Internet of Things for SMEs without the need for new investments in machinery, digital platforms for sexual education and contact with specialists, advanced tools in the zootechnical field for the sanitation of farms. These are just a few examples of the types of technological projects developed by aspiring startups of GrandUP! Tech Academy 2023-2024, the training program for innovative entrepreneurs, which will be publicly presented during the Pitch Day scheduled for April 15th in Cuneo.

There are ten startup teams selected to participate in the program, who are now ready to present their projects: Dabycon, Euli, myReMuS, OneInput, QRTonic, Saniwash, SE.RI., Smartscholars, Unirooms, and YesPop.

During the event, each team will have seven minutes to present the result of months of work, plus three minutes to answer the in-depth questions from the evaluation jury, which will then select the best project proposals to offer them a pre-incubation path in I3P, the Incubator of the Polytechnic University of Turin, funded by the CRC Foundation.

The Academy’s initiative is part of the GrandUP! Tech project, promoted by the CRC Foundation in collaboration with I3P to support the development of an innovation ecosystem and the birth of new businesses in the Cuneo area. The activity was carried out within the framework of the “Memorandum of Understanding for Innovation and Digitalization of Companies in the Province of Cuneo“, signed in 2022 by the CRC Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce of Cuneo, with the participation of all the main trade associations in the area, including Coldiretti, Confagricoltura, Confartigianato, Confcommercio, Confindustria, and Legacoop.

How to participate

The Pitch Day event will take place on Monday, April 15, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm, in person at the Rondò dei Talenti in Cuneo, at via Luigi Gallo 1.

The meeting is open to everyone, and participation is free, upon registration on Eventbrite.

After the initial presentations and project pitches, the organizers will offer a networking cocktail to facilitate opportunities for in-depth discussion and exchange of contacts.

Schedule

5:00 pm | Accreditation and welcome

5:10 pm | Opening of the meeting

• Introduction by Eleonora Lavalle, Program Manager of GrandUP! Tech
• Initial greetings from I3P and CRC Foundation
• Institutional greetings from the partner entities of the initiative

5:50 pm | Dabycon pitch

6:00 pm | Euli pitch

6:10 pm | myReMuS pitch

6:20 pm | One Input pitch

6:30 pm | QRTonic pitch

6:40 pm | Saniwash pitch

6:50 pm | SE.RI. pitch

7:00 pm | Smartscholars pitch

7:10 pm | Unirooms pitch

7:20 pm | YesPop pitch

7:30 pm | Conclusion of the meeting and start of the networking cocktail

Who designs innovative digital applications and products makes choices that inevitably involve technical skills. However, a large part of the design world perceives the development world as something alien, incomprehensible, and unexplored, not relevant to their own domain.

The event entitled “UpstreamUX – Design beyond the surface“, organized by the innovative startup Bitboss and hosted by the I3P incubator on the occasion of Torino Digital Days 2024, will be a conversation that brings UX design and technology to sit at the same table and speak the same language: “natural technical language.” The speakers at the event will explain how a greater technical understanding can help designers better navigate client demands, solve problems before they become insurmountable, and create solutions that are not only visually appealing but also function exceptionally well.

The meeting is open to everyone and particularly aimed at UX designers who wish to take a step forward in their professional development, as well as startup founders involved in the conception of their digital product, to discover how the right level of technical knowledge can make work more efficient and easier to realize. It will be an informal meeting, rich in practical examples and without much pomp, discussing the indispensable skills in this field, even for those entering it for the first time.

How to participate

The event will take place on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, starting at 5:00 PM, in person at the Agorà Hall of the I3P incubator, located within the Campus of the Polytechnic University of Turin, accessible from both the main gate at Corso Castelfidardo 30/A and the pedestrian entrance at Via Pier Carlo Boggio 59.

Participation in the meeting is free, but registration via Eventbrite is required.

Program

5:00 PM | Welcome and registration of participants
5:10 PM | Introductory greetings from I3P
5:15 PM | Talk with Tommaso Salvetti and Riccardo Barbotti, Co-Founders of Bitboss
6:15 PM | Q&A session with the audience present in the hall
6:30 PM | Networking aperitif

Access to European funding for businesses and organizations in the social economy is today one of the main challenges to be faced in promoting the sector. It is from this need that the initiative HUB European projects for the social economy was born, started in 2023 in collaboration with Weco Social Enterprise thanks to the contribution of the Chamber of Commerce of Turin and the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation.

On Thursday, March 28th, the first training day dedicated to the CERV Program was held at the Cottino Social Impact Campus, bringing together 18 people from 10 partner organizations of Turin Social Impact interested in deepening the four main pillars, objectives, and calls of the program.

The CERV Program “Citizens, equality, rights, and values”

The program aims to support and develop open societies, based on rights, democratic, fair, and inclusive founded on the rule of law. This includes promoting a dynamic and autonomous civil society that encourages democratic, civic, and social participation of citizens and nurtures the rich diversity of European society based on the values, history, and memory we share.

The CERV program is structured around four pillars:

1. Equality, rights, and gender equality: promotion of rights, non-discrimination, and equality; integration of gender policies and non-discrimination at all levels
2. Citizen involvement and participation: promotion of citizen involvement and participation in the democratic life of the Union, exchanges between citizens of different Member States, and knowledge of common European history
3. Daphne: combating violence, including gender-based violence and violence against children
4. Union values: protection and promotion of Union values.

A day of capacity building and workshops on open calls

During the morning, Maria Chiara Pizzorno, senior expert at Weco Social Enterprise and evaluator of numerous European programs, led an infosession on the program. In addition, Chiara Mantegazza and Matteo Pizzi from the Danish Refugee Council shared their experience in CERV project design and grant management with participants, in a peer-to-peer learning approach.

In the afternoon, organizations, divided into working groups, designed projects on the open calls “To prevent and combat gender-based violence and violence against children CERV-2024-DAPHNE” and “European Remembrance CERV-2024-CITIZENS-REM”, which will expire in May 2024.

Many themes were proposed: from recalling the historical memory of migratory flows in European cities, to preventing gender-based violence against men at risk of reoffending, to promoting youth awareness of the European Union of peoples, rights, and democracy.

A fruitful exchange of ideas, tools, and skills to enhance the European project design capacity of the TSI ecosystem!

In the heart of Aurora, Borealis is about to open, a new center dedicated to art and social innovation whose programming will be defined through participatory management mechanisms.

It is a venue of over 700 square meters born with the ambition of creating a home open to all forms of participation and cultural citizenship that we have experienced so far and which, perhaps, have been lacking in the city of Turin lately.

