Innovation services

The European project POSIDON PCP (POlluted SIte DecontaminatiON Pre-Commercial Procurement) recently secured the prestigious second place in the “Innovation Procurement Initiative” category at the 2025 European Innovation Procurement Awards, presented by the European Commission. The POSIDON pre-commercial procurement, led by the Port System Authority of the Eastern Adriatic Sea in Trieste, represents a significant and pioneering example of public procurement with tangible impact. Area Science Park played a central role in coordinating the project and its technical-scientific activities related to the procurement procedure for developing innovative decontamination solutions for two complex industrial areas: the Noghere site in Trieste and the Zorrotzaurre peninsula in Bilbao, the latter at the heart of an ambitious urban regeneration plan designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Acting on behalf of the Municipality of Bilbao and three other key contractors—SPAQUE (Belgium), CEA–City Council of Vitoria Gasteiz (Spain), and Baía do Tejo (Portugal)—the Port Authority of Trieste, supported by project partner and innovation procurement expert Sara Bedin, acquired innovative research and development services through a pre-commercial public procurement. The focus was on in situ soil decontamination at sites heavily contaminated by hydrocarbons and heavy metals. “POSIDON, characterised from its inception as a highly innovative project, is a concrete example of transferring research outcomes to the market with the goal of addressing real needs, such as developing and field-testing innovative technologies for the decontamination of soils in polluted industrial areas,” comments Caterina Petrillo, President of Area Science Park. “The effective collaboration among diverse stakeholders, the scouting of technological and innovative solutions in research laboratories, and the use of pre-commercial public procurement have been key ingredients in the project’s success, making it a European benchmark”. By initiating a competitive process from the earliest stages—conceptual design, initial development, through to large-scale field tests—POSIDON enabled the emergence of new in situ technologies that not only surpass the current state of the art (and have indeed been patented), but are also market-ready or prepared for wide commercial dissemination. In particular, the solutions selected for the field trial phase have demonstrated promising results. The Soil-Omic solution using BIOflushing® technology, already on the market, is an advanced protocol combining biological and physico-chemical treatments, integrating metagenomics with environmental engineering to decontaminate soils and aquifers from organic and inorganic pollutants. Developed by TESECO, BIOflushing utilises specialised hydraulic plants and systems for biostimulation, bio-amplification, and chemical washing of saturated and unsaturated soils. Results have confirmed the effectiveness of the process and dedicated plant in degrading petroleum and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as removing heavy metals from both saturated and unsaturated soils. Erase, developed by the consortium led by HCP ITALIA, is a modular patented solution currently in final refinement and pre-market development, which reduces organic and inorganic pollutants via electrodes and injections. POSIDON has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 776838. The content of this press release reflects only the authors’ view, and the European Research Executive Agency (REA) is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

