durante l’evento “The future of AI applied to Robotics”, occasione ufficiale di lancio del Proof of Concept RoboAPP, sviluppato dallo Spoke 1 – Aerospazio e mobilità sostenibile nell’ambito del Programma NODES. L’evento ha offerto una piattaforma di dialogo e confronto tra rappresentanti delle istituzioni, ricercatori universitari, imprenditori e centri di ricerca, per approfondire potenzialità, sfide e scenari futuri legati all’impiego dell’AI in ambienti reali, complessi e dinamici.   RoboAPP: la robotica intelligente al servizio delle persone Il progetto RoboAPP – Robotic Aggregate Programming Platform – dimostra in modo concreto cosa può fare l’Intelligenza Artificiale se integrata in robot intelligenti e autonomi, capaci di muoversi, adattarsi e agire in spazi fisici. Le applicazioni riguardano ambiti cruciali come la logistica, le smart cities e l’agricoltura di precisione. Il sistema si basa su una gestione coordinata tra Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) e Small Language Models (SLM), che consente un'interazione dinamica e un'elaborazione contestuale in tempo reale. A questo si aggiunge un’infrastruttura digitale avanzata fondata su programmazione aggregata, rilevamento intelligente, comunicazione resiliente e efficienza energetica.    

💧 A morning of discussion on innovation and water sustainability The ninth stop of the Round GRIP – Spoke 2 cycle, dedicated to the theme ‘Valuable water: hidden treasures in wastewater’, took place online on Wednesday 16 July 2025, involving over 30 participants, including researchers, companies and professionals interested in solutions for the treatment and sustainable use of wastewater. The meeting provided an overview of Research Module 4 (RM4) of the GRIP project, coordinated by researchers at the University of Pavia, which explores innovative technologies for recovering value from industrial and civil wastewater, with a particular focus on the dairy sector.   🔬 A programme rich in scientific content and practical applications After the introduction to Spoke 2 – Green Technologies and Sustainable Industries, the floor was given to the protagonists of the research: Marco Minella presented the International School on Water Reuse, emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary training in circular water resource management.   Daniele Dondi outlined the scope and objectives of Research Module 4, providing an overview of the activities currently underway.   Stefano Marchesi demonstrated the use of silica-based materials for removing organic pollutants and heavy metals from water.   Lorenzo Pasotti recounted the experience of a biorefinery for the valorisation of dairy waste, opening up new industrial prospects.   Alberta Pinnola closed the scientific panel with a presentation on microalgae as a tool for the treatment and sustainable valorisation of dairy waste.   🌍 One more step towards a circular water economy The ninth stop confirmed the strategic role of Spoke 2 in connecting scientific expertise, industrial know-how and sustainable vision, opening up new avenues for the exploitation of wastewater as a valuable resource rather than simply waste.   📌 Find out more about the GRIP project, previous stages and the final stage of the Round GRIP – Spoke 2 cycle in the dedicated section of the website.