The project by Kaninchen-Haus APS is in the final round of the new competition promoted by Reale Mutua Foundation… if it is among the 4 most voted projects on the web and on social media, we will win 10,000 euros that we will use to make this space compliant, safe, accessible, and soundproofed, in order to give Turin a place that offers a varied cultural program every day and make all activities sustainable, occasionally organizing some parties.

You can help us both by voting and by sharing this appeal with all those who could benefit from the opening of this new space:

1. Contest website: give 5 stars to the project, enter your name and email (you will receive a confirmation request)
2. Like this post
3. A nice like to this post

This year too, we participated in the Sport City Meeting in the wonderful setting of the city of Pietrasanta in Versilia.

Together with the Sportcity Foundation, we have committed to promoting the Republic of Movement starting from the new generations involved in the Dream Jobs project. Signing this agreement were our president Gianni Lanfranco, along with vice president Franco Frasca and president Fabio Pagliara, to whom we acknowledge the credit for the excellent organization of the event with the Administrators of the city of Pietrasanta.

Words of encouragement and future prospects were expressed by the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, and interesting testimonies were shared by those who are dedicated to sports at every level on a daily basis, such as Mauro Berruto, Daniela Sbrollini, Silvia Salis, and many others.

As a testament to the great value, both in sports and professionally, of the NextGen, we were also joined by Leonardo Citti, former goalkeeper of the Juventus Football Club youth sector, now goalkeeper of Pietrasanta, as well as soon-to-be a chartered accountant. Honor to the young athletes and professionals!

New call “Evoluzioni” to support social economy organizations and the third sector in the design and implementation of strategies and processes for digital transition.

The new call “Evoluzioni – Transizione digitale nell’economia sociale” is aimed at social economy entities operating in the territories of Piedmont, Liguria, Aosta Valley, and Lombardy. In continuity with the previous edition of the initiative, the “Evoluzioni” call will unfold through four areas of digital transition: digital transformation of processes; service and product innovation; data-driven organization and marketing, communication, and fundraising.

In line with the elements identified by the European Commission towards green and digital transitions, this new edition of the initiative reserves particular attention to the themes of the Twin transition, identifying among the primary objectives of the call the desire to accompany entities through the development of economically sustainable solutions, with low environmental impact and high social impact.

Online event for the presentation of the call on April 10th at 11:00 am, prior registration at this link.

Applications by May 30, 2024.

Discover more

MI allows you to purchase directly from local markets through the app and receive products at home or at the workplace. The service offered is not just a simple online food marketplace, but a service of social, environmental, and food sustainability.

Local markets, the cultural, social, and economic heritage of cities, are going through a phase of great difficulty and are disappearing. More and more businesses are forced to close, unable to compete with the large companies present in the sector.

From a social perspective, the work is structured in synergy with small businesses to create a territorial ecosystem based on proximity services. By aggregating market stalls and small commercial activities, it is possible to offer an online sales and home delivery system.

Third sector associations present in the area of interest are involved, with particular attention to the work integration of disadvantaged people.

Deliveries are made with zero environmental and noise impact thanks to the use of cargo bikes, which, by reducing city traffic, improve traffic flow.

Great attention is also paid to packaging. The system is based on returnable packaging practices; all packaging is recovered from customers, sanitized, and reused for subsequent orders.

From a food perspective, only locally sourced products are promoted, educating the consumer through the offering of seasonal products.

As a marketplace, each seller has access to and control over their own product showcase. Sales go directly to the customer, and thanks to the professionalism present in the markets, the customer can customize products. For example, it is possible to choose the ripeness of fruit, the cut of meats and cheeses, the cleaning of fish, coffee grinding, vacuum sealing, and many other customized options.

Companies are offered agreements with discounts, welfare services, and benefits for employees, and delivery directly to the workplace or home (which can always be monitored as Welfare): an initiative that values employees and supports the local economy.

Learn more: Wandering Market – The freshness of the market at your doorstep.

As part of the project #3P4SSE – Social and Solidarity Economy – CentralEurope Network, in which LINKS Foundation is scientific partner, a series of meetings has been organized on the topics of social and solidarity economy.

The first event, a conference on Public Policies in the Social and Solidarity Economy, will be held next March 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Collegio Carlo Alberto: scheduled discussions with experts and stakeholders, who will help explore concepts such as social clusters, regional development and new regulatory frameworks for the social economy. The event will be in Italian and English.

For more information and the full agenda for the meeting: click here.

It will be possible to attend the event remotely by connecting to this link.

Thursday, April 4th, 2024
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Webinar on Webex

The IV edition of the Impact Prototypes Labs program, proposed by Cottino Social Impact Campus and the Chamber of Commerce of Turin, dedicated to companies in the Piedmont region and to students of the Master’s Degree Courses at the Polytechnic University of Turin and the University of Turin, is kicking off.

IP Labs is a practical training and support program for sustainability, aimed at companies wishing to embark on a path of strategic, organizational, and managerial evolution and innovation, through projects that combine competitiveness and market positioning objectives with the achievement and measurement of positive impact.

Impact Prototypes Labs is a systemic program that has been involving some of the major players in the Piedmont region for four years: Chamber of Commerce of Turin, Cottino Social Impact Campus, UniCredit, Api Torino, Confindustria Canavese, Unione Industriali Torino, Polytechnic University of Turin, University of Turin, Fondazione Collegio Einaudi, Fondazione Piemonte innova, Unigens, YES4TO, Torino Social Impact.

In the first 3 editions, 62 Piedmontese companies have already participated, and 200 students have been involved.

Participating companies will be guided through the analysis of their starting situation to develop new opportunities and projects, guided by competent tutoring in corporate strategy, management, impact measurement, and engaging with young minds to embrace new visions and skills.

On April 4th, the Chamber of Commerce of Turin and Cottino Social Impact Campus, with Api Torino, Confindustria Canavese, and Unione Industriali Torino, are organizing a webinar to present the fourth edition of Impact Prototypes Labs, to delve into its benefits for companies and grasp the connections between innovation, organizational evolution, and impact.

Program

2:30 PM
Introductory Greeting
Guido Cerrato, Manager, Area for Territorial Promotion and Market Regulation, Chamber of Commerce of Turin

Impact Prototypes Labs IV edition – Program Introduction
Caterina Soldi, Cottino Social Impact Campus – IP Labs Management

2:45 PM
Innovating through Impact – Meanings and Opportunities
Mario Calderini, Scientific Advisor, Cottino Social Impact Campus, and Full Professor, Polytechnic University of Milan, spokesperson for Torino Social Impact

3:00 PM
What Evolution of Business for Impact?
Marella Caramazza, Board Member CSIC, and Strategic Direction CeVIS – Center of Competences for Impact Measurement and Evaluation

3:15 PM
Program Phases of IP Labs and Benefits for Companies
Caterina Soldi, Cottino Social Impact Campus – IP Labs Management

3:30 PM
Q&A – Closing

Free participation upon online registration.