The sixth edition of Startup Marathon is now underway and is an initiative dedicated to startups, innovative SMEs and university spin-offs, promoted by Area Science Park, UniCredit Start Lab and Fondazione Comunica. Over the years, this project has established a network of dozens of incubators, accelerators, universities and other organisations supporting business development throughout Italy, which have made it possible for more than 200 of the best startups across Italy to meet and make themselves known to leading SMEs, corporations and Italian and international investors who are partners in the event. In fact, the format requires the supporting organisations themselves to “present” their best startups, innovative SMEs or spin-offs by nominating them to participate in Startup Marathon. This approach makes it possible to bring together the most promising innovative proposals on the national scene in two distinct programmes: a startup competition and a targeted B2B matching programme. Confirmed following the first edition last year, the Open Innovation B2B programme is designed to allow the event’s partner companies to present their innovation needs, to which the startups will respond and these startups can, in turn, be directly nominated to intercept them. Those offering the most suitable solutions will have the opportunity, during the autumn, to engage in one-to-one meetings with corporations, in order to present their innovation projects directly. Registration for the contest follows a similar but separate process, detailed on the startupmarathon.it website. Once nominations close in September, a group of startups will be selected to present their video pitch to an audience of investors and entrepreneurs during the Startup Marathon Digital Day on 23 October, as part of the DIGITALmeet event. During this digital event, 10 finalists will be chosen to compete in a pitch competition on 20 November at UniCredit’s Tower Hall in Milan. The projects will be evaluated by a panel of judges comprised of representatives from Startup Marathon’s partners and a Scientific Committee of experts from the world of entrepreneurship, innovation and specialised press, chaired by Mariarosa Trolese, board member of the Italian Business Angel Network. The winning startups will be accompanied along a path focused on seeking grants and funding, as well as developing products and services capable of generating revenue and employment. The startup in first place will be offered participation in the UniCredit Start Lab acceleration programme and, along with the startups in second and third place, will be included among those pre-selected to take part in the national mission to CES in Las Vegas, the world’s most important trade show dedicated to innovation and new technologies. A special prize will be awarded to the best startup, innovative SME or spin-off with a female-majority ownership structure, which will be able to participate in the international BoostHerUp acceleration programme, organised by Area Science Park. There will also be a ranking for the organisations that support and nominate startups and they will be assigned a score based on the positioning of their companies. The top three will receive privileged access to the Executive MBA in Business Innovation offered by the MIB Trieste School of Management. This recognition will also be extended to all 10 finalist startups. “In six years, Startup Marathon has grown, while retaining its original practical spirit: today it represents a solid meeting point between those who develop technology and those seeking it to innovate. Last year’s introduction of the Open Innovation B2B path added a direct collaboration channel alongside the contest, which is already showing concrete results and confirming how the two souls of the initiative strengthen each other. The true value of this initiative lies in the consolidated network formed over the years between support organisations, startups and industrial partners: creating the conditions for the best technologies that emerged in Italy to find markets, capital and collaboration opportunities, generating impact and new growth for the local economic fabric”, says Roberto Pillon, Head of the Business Generation office at Area Science Park. “We are proud to support this year’s Startup Marathon once again, through UniCredit Start Lab, our business platform dedicated to startups and innovative SMEs, which, for over ten years, has accompanied hundreds of high-tech ventures on their growth paths. We consider Startup Marathon a valuable opportunity for promoting Italian entrepreneurial talent towards a more sustainable future. It’s a team game we strongly believe in, based on the shared goal of creating national and international connections between the best Italian tech companies and those who can turn their ideas into concrete solutions”, adds Francesca Perrone, Head of ESG & Start Lab Italy, UniCredit. “Startup Marathon continues to stand out as a reference point in the Italian innovation landscape, involving participants from various regional contexts, from the most developed to the most disadvantaged areas. The initiative fits perfectly into the national ecosystem of incubators, accelerators, technology parks and universities, with the aim of promoting the best Italian entrepreneurial ideas”, says Gianni Potti, President of Fondazione Comunica and founder of DIGITALmeet. “In a country where the presence of investors in the startup sector remains limited, events like Startup Marathon are vital for supporting projects that might otherwise struggle to develop without concrete backing. We have always committed to promoting dynamic and innovative enterprises, creating growth opportunities for businesses and jobs for young people”. Founded in 2020, Startup Marathon has, over the years, selected and rewarded innovative companies active in fields such as artificial intelligence, diagnostics, IoT and sustainability. Winners of past editions include Soundsafe Care, a spin-off of the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa that combines robotics and ultrasound for the non-invasive treatment of tumours; Katakem, a spin-off of the University of Catanzaro, that accelerates the development of new molecules; CAEmate, a company that developed software for the predictive maintenance of infrastructures; Aisent, which provides services based on AI, machine learning and computer vision, and M2Test, a spin-off of the University of Trieste that created an innovative diagnostic method for osteoporosis.

The Bernardo Nobile Award celebrates its 20th anniversary. Promoted by Area Science Park, it aims to promote the use of scientific and technical information contained within patent documentation as part of research and innovation pathways. With the 2025 edition, the Award is renewed, offering six prizes and addressing highly topical themes. The 20th edition of the Award, dedicated to the memory of Bernardo Nobile — founder and first head of the Area Science Park PatLib Centre — has been updated to recognise studies and methodologies for the analysis of data and information, both related to intellectual property and concerning potentially high-impact technologies. In particular, the main innovations include: studies that enhance the use of patent documentation and information, including through Artificial Intelligence (AI) analysis of data, information, and processes related to Intellectual Property (IP); studies and/or scenario analyses and/or technological foresight focusing on “deep-tech” technologies, with particular attention to their impact and/or valorisation. The initiative, organised with the involvement of the Italian Association of Patent Documentalists (AIDB), will award six cash prizes of €2,500 each to as many graduates and/or PhD holders who have been selected as winners in the following three categories: Category 1 and 2: respectively for Master’s theses and doctoral dissertations that explicitly use patents as an information source, possibly also analysing opportunities arising from the use of AI techniques in the research, processing and analysis of data and information, or in managing processes related to IP; Category 3: for Master’s theses and/or doctoral dissertations that have explored the impact and/or valorisation of “deep-tech” technologies, possibly including foresight, forecast, or anticipatory analyses in the following sectors: a. Life Sciences b. Materials Science c. Advanced Digital Technologies d. Green Energy Supply Chains The deadline for submitting applications is 30 June 2025. All details and the full call for applications are available here.

