by InTrieste
In the heart of the city, at the Urban Center, the University of Trieste revealed the five winners of its “Call4Ideas” initiative, an ambitious project designed to strengthen the ties between academic research and the industrial sector. The program, supported by €75,000 in funding, aims to enhance the technological readiness of local businesses and accelerate innovation.
The “Call4Ideas” initiative, spearheaded by the University in collaboration with the Alto Adriatico Technology Park, is financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) under the NextGenerationEU framework. It is part of the broader North-East Innovation Ecosystem (iNEST) – Spoke 8, coordinated by the University of Trieste, and focuses on the cross-sector activity known as “Lab Villages.”
From Ideas to Innovation
The program’s journey began with local companies outlining research priorities crucial to their growth. These priorities aligned with iNEST’s strategic areas: the blue economy, life sciences, digital technologies, sustainability, and material sciences. Research groups from the University of Trieste then proposed projects addressing these priorities, with the goal of advancing technology readiness levels (TRLs) and expediting the transition from research to market.
After a rigorous selection process, five projects emerged as winners, each showcasing significant potential for innovation and strategic importance:
- Restoring Oral Functions with Advanced Biomedical Systems
Gianluca Turco partnered with Advan srl to explore the mechanical fatigue resistance and durability of connections in dental implant components, aiming to improve oral healthcare technology. - AI for Sustainable Fishing
Luca Bortolussi collaborated with Doz Guido – Cooperativa Fra Pescatori di Monfalcone to develop FishAI, a predictive artificial intelligence system that promotes sustainable fishing practices in the Gulf of Trieste. - Digitalization of Port Operations
Giuseppe Borruso, in partnership with Prodigys Technology srl, designed a Digital Twin and business intelligence solution to streamline and modernize port operations at the Port of Trieste. - Feasibility Study for Gorizia Freight Village
In collaboration with Adriafer Rail Services srl, Borruso also conducted a feasibility study for an intermodal terminal at the Gorizia Freight Village, enhancing regional logistics infrastructure. - Generative AI for Cardiovascular Care
Bortolussi teamed up with Beantech srl to create ChatMED, an innovative chatbot powered by generative AI, designed to support the treatment of cardiovascular diseases by analyzing care protocols.
Building a Hub for Collaboration
The Alto Adriatico Technology Park used the occasion to present its vision for the Lab Village, a hub for fostering collaboration between academia and industry. This space, to be housed in the Urban Center, is set to become a nexus for innovation, offering services such as market entry support, brokerage, and lifelong learning for researchers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders.
The Lab Village concept is already being tested in regions such as Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto, with plans to expand its offerings. It aims to create a synergistic environment where public institutions and private enterprises can work together to drive technological progress and economic growth.
A Model for the Future
As Europe continues to embrace initiatives that merge research with industry, “Call4Ideas” stands out as a model of what can be achieved when academic excellence meets practical application. By investing in projects that not only address current challenges but also pave the way for sustainable development, the University of Trieste is setting a benchmark for innovation ecosystems worldwide.
Interviews: regional councilor for Labor and Education, Alessia Rosolen; professoe Pierluigi Barbieri from the University of Trieste