Registered attendees will be able to join the event by clicking on the link they will receive the day before the webinar.
It is not necessary to download the Webex application to your device.

For information: innovazione@to.camcom.it

It’s possible to promote a fairer and more inclusive green and digital transition, one that considers vulnerable groups and new generations?

On Wednesday, March 20, several organizations in Turin – part of the Community of Practice that brings together circular economy initiatives of Torino Social Impact – embarked on a new challenge: to brainstorm and propose innovative projects to submit to the SEFIT Open Call, a European project by Fondazione Brodolini and the City of Turin.

The spaces of Open Incet provided the perfect setting for an afternoon entirely dedicated to project design: the presence of Weco Impresa Sociale was invaluable, as they facilitated the workshop, guiding organizations in ideating and drafting project proposals. The Fondazione Brodolini also played a crucial role, addressing questions and curiosities from the entities during an info session dedicated to the SEFIT project earlier that morning.

THE SEFIT OPEN CALL

The Open Call, aimed at SMEs and Third Sector Organizations, offers a non-repayable grant for the implementation of the proposed innovation and provides a capacity-building program to support its realization. Thus, the workshop focused on the challenges related to innovative proposals: what needs and solutions were identified, what local impact can be achieved, and how the project can be scalable and replicable at a national level.

PROJECT PROPOSALS FOCUSED ON TERRITORIAL INNOVATION

Throughout the afternoon, the participating organizations worked on two main areas: Financial and Consumer Education, conceived as a response to the growing poverty caused by rising energy costs and lack of awareness regarding energy conservation; and green jobs, aimed at increasing resilience to climate change through training and employment of disadvantaged individuals in the green economy sector.

Several diverse and innovative ideas emerged and were shared with the group of participants: from reducing waste in the agri-food chain to promoting a renewable energy community in urban areas, to designing a platform to build virtuous and local relationships based on mutual aid.

A big thank you to all participants for this enriching day, and best of luck to everyone for the submission of their projects!

The blockchain, a technology that is revolutionizing the way digital transactions are conceived and managed, will be the focal point of this informative meeting to be held at the I3P incubator in Turin. Starting from its origins and the Cypherpunk movement, the event will propose an exploration of the path that led to the birth of Bitcoin and the subsequent expansion of the cryptocurrency market. Coinbase, initially founded as a cryptocurrency wallet, has played and continues to play a key role in the adoption and promotion of digital assets.

In addition to the basics of blockchain and the history of Coinbase, concepts such as Ethereum, Smart Contracts, the difference between Fungible and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and much more will be examined. We will delve into the distinction between centralized and decentralized finance, as well as the role and types of wallets in securing cryptocurrencies.

Blockchain is not just a tool for financial transactions, but an ecosystem of companies, innovations, and entrepreneurs in constant and rapid evolution. This sector offers solutions for the transition from a centralized online world, dominated by major players in computing (Google, Amazon, Meta…), to decentralization, emphasizing the importance of transparency, security, and traceability.

How to participate

The event will take place on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, starting at 6:00 PM, in person at the Agorà Room of the I3P incubator, located within the Campus of the Polytechnic University of Turin and accessible from both the main gate of corso Castelfidardo 30/A and the pedestrian entrance of via Pier Carlo Boggio 59.

Participation in the meeting is free, upon registration on Eventbrite.

Program

6:00 PM | Welcome of participants

6:15 PM | Introduction by Adriano Marconetto, Entrepreneur In Residence at I3P

6:20 PM | Speech by Daniel Seifert, Vice President & Regional Managing Director EMEA at Coinbase

6:40 PM | Speech by Claudio Fallica, Community Manager at Coinbase Italia

7:20 PM | Q&A session with the audience present in the room

7:30 PM | Conclusion of the meeting and networking aperitif

Parity is a dynamic issue, one that needs to be constantly and carefully cultivated with sensitivity and a willingness always to meet a challenge. Amapola has obtained gender equality certification, in compliance with the UNI/PdR 125:2022 standard, from Ancis! An important acknowledgement setting out in black and white the consultancy deeply felt commitment to gender equality.

Amapola is a sustainability and communication consultancy, part of Torino Social Impact network. «Gender equality has always been a cornerstone of Amapola’s identity, and is particularly significant considering that two thirds of our team are women,» says founder and partner Luca Valpreda. «And of course sustainability consultancy is our business: this was a logical step for us because sustainability cannot exist without equality.»

Gender equality: the context

Despite the progress that has been made in recent years, there is still a great deal to do. This is confirmed by the data in the latest edition of the Survey L.E.I. (Lavoro, Equità, Inclusione) published by Fondazione Libellula, which was answered by more than 11,000 working women. About 60% receive a lower salary than male colleagues with an equivalent role, responsibility and seniority of service. With regard to harassment, 40% said they had experienced unwelcome physical contact in the workplace. These two figures are particularly significant, but the discrimination list continues, and refers to maternity, leadership and clothing issues.

«The World Economic Forum says we will not manage to bridge the gap between men and women until 2154,» comments Micol Burighel, Gender Equality Officer at Amapola and the company’s Head of Communication. «To fight systemic inequality, which affects businesses and industries indiscriminately (and, as we know, the communications world is no exception), we need a systemic commitment.»

Policies, procedures and objectives in Amapola

To obtain gender equality certification, companies must satisfy six key indicators relating to internal policies: culture and strategy, governance, HR processes, growth opportunities and inclusion of women in the workplace, gender-based pay equality, support for parenting and work-life balance. The Amapola Strategic Gender Equality Plan sets clear objectives: promotion and strengthening of an inclusive corporate culture, protection of female representation in the workplace with attention to management roles, respect for inclusive processes that guarantee equality in every corporate area (selection, recruitment, career development, pay, parenting policies and work-life balance), awareness-raising measures, and internal and external communication.

«Our gender equality objectives translate into concrete action,» Burighel continues, «such as a two-month extension for maternity and paternity leave – including fostering and adoption – compared with statutory leave, the extension of leave on the birth of a child from 10 to 30 days, free and flexible smart working to facilitate the work-life balance, internal climate surveys, zero tolerance of harassment, a structured training plan. In this area, for example, in 2024 the entire Amapola team will take part in training organised by the Human Art agency on recognition of gender violence and use of equality-based language.»