The European LIFE IN-PLAN project’s efforts to develop territorial plans integrating energy, climate, and mobility aspects are beginning to bear fruit by encouraging virtuous planning practices among municipalities aimed at achieving climate neutrality. A notable example is the municipality of San Vito al Tagliamento (PN), with which IN-PLAN is actively collaborating, supporting its team of experts alongside local officials in the integrated drafting of the Municipal General Urban Plan, the General Urban Traffic Plan, the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan, the Green Masterplan, and the Plan for the Removal of Architectural Barriers. “We warmly welcomed the IN-PLAN project because, as a municipality belonging to the Sustainable Municipalities Network, we recognise the importance of integrated and systemic planning involving multiple stakeholders with diverse sensitivities and expertise. This approach ensures a comprehensive vision and coherence that can only be achieved through dialogue, comparison, and collaboration, as we have already experienced during an initial meeting with all the planners supporting us in drafting the various plans,” states Federica Del Frè, delegated councillor for the municipality of San Vito al Tagliamento. Very useful tools in this direction include the IN-PLAN Practice, the IN-PLAN Checklist, and the Guidelines for a Data Management Plan, which provide concrete support for public administrations and sector operators in implementing multilevel governance. “The IN-PLAN Practice offers a comprehensive guide with examples of good practices and a step-by-step approach to effectively integrate energy, climate, and territorial planning policies,” explains Fabrizia Salvi of Area Science Park. “The IN-PLAN Checklist provides a structured reference framework in the form of guiding questions to improve existing or developing plans by assessing the coherence of measures envisaged in various plans, as demonstrated by the ongoing work with the municipality of San Vito al Tagliamento. The checklist is designed to foster reflection on developing integrated measures that also consider the effects—both positive and negative—that these may have on sectors other than the primary focus. It can also be used in a preliminary phase of plan drafting to consider different aspects of an issue and choose to address them in a multidisciplinary way”. The importance of these tools, with a particular focus on the “data-driven” approach, alongside experiences of various local authorities, universities, and research centres, was central to the event held on 2 April 2025 in Padua, within the framework of the Forum Duezerocinquezero, in collaboration with the LIFE NECPlatform project and the Coordination of Italian Local Agenda 21. The event, attended by experts and stakeholders, was not only an opportunity to present the IN-PLAN methodologies and tools but also a chance to discuss the challenges of integrated planning within the National Coalition Group (NCG) of IN-PLAN. This national discussion platform offers various stakeholders the chance to exchange views and formulate proposals and recommendations on integrated planning to be subsequently shared with national policymakers. The group involves several entities, including Area Science Park, the Coordination of Italian Local Agenda 21, and the municipalities of Padua, Prato, and Narni. During the event, proposals for the NCG were presented, focusing on the importance of “data-driven” integrated territorial planning and addressing barriers to integrated design, data management, and governance forms. The LIFE IN-PLAN project, co-financed by the European Union, will continue its work until March 2026. There is still an opportunity for municipalities and provinces to join as pilots and receive support from Area Science Park experts in integrating plans by testing the methodology and tools developed by the project.

The aim is to strengthen the competitiveness of Italian businesses and promote the growth of a dynamic and future-oriented entrepreneurial ecosystem through the co-creation of innovative solutions developed by startups, spin-offs and innovative SMEs in response to the needs of medium and large enterprises. With this ambitious goal and as part of the activities and services of IP4FVG – EDIH, Area Science Park, in collaboration with ELIS Innovation Hub, is launching the Open Innovation@IP4FVG, programme through two calls: Call 4 Need, for medium and large enterprises, and Call 4 Solution, dedicated to startups, spin-offs and innovative SMEs. Thanks to the programme, the selected companies will work together, for 12 weeks, on the co-development of a Proof of Concept (PoC), a pilot project or prototype that makes it possible to test the innovative solutions and assess their effectiveness, applicability and scalability. Every stage of the approach will be guided and supported by experts from Area Science Park and ELIS Innovation Hub, through to final validation of the solution. Thanks to PNRR funds from the IP4FVG-EDIH project, selected medium and large enterprises will have access to subsidised funding of up to 80% to develop their PoC with a value of €40.000 each. The co-innovation approaches must focus on advanced digital technologies for optimising processes across the entire value chain, for reducing environmental impact and for cybersecurity. The programme includes a first local service event on 15 April at 3 p.m. in the Pasolini Room of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region in Udine, during which companies and startups can join the programme, meet, delve deeper into the topic of Open Innovation and take part in networking sessions aimed at fostering long-term collaborations. The programme is part of the IP4FVG-EDIH services, an initiative funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) – Mission 4, Component 2 (M4C2) – Investment 2.3, subsidised by the European Union – Next Generation EU, which aims to encourage the adoption of digital and green technologies. More information on the areas and the approach is available at this link. To register for the presentation event on April 15 in Udine, click here.