Working for female empowerment means monitoring, listening, acting, giving women a voice, amplifying.

For over thirty years, UGI – Unione Genitori Italiani ODV, has been committed to supporting families with children affected by pediatric oncology.

In this latest episode of Bench-Mark, we hear from Massimo Mondini, Executive Director of UGI ODV, as he shares how the actions promoted by the association lead to a positive social impact on the territory.

Interview by Francesco Antonioli.

Watch previous episodes here.

Are you between 18 and 29 years old and residing in Novara or its province? Are you looking for a program that equips you with the necessary skills to turn an idea into a business project?

“Never Too Late” is your opportunity to engage in “startup prototyping” or simply to expand your knowledge in the field of Social Innovation and the Silver Economy.

+30 hours of free training, 8 face-to-face modules with professionals and industry experts, and a budget of up to €10,000 for prototyping ideas selected for the second phase of the project.

The training program is organized by TOP-IX, CSCI, Scuola Open Source, Vision&Value, in collaboration with the Municipality of Novara and with the support of Fondazione Social Venture Giordano Dell’Amore. Activities will take place at nòva – Ex Caserma Passalacqua, from April 29 to June 21.

The call for participation will remain open until April 12, 2024.

All information and the registration form are available on the website.
For any doubts or questions, write to mtt@top-ix.org.

The RETURN project (acronym for Multi-Risk sciEnce for resilienT commUnities undeR a changiNg climate) is an extensive partnership, funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), aimed at strengthening research chains on environmental, natural, and anthropogenic risks at the national level, promoting participation in strategic European and global value chains. Through the enhancement of basic knowledge and the application of technology, the project contributes to strengthening key skills, technology and knowledge transfer, as well as Italian governance in disaster risk management, involving public administrations, stakeholders, and private companies.

The RETURN partnership, coordinated by the University of Naples “Federico II”, involves the participation of the Polytechnic University of Turin, leader of Spoke 6 – TS2: Multi-Risk Resilience of Critical Infrastructures, and includes 26 partners, including 12 universities, 5 research institutions and competence centers, 6 private entities, 2 territorial bodies, and the Department of Civil Protection, with an investment of over 115 million euros provided by the Ministry of University and Research. Among the activities managed by the RETURN Foundation, there are calls for proposals for companies: the project aims to identify and support startups, spinoffs, and innovative SMEs with specific activities in the prevention, management, and mitigation of environmental, natural, and anthropogenic risks. The program also involves I3P, the Incubator of the Polytechnic University of Turin, which has organized a series of events to disseminate the opportunities of the RETURN calls for proposals to the network of innovative startups and to engage young companies more in line with the types of technological solutions sought.

The first event of this series, dedicated to the vertical scope of Ground Instabilities, Earthquakes, and Volcanoes, will take place on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 2:30 PM, in an online webinar mode with free participation. During the digital meeting, which will be held in Italian, the RETURN project and its calls for proposals for SMEs will be presented, along with some scientific insights; furthermore, a startup will provide a testimony of its entrepreneurial project in the field of seismic risk assessment.

To receive the link to join the webinar, registration on Eventbrite is required.

Agenda

2:30 PM | Opening of the webinar and introductory greetings by Negar Mokarram, Business Analyst at I3P
2:35 PM | In-depth presentation of the RETURN project and its calls for proposals for innovative SMEs – Ciro Del Vecchio, RETURN Foundation
3:00 PM | Intervention by Salvatore Martino, Full Professor in Applied Geology at the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Rome “La Sapienza” and the CERI research center for Geological Risks
3:20 PM | Pitch by a startup active in the field of Ground Instabilities (VS2)
3:30 PM | Thanks and conclusion of the meeting

After recent meetings with Reggio Emilia and Bologna, TSI had the pleasure of hosting yesterday in Turin the Consorzio Consolida from Trento, a valuable member of the National Consortium CGM.

During the meeting, Mario Calderini, spokesperson for Torino Social Impact, provided valuable insights into the genesis and development of the social impact ecosystem to a delegation led by the president of the Consortium, Francesca Gennai, and accompanied by Flaviano Zandonai.

This meeting was an opportunity to share the mission, values, and ongoing projects of TSI. The strength of this ecosystem lies in its ability to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and serve as a model for others.

On March 30th and 31st, Giardino Forbito celebrates spring with FIORILE | Gardens & Flowers on display – Spring 2024, returning to the Rose Garden of Moncalieri Castle for its first edition in 2024. A special Easter weekend featuring seasonal excellences, flowers, agricultural products, and craftsmanship.

Nurserymen, artisans, agricultural producers, artists, and special guests come together to celebrate the season and the territory.

An event of exchange and discovery with a rich schedule of activities:

• WORKSHOPS by Beesù, Impollinatori Metropolitani, FloricolturaRacca, and Orso Objetos
• IMMERSIVE WALK in the hills by ASD Nordic Walking Andrate towards PininAgri Agricultural Company
• ART SPACE by Benedetta Piovesana
• CONCERTS by Strawman & Celine and Anthony Lynch
• MEETINGS with Daniela Foresto, Luca Marin, and Jacopo Pellegrinelli

Discover more here

After the experience on February 28th in Bologna, where Torino Social Impact shared the story of the Turin ecosystem in the field of social economy, it was a pleasure to host the Metropolitan City of Bologna and Social Seed, a laboratory of innovation for local organizations, on March 5th in Turin.

It was an opportunity to share the mission, values, and projects of Torino Social Impact, with the hope of inspiring the virtuous path that in Emilia Romagna aims to build a regional-level research and social innovation hub. Surely, we also take home many insights thanks to their story.

On this occasion, we visited some partner entities of the ecosystem operating in the fields of housing, care, and employment inclusion: the cooperative Esserci welcomed us at Pandàn, its welcoming social restaurant project, and the Cooperativa Accomazzi led us to discover Luoghi Comuni, the social housing project in Porta Palazzo promoting a more inclusive way of living.

The strength of the ecosystem lies precisely in this: sharing, stimulating, and being a generative example.

The feasibility of the Social Impact Exchange was recently the focus of an extensive and in-depth discussion during a workshop organized and hosted in Brussels by the Social Entrepreneurship Unit of the DG EMPL of the European Commission.

The meeting, held on February 14th, involved qualified experts from DG EMPL, DG GROW, DG FISMA, DG ECFIN of the European Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the European Investment Fund (EIF). It provided an excellent opportunity to explore innovative strategies to overcome the imbalance between demand and supply of financing for impact-oriented enterprises and create a supportive environment for the social economy by better integrating its needs and peculiarities within the financial markets system.

Promoter Committee of the Social Impact Exchange

Promoters: Paolo Biancone (University of Turin); Guido Bolatto (Turin Chamber of Commerce); Mario Calderini (Turin Social Impact); Davide Dal Maso (Avanzi Sostenibilità per Azioni); Giorgio Fiorentini (Bocconi University); Giovanni Gallo (Confcooperative); Andrea Ganelli (Leading Law); Mario Montalcini (Studio Dottori Commercialisti Associati); Paolo Mulassano (Compagnia di San Paolo); Paolo Petrucci (Legacoop Piemonte); Eleonora Rajneri (University of Eastern Piedmont); Roberto Randazzo (Legance); Elisa Rosso (Turin Social Impact); Raffaella Scalisi (Turin Social Impact).

Other members: GianPaolo Badini (Investimenti Solidali s.p.a.); Paola Bellotti (Coopfond); Pietro Bracco (AndPartners); Stefano Cacchi Pessani (Bonelli Erede); Alessandro Corbari (Nexus); Pierangelo Decisi (Sigit S.p.A.); Claudia Fiaschi (Forum Terzo Settore); Dario Prunotto (Unigens); Giuseppe Cais and Alessandro Baldo di Vinadio (Studio BGR Tax and Legal); Marella Caramazza (Cottino Social Impact Campus and Center of Excellence for the Evaluation and Measurement of Social Impact).

An important addition to the Steering Committee of the Social Impact Exchange, established in 2021 and open to the participation and involvement of interested stakeholders, chaired by Guido Bolatto, Secretary-General of the Chamber of Commerce of Turin

Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) joins the current 24 members of the Steering Committee in the evaluation phase of possible scenarios for the creation of the market infrastructure. Given its mission to support innovation and competitiveness in the Italian business world and promote sustainable development of the country’s economy, CDP brings crucial expertise and tools to the Committee to effectively address the future challenges of the initiative.

The Social Impact Exchange is an innovative project developed by Torino Social Impact with the support of founding members (Chamber of Commerce of Turin, Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation, and Banca d’Italia). It aims to create a capital market dedicated to companies intentionally producing additional, measurable positive social impact. Transactions on this market are based not only on financial value but also on the measured value of social impact.

“The ultimate goal is to create a market reserved for companies that want to contribute to solving ever-growing social and environmental challenges, not just with brilliant ESG profiles but with business models that formally and consistently define sustainability as a foundational element of their mission,” stated Guido Bolatto, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Social Impact Exchange “The entry of an actor like Cassa Depositi e Prestiti into the Committee is further evidence of how innovative and strategic this project is on the road to an impact economy”.

The Social Impact Exchange proposal complements existing financing channels, offering additional opportunities for those interested in supporting a “new” economy. This economy aims not only to mitigate negative environmental and social impacts but also to generate social value for all stakeholders.

In 2023, the simulated listing of 8 pilot companies concluded, involving 130 professionals to promote impact investing and create a capital market dedicated to impact enterprises. During the experimentation, companies worked on listing hypotheses on both stock and bond markets. Impact strategies and measurement methodologies were defined with a tailor-made approach to represent the specificities of each company. Engineered hypotheses of financial instruments were developed to predict mechanisms for valuing the achievement of impact results. The outcomes of the simulation are documented in a publicly available report on the initiative’s website.

Italgas, leading Network Tech Company in the sectors of gas distribution, water, energy efficiency and IT, launched a new call for startups in collaboration with I3P, the Innovative Companies Incubator of Politecnico di Torino.

The call is aimed at seeking innovative solutions and technologies for the “NewGen Construction Site” and falls within the scope of “Ideas 4 Italgas,” an open innovation program launched by the Italgas Group in 2020 to select the best startups and SMEs to support the digital transformation of networks and the sustainability of the Group’s activities.

More specifically, this call aims to explore existing innovations both domestically and internationally that can contribute to shaping the profile of sustainable construction sites. This initiative aims to accelerate the transition process towards a new way of building energy infrastructure and working safely on construction sites of the future.

The call is open to proposals from startups and SMEs offering innovative solutions and technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact, facilitating early detection of anomalies, and optimizing operational costs associated with construction activities. Italgas has identified five main areas of interest in this regard: gas network design, construction site monitoring and safety, new network construction, waste management, and infrastructure maintenance. Participation in the initiative is free, and applications can be submitted in either Italian or English.

Companies established in Italy or abroad, preferably with teams, resources, and assets dedicated to the project being proposed, as well as working groups composed of two or more individuals who are striving to develop technological innovations stemming from research activities, are eligible to respond to Italgas and I3P’s call. Projects can be at various stages of development: from the conceptual stage to translating an idea into a prototype within the year, from having a prototype already developed and validated or awaiting validation in the market, to having a product/service already commercialized or about to be. Applications are open until May 6, 2024, on the website, which also contains the full call for proposals. Subsequently, Italgas and I3P will evaluate the received proposals and announce the winning projects during a final event within the month of June.

The selected projects will have the opportunity to develop a Proof-of-Concept with Italgas, collaborating directly with the group to field-test their technological proposal and assess the feasibility of the presented use case. Additionally, teams chosen from the call will have free access to both mentorship and Italgas laboratories to explore how to integrate innovative projects into the group’s processes. They will also have access to a six-month incubation program at I3P, providing strategic consultancy and entrepreneurial training to maximize startup growth.

“Open innovation for Italgas – explained Raffaella Marcuccio, Italgas Procurement and Material Management Director – is not only an endless source of innovation and a driver of the future, but also a continuous platform for dialogue that allows the Group to grow and foster growth in the communities where it operates. With this new call, we aim to continue the virtuous path that has allowed us to select over 500 startups, test their respective technologies, and collaborate in the development of new prototypes, which in some cases have contributed to transforming our daily operations in terms of innovation and sustainability. This is precisely what we aim to achieve with this new call dedicated to the development of a new green paradigm for our construction sites”.

“We are proud to continue the Open Innovation activities initiated with the Italgas group in the previous years and to offer all startups, not just those in our network, a new tangible opportunity for collaboration with a world-class corporate entity,” commented Giuseppe Scellato, President of I3P. “The Ideas 4 Italgas program and its new call focused on construction sites of the future represent the ideal meeting point between the evolving needs of a significant market sector and the technological inventiveness of young enterprises. The role of the incubator will be to facilitate the meeting between the demand and supply of innovation, generating value for all actors involved in the process”.