The Welcome Office FVG confirms its crucial role in supporting the international mobility of students and researchers in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The data contained in the 2024 Report highlights a significant increase in activities and continuous evolution of the services offered. Throughout 2024, the Welcome Office FVG— a help desk giving assistance and advice on the main mobility-related issues for students, researchers and their families, both before arrival and during their stay in the region— provided a total of 5.982 consultations to 655 users. Among the most frequent requests received at the Trieste help desk, managed by Area Science Park, were matters related to residence permits, entry and residence conditions and health insurance. At the Udine help desk, which operates within the university, the main focus was instead on the pre-arrival phase, with a greater demand for advice regarding departure formalities and conditions, insurance and healthcare and the search for accommodation. One of the Welcome Office FVG’s strengths is its collaboration with local and national institutions. In 2024, 11 agreements on personal data processing were signed between Area Science Park and the partners who took advantage of the appointments at the Police Headquarters. The relationship with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) Visa Centre was also fundamental, leading to the organisation of a training and refresher event. One of the most significant results was the organisation of 10 collective appointments with the Trieste Police Headquarters, allowing around 300 students, researchers and family members to obtain their residence permits more quickly. The Welcome Office FVG web portal continues to be a reference point for international mobility. In 2024, it recorded 35.689 users and 48.954 sessions, with visitors from 158 countries. The Welcome Office FVG also took part in several promotional events, including the “Welcome Conference for International and Mobility Students” at UniUD and the Welcome Days organised by the University of Trieste, the University of Udine and the Tartini Conservatory. The level of user satisfaction remains high: 94% of respondents to the questionnaire stated that they would recommend the service.

China is the most attractive market for patents in the rare earth element (REE) recycling sector, with a significantly higher number of patent applications compared to other countries. This is what emerges from the study “Innovation in rare earths recycling: A quantitative and qualitative analysis of patent data”, which, through a meticulous analysis of patent data, offers an in-depth examination of innovation in the Rare Earth recycling sector. Rare earth elements are fundamental for the digital transition and decarbonisation and are used in key technologies such as batteries, wind turbines and electronic devices. However, their extraction has a significant environmental impact and the supply chain is highly concentrated in just a few countries, making recycling a strategic solution to ensure sustainable access to these resources, reduce dependence on imports and limit the environmental impact of mining activities. According to the study, published in Resources Policy and conducted by Area Science Park (Riccardo Priore and Marinella Favot) and the University of Milan-Bicocca (Marco Compagnoni), China remains the most dynamic market in the REE recycling sector and Chinese universities are the main players in innovation, demonstrating a strong commitment to research and development of new technologies for the recovery of these materials. However, the United States and Japan emerge as technological leaders, with patents that are more frequently mentioned and with greater international protection of their inventions, indicating more advanced and globally relevant technological innovation. Europe, on the other hand, shows signs of stagnation in both the number and quality of patents. To bridge the gap with the main players in the sector, greater support for innovation is needed through public investment, business incentives and international collaborations. Moreover, revising policies for managing waste of electric and electronic equipment (WEEE), which is rich in critical raw materials, is crucial to making the circular economy more effective, by improving waste collection, enhancing recycling facilities and incentivising the use of secondary raw materials. Riccardo Priore of the Patlib Centre, at Area Science Park, states that “This study represents an innovative type of support, through statistical analysis of patent documents, to various issues related to academic research activities. The study of innovation dynamics in the rare earth recycling sector provides an important starting point for developing more effective strategies in the REE recycling sector, with significant implications for the strategic autonomy of importing countries and for the future of the global circular economy.” In a context of increasing demand for rare earth elements, recycling capacity will become increasingly crucial in reducing dependence on imports and mitigating the environmental impact of extraction. The results of the study suggest that, in order to remain competitive, Western countries should intensify their efforts in the recycling sector by promoting high-quality innovations and investing in the transition to a more sustainable economy. Link to the paper