Renewable Energy Communities (CER) are groups of individuals, businesses, and organizations that produce and share energy from renewable sources within the local area. Governed by European and national regulations, these communities can benefit from incentives, tax advantages, and reduced tariffs for access to the electrical grid.

On March 18, you will have the opportunity to delve into this topic at the Turin stop of InsiemEnergia, the nationwide tour for CER organized by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, in collaboration with the Energy Services Manager and Unioncamere. This initiative allows institutions, associations, and businesses to learn about the updates in the incentive decree and discover the potential of this tool. During the event, the Turin Chamber of Commerce will present its CERTo project. The event is also available for streaming.

For further information, click here.

Kurs Orbital, an Italian spacetech startup, has raised €3.7 million in seed funding to bring its innovative solutions to the in-orbit services and logistics market. The round was led by leading European DeepTech VC firm OTB Ventures, and joined by (in alphabetical order): Credo Ventures, Galaxia (the Italian National Technology Transfer Hub for Aerospace of CDP Venture Capital together with Obloo Ventures and the regional co-investment fund Piemonte Next, created and managed by CDP Venture Capital and supported by the Financial Institute of the Piedmont Region, Finpiemonte, with the aim of maximising investments in innovation for the region), In-Q-Tel (IQT), and Inovo.

Founded in 2022, Kurs Orbital is incubated in I3P, the Innovative Companies Incubator of Politecnico di Torino, within the ESA BIC Turin incubation program.

The start-up aims to democratise in-orbit servicing solutions including space debris removal, satellite relocation, de-orbiting, and satellite inspections, by providing reliable and cost efficient rendezvous and docking technology. Its innovative ARCap module makes it possible for servicing and logistics industries, who would otherwise be unable to afford operating in the orbital market, to scale up their business.

The seed funding will propel Kurs Orbital towards the completion of its first flight model, allowing for faster integrated testing and team expansions, with the intention to become the leading provider in this platform technology.

ARCap is a single and standardised rendezvous module which can be integrated into any kind of satellite, orbital transfer vehicle (OTV), cargo/crewed ship, or spacecraft bus the customer uses to enable transportation, life extension, in-orbit servicing, space debris removal, and more.

“This round is critical for our next step – delivering powerful and cost-effective rendezvous technology to the market”, said Volodymyr Usov, Kurs Orbital’s CEO and Co-founder. “With the help of our investors we will be able to reach the market sooner, enabling many other startups and companies to start debris removal and satellite servicing operations that are vital for sustainable space activities.”

Wojtek Walniczek, Partner at OTB Ventures, said: “Kurs Orbital’s team, building off a long and rich legacy of designing and creating rendezvous and docking systems in an agency context, immediately struck us as the right combination of deep and unique expertise combined with a fresh look at the technology and market. It is a great example of our investment strategy in the wider in-space servicing market. The timing is just right with the changing paradigm of space environment, so the company is uniquely positioned to commercialise and provide this foundational platform for future space operations. We made sure to bring together a robust investor consortium to put Kurs Orbital on a strong footing and to enable its dynamic development timeline.”

“We are delighted to join forces with OTB Ventures in supporting Kurs Orbital’s groundbreaking venture into the in-orbit servicing and logistics markets,” commented Claudia Pingue, Manager of the CDP Venture Capital Tech Transfer Fund. “This investment demonstrates how the Italian research and industrial ecosystem is among the few in the world to provide a fully integrated value chain for the space economy,” added Nicola Redi, Managing Partner of Obloo Ventures.

Giuseppe Scellato, President of I3P and Coordinator of ESA BIC Turin, commented: “We are very proud of this important funding round for Kurs Orbital, which has joined the first cohort of start-ups in the ESA BIC Turin incubation program with the aim of bringing to market a highly innovative and strategic technology for the development of future satellite platforms.”

FEMMEPOWERMENT is a project that aims to improve the digital skills of women over 50 in crowdfunding and match-funding to add value to their position in the labour market and strengthen companies engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility activities.

The project, lasting 18 months, is funded by the European Union, Erasmus + programme, Action KA210-ADU – Small-scale partnerships in adult education, and is developed in Spain and Italy thanks to a partnership formed by the Microlab Association, Impact Hub Madrid, Open Impact and the European Crowdfunding network.

The aim of the project is the implementation of a training standard for the acquisition of crowdfunding and match-funding skills and their integration with traditional CSR, Corporate Social Responsibility or Corporate Social Responsibility strategies. This will allow on the one hand women over 50 to acquire a unique set of skills, improving their position in the labour market, and on the other hand to strengthen companies by combining their traditional commitment to socially useful initiatives with a broader and increasing degree of transparency and visibility.

The innovativeness of the project lies precisely in the integration of crowdfunding with the more traditional CSR strategies of the various companies.

The pilot project, aimed at 25 women over 50, will develop and test a standardised learning course on crowdfunding and CSR strategies for women already in employment. The course will be integrated into working hours and thus included as professional development for the beneficiary women, adapted to the needs of the companies and developed in Italian and Spanish.

Are you a company or a woman over 50 and want to participate in the project?

Write to info@associazionemicrolab.it
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Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible.

Erasmus+ Programme, Action type KA210-ADU – Small-scale partnerships in adult education

The Foundation for Architecture in Turin embarks on a captivating journey in the year 2024 to discover the connection between architecture and happiness, inviting everyone to participate.

The Foundation for Architecture in Turin launches a new and exciting cultural initiative for 2024, aimed at exploring the relationship between Architecture and Happiness. This exploration involves stimulating interdisciplinary and intergenerational dialogue to offer new perspectives in the design of urban and domestic spaces, encouraging the public to share ideas and experiences.

The relationship between Architecture and Happiness has been explored in the past, primarily through the perspectives of philosophers and writers (such as Alain De Botton, “Architecture and Happiness, 2006”) and anthropologists (such as Marc Augé, “Does Happiness Have a Place? 2011”). The Foundation also acknowledges the recent emergence of a quantitative approach by architects in the development of “happy buildings.” All of this has inspired the emphasis on the cultural aspect of the new investigation, highlighting the direct consequences of architecture on people’s quality of life and the social responsibility of architects.

“I want to emphasize – says Gabriella Gedda, President of the Foundation for Architecture in Turin – all the pride and commitment that the Foundation has put into the Building Happiness project, which sees architecture as a social value in the service of the community, promoting the well-being of citizens. We firmly believe that happiness is a fundamental indicator for measuring the psycho-physical health of individuals and for strengthening territorial attractiveness. With the Building Happiness project, we want to raise awareness among the community of architects and all professionals in the field to contribute tangibly to the creation of an urban environment that, in addition to meeting practical and functional needs, nurtures the emotional and spiritual well-being of its inhabitants.”

To begin this exploratory journey, the Foundation chooses to pose a challenging question, widespread and necessary, not only to architects but to the entire community: “Dove sta di casa la felicità?” Building Happiness aims to attempt one or more answers to this question.

The heart of the entire programming will be the Masterclass that will investigate the relationship between built spaces and happiness through contributions from expert and multidisciplinary teachers. The Masterclass program brings together architecture and neuroscience, principles of innovation and social impact, international case studies, lessons from Italian masters, experiences related to different territorial scales (city, neighborhood, condominium, interior design), and insights from reading big data and expectations about the future.

“One of the main results of the Masterclass – emphasizes Eleonora Gerbotto, Director of the Foundation for Architecture in Turin – will be the creation of the ‘Building Happiness Book‘, a manual for happy design. A document summarizing the results, but above all, a practical and accessible tool that will be published and made available to designers, architects, scholars, and stakeholders. We hope – continues Gerbotto – that it can become a useful tool to contribute significantly to the creation of happy urban places, homes, offices, and community spaces.”

The Building Happiness journey will consist of about twenty events, including a six-hour choral and multidisciplinary marathon during which guests, many of them young, will take the stage with their vision of happiness. The events include “Face to Face” meetings with architects, tours of happy places, cultural talks with distinguished guests, including one in collaboration with the Department of Architecture and Design at the Polytechnic University of Turin, a Book Lab in collaboration with the Circolo dei Lettori in Turin, and the creation of a photographic exhibition in collaboration with CAMERA – Italian Center for Photography. The Foundation also commits to involving people by inviting them to respond to a public questionnaire about their perception of the space around them.

“I would like to emphasize – concludes Eleonora Gerbotto – our commitment to making young people protagonists. Through the Marathon, one of the highlights of the programming, young people (architects and others) have been actively involved to have the opportunity to express themselves on such a relevant theme as happiness. I believe it is important to listen to them, but even more so to involve them because young people are, in every way, the creative engine for the future of our city.”

Cultural Partners of the Project

ArchiTuned, CAMERA – Italian Center for Photography, CIRCOLO DEI LETTORI FOUNDATION, ITER Turin Institution for Responsible Education, Lombroso16 Cultural Pole, Polytechnic University of Turin – Department of Architecture and Design, Turin Urban Lab

Media Partner

The Plan

Building Happiness – Foundation for Architecture / Turin (fondazioneperlarchitettura.it)

In 2004, just a short walk from Turin’s Parco della Tesoriera, an innovative project promoting the values of sustainability and environmental responsibility was born.

In this episode of Bench-Mark, Nunzia Giunta and Mario Burrascano, co-founders and CEO of UOMOeAMBIENTE, shared with us the story of their courageous journey in guiding businesses eager to adopt an ethical and sustainable approach.

Interview by Francesco Antonioli.

Watch previous episodes here.

Amapola presents CivicMente: a series of open meetings for everyone, aiming to ignite citizens’ interest and engagement in their city’s policies. It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness, focusing on sustainability.

Following the session “How can citizens activate and influence public action?” on March 7th from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Community Center Più SpazioQuattro, located at Via Gaspare Saccarelli 18 in Turin, the second event titled “Aria di Città: how to improve its quality and get involved in the midst of climate change” will take place.

Air quality is a crucial aspect of urban living, directly impacting citizens’ lives, habits, and health. How do urban policies respond? What can citizens do personally and in monitoring public action?

Speakers:

• Alessandro Bertello – Metropolitan City of Turin
• Maurizio Cisi – University of Turin
• Dario Marmo – LAMA Impresa Sociale
• Elisa Gallo – FIAB
• Roberto Mezzalama – Torino Respira
• Moderator: Cristina Massarente – Amapola

The event will provide an overview of the current situation and share monitoring experiences from citizen groups. At the end of the meeting, there will be a reception for participants.

For registrations and information, please email: civicamente@amapolaprogetti.org

You can register for one or more sessions.

Here is the program for the meetings.

“Food, Relationships, Sociability: Nourishment as a Form of Sharing”

Target Audience: Students from UniTo, PoliTo, RIASISSU, and Collegi di Merito

Subject: Participation in the Roundtables of the Ferdinando Rossi Forum

Abstract Submission Deadline: March 15, 2024

Communication of Results: March 25, 2024

Event: April 17-19, 2024

Purpose of this Call

The Organizing Committee of the Ferdinando Rossi Forum issues this call for the selection of six abstracts, whose authors will participate in the roundtables of the Ferdinando Rossi Forum 2024.

Introduction to Forum 2024

“Tending Minds. Cultural Significance, Sustainability, and the Right to Food” is the title of the eighth edition of the Ferdinando Rossi Forum, dedicated to the relationship between humans and food. The discussion will cover various perspectives, drawing contributions from disciplines such as anthropology, semiotics, bioethics, social sciences, and life sciences. Starting with an essential analysis of quantitative aspects, such as the sustainability of the food supply chain, the conference will delve into the diverse functions and meanings associated with food, both in collective and individual imagination.

The conference will span three days, featuring experts on the topic and two moments of interaction between students from UniTo, PoliTo, and other university contexts. During these roundtables, students from the University of Turin, the Polytechnic University of Turin, or other outstanding Italian institutions (High University Schools part of RIASISSU and Collegi di Merito) will engage in discussions moderated by a Ph.D. candidate who will briefly present their research, fostering interaction among the participants.

Roundtable Theme

The act of nourishment is, for humans and other species, an experience that transcends the purely biological need for sustenance, becoming a social practice of sharing and openness towards others. Through commensality, a space of coexistence and mutual exchange is created around the table, extensively addressed by social sciences and humanities in ancient and contemporary forms. This ranges from Plato’s and Dante’s conviviality to modern mass consumption rituals in the globalized and foodified society. Even in the study of plant and animal species, forms of sociality related to the retrieval and consumption of nutrients have been highlighted.

Participants in the Roundtable are asked to reflect on how the production and consumption of food, as well as the associated imagery, either involve or exclude forms of sharing and sociability among individuals of the same or different species. The reflection can utilize a theoretical perspective, drawing on conceptual tools from disciplines such as philosophy, literature, and visual arts, as well as life sciences and psychology. It can highlight the diachronic evolution of the theme from a particular disciplinary perspective or offer a synchronic perspective, proposing the discussion of sector-specific results or studies.

Roundtable Execution for 2024

The 2024 edition includes two roundtables. The first will focus on the humanistic and social aspects, titled “human sciences”; the second will be dedicated to the technical-scientific aspects, titled “natural sciences,” in analogy with the division of the School of Advanced Studies of Turin. However, interdisciplinary contributions are encouraged.

During each of the two sessions, three students from the University of Turin, the Polytechnic University of Turin, or other distinguished institutions (High University Schools part of RIASISSU and Collegi di Merito) and a Ph.D. candidate under the selection of the Organizing Committee will engage in discussions. The moderation will be done by a student from the School of Advanced Studies “Ferdinando Rossi,” who will facilitate interaction with the audience. The roundtable aims to present, in about 7-10 minutes, a perspective on the topic expressed in the abstract of each student and a brief presentation of the Ph.D. candidate’s work in approximately 15 minutes. Following this, a debate will be opened with the audience and the roundtable on the issues raised by the presentations.

Number of Slots and Participation Requirements

This call is divided into two sections for a total of 6 abstracts: Section I will select 3 abstracts for the “human sciences” section; Section II will select 3 abstracts for the “natural sciences” section. The abstracts must, with an essential focus, open a perspective on the roundtable theme in light of the author’s academic background and interest.

Eligible for selection are abstracts written by university students enrolled in one of the outstanding Italian institutions (High University Schools part of RIASISSU and Collegi di Merito), the University of Turin, and the Polytechnic University of Turin. The committee reserves the right to vary the number of selected papers for each section in case of excess or shortage of eligible applications and based on their particular interest. Submissions from any undergraduate, graduate, or single-cycle master’s degree program at the mentioned universities or Merit Colleges are accepted. Works written by multiple authors will not be accepted.

Application Process

Submission of the abstract (max. 4000 characters including spaces) of an original presentation related to the roundtable question in paragraph 3 of this call is required. It should be accompanied by a minimal bibliography and followed by a brief biographical note about the author. This note can be submitted in the form of a letter (max. 1000 characters including spaces) or a short video (up to 1 minute). It should include the candidate’s age, university affiliation, and the degree program they are enrolled in, along with other information considered interesting for the selection by the candidate.

The abstract can be written in either Italian or English. The document must be submitted in PDF format to the email address of the Organizing Committee (comitato@forumferdinandorossi.it) no later than 3:00 PM on Friday, March 15, 2024.

Selection Committee

A committee of students, faculty, and Ph.D. candidates from the School of Advanced Studies “Ferdinando Rossi” at the University of Turin will review the submissions. Positive evaluations will be given to works that demonstrate particular originality and a thoughtful understanding of the issues related to the theme of this call. The results of the selection will be communicated only to the winners of the call via email by March 25, 2024.

Responsibilities for Selected Students

Selected students are required to participate in the roundtable of the Ferdinando Rossi Forum, which will take place in person on April 18 and 19, 2024. Here, they will have the opportunity to individually present their abstract and subsequently engage in discussions with each other on the roundtable question, opening the debate to the audience.

Organizational Notes on Event Execution

Any travel and accommodation expenses necessary for the in-person roundtable will be covered by the Organizing Committee.

The theme of the double transition, both in energy and digital aspects, will be at the center of the event organized by Fondazione Piemonte Innova and Fondirigenti, in collaboration with the Polo di Innovazione ICT, Federmanager Torino, and the Unione Industriali Torino. This impactful meeting is dedicated to presenting the results of the DC4ET project – Digital Competences for Energy Transition.

In preview, the “Competences and Digital for Energy Transition” model will be presented, a roadmap designed in collaboration with managers from participating companies in the project. This model serves as a strategic and practical guide for SMEs aiming at energy efficiency, managing energy risks, and actively participating in Renewable Energy Communities.

The conference will provide an opportunity to delve into the technologies enabling the transition, thanks to a detailed overview provided by the companies of the Polo di Innovazione ICT on the most interesting digital solutions of the moment.

Event Details:

Date: March 14

Time: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Location: Congress Center of the Unione Industriali, Via Vela 17, Turin, Italy

Participation: the event is open to managers, entrepreneurs, professionals, and experts in the field interested in guiding their companies towards a green and sustainable future.

To register and get further details click here.

The Social Innovation Campus (#sicampus2024), launched by Fondazione Triulza in MIND Milano Innovation District has also this year the objective of involving new generations in moments of confrontation, experimentation and contamination to design together a sustainable future.

Drimlab enthusiastically participated in the initiative telling its story both on the main stage, thanks to Giulia Vogliolo’s beautiful speech (which you can catch up here from minute 1:12:38), and through a workshop dedicated to high school girls and boys presented by Fabrizio Chirico and Federica Cocchia.

“It was amazing to see the enthusiasm and interest of girls and boys as we explored the streets of DrimCity together. Interest and curiosity to the themes of Social Innovation and Impact, but also to the challenges of our reality that is Innovative and Cooperative StartUp” these are the words of Fabrizio Chirico, president of Drimlab, in recounting the experience at Social Innovation Campus 2024.

Partnerships between social economy enterprises and mainstream businesses

Within the scope of the European project BUY SOCIAL, which aims to promote innovative forms of procurement among private companies to support the growth of businesses and socially impactful activities, a detailed report has been prepared to explore, through the analysis of some particularly relevant cases, the partnership between enterprises operating in the social economy and those operating in the traditional economy.

Specifically, social economy enterprises with long-standing partnerships with traditional enterprises were analyzed: Urbike & Facq (Belgium), La Varappe & ONET (France), Naturgy (Spain), Ikea & I-Did (Netherlands), and Goel (Italy).

The report also includes a section dedicated to the analysis of the various entities examined: their history, from their inception to their development, the economic and social context in which they have grown, the objectives they have achieved, and the goals they have set for the future.

To learn more about social procurement and the BUY SOCIAL project, please refer to the Best Practices Report.

On 12 March from 2 to 6 p.m., the National Contact Point is organising a dynamic and interactive info-session, at the Open Incet premises in Turin, dedicated to support beneficiaries of EaSI programmes by providing tools and suggestions to face design challenges of European projects. The workshop will be conducted in Italian

Goal: The workshop aims to provide participants with practical and innovative tools in an engaging way to address the challenges related to every aspect of designing ideas within European programmes, from proposal design to matchmaking with other partners.

Activities: Through gamification strategies and group work we will tackle the development and desing of European projects, approaching the application form and planning of operations.

Attendance: The event is in-person and open to all those interested in improving their skills in the field of European project design such as Public Administrations, social enterprises and Third Sector organisations.

Register and reserve your place by following this link.

Registration closes on Sunday 10 March at 6pm.