The visit showcased some of the area’s most advanced innovation assets, including Thales Alenia Space’s Space Smart Factory, a cutting-edge satellite manufacturing facility, and Aruba’s Hyper Cloud Data Center, a key infrastructure supporting digital transformation, cloud computing, and data management.

Beyond celebrating the achievements already present within the Tecnopolo, the visit also brought significant announcements for the future of Rome’s innovation ecosystem.

Among the most notable developments is the planned creation of a dedicated Metro B station serving the Tecnopolo Tiburtino. The new transport infrastructure is expected to improve accessibility for researchers, entrepreneurs, students, and companies operating within the district, further strengthening its attractiveness as a hub for innovation and investment.

Equally important was the positive reception of the Italian Government’s proposed €1 billion investment in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. The initiative represents a major opportunity to reinforce Italy’s competitiveness in strategic deep-tech sectors and could generate new opportunities for research institutions, startups, technology transfer organizations, and innovative enterprises across the country.

Today, the Tecnopolo Tiburtino hosts more than 150 companies active in sectors such as aerospace, ICT, life sciences, green technologies, and advanced manufacturing. The combination of world-class industrial facilities, growing digital infrastructure, and strong public investment confirms the district’s role as a cornerstone of Rome’s innovation ecosystem.

As Italy continues to invest in emerging technologies and advanced research, the Tecnopolo Tiburtino stands as a powerful example of how collaboration between industry, academia, and public institutions can drive sustainable economic growth and technological leadership.

Source: La Capitale, June 2026. Article: “Tecnopolo Tiburtino, Gualtieri in visita tra spazio, dati e innovazione: Roma punta sempre di più sulla tecnologia.“

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Participants at the EIC Partners’ Day took part in a rich and interactive programme that included:

• Keynote insights on the EIC’s vision and priorities for 2026.
• Presentations detailing the EIC Ecosystem Partnership Programme and EIC ACCESS+.
• Panel discussions featuring EIC Partners and service providers.
• Interactive workshop and working groups addressing real ecosystem challenges.
• Networking opportunities designed to build meaningful connections.

A special thanks goes to all workshop participants for their engagement, enthusiasm and valuable contributions. We extend our sincere thanks to the EIC representatives attending the sessions for their strategic insights and to our colleagues from the EIC Ecosystem Partnerships Programme for the efficient organisation and the helpful support.

Following the EIC Partners’ Day, participants transitioned into the EIC Summit 2026, where over 2,000 innovation leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers gathered to shape the future of European deep-tech and innovation.

These events reinforced the importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and community-building in driving European competitiveness and technological leadership. They also showcased exciting developments, including new initiatives aimed at strengthening Europe’s capacity to support startups, scaleups, and research-based innovation.

We are proud to be part of the EIC community and look forward to continuing our contribution to a stronger, more connected, and innovation-driven Europe.

#EICSummit2026 #EICPartnersDay #EICCommunity #Innovation #DeepTech #Startups #Scaleups #TechnologyTransfer #EICACCESSPlus #EuropeanInnovation #INNOVA

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As a partner in the HARD2SCALE project, INNOVA is proud to support the next generation of innovators addressing critical challenges facing Europe’s heavy industries and resource-intensive sectors.

Supporting the Industrial Transition

Materials and resource industries are fundamental to Europe’s economy, yet they face increasing pressure to decarbonize operations, improve resource efficiency, embrace circular economy principles, and remain globally competitive.

HARD2SCALE was created to bridge the gap between innovative startups and industrial stakeholders, helping promising technologies move beyond early-stage development and into real-world industrial applications.

The second cohort focuses on startups and SMEs developing solutions for sectors including:

• Cement
• Steel
• Aluminium
• Glass
• Pulp & Paper
• Metals
• Advanced Materials

The programme is particularly interested in innovations addressing:

• Industrial decarbonisation
• Energy efficiency
• Circular economy solutions
• Resource recovery and recycling
• Advanced materials
• Industrial digitalisation
• Process optimisation
• Carbon monitoring and emissions management
• Regulatory and compliance support technologies

What Selected Startups Will Receive

Participants selected for Cohort 2 will gain access to a comprehensive acceleration programme designed specifically for hard-to-abate industries. Benefits include:

• Industrial Validation Opportunities: Startups will connect directly with industrial players and explore opportunities for pilot projects, testing, and validation in real operational environments.
• Expert Mentoring: Participants will receive tailored support from industry experts, innovation specialists, investors, and business development professionals.
• Investor Matchmaking: The programme facilitates introductions to investors and funding opportunities aligned with industrial innovation and deep-tech ventures.
• International Visibility: Startups will become part of a European innovation ecosystem and gain exposure through networking events, industry engagement activities, and project communications.

Apply for the Accelerator Programme here: https://www.f6s.com/hard2scale/connect 

Read more: https://hard2scale.eu/acceleration-programme/

Join the HARD2SCALE Cohort 2 Info Day

To help potential applicants better understand the programme and application process, HARD2SCALE is organizing an online Information Day.

Event Details

Date: 9 June 2026
Time: 16:00 CET
Format: Online

During this one-hour session, participants will gain:

• A clear overview of the Cohort 2 scope and timeline
• Detailed information about eligibility requirements
• Insights into the support available for selected startups
• Guidance on preparing a strong application
• The opportunity to ask questions directly during a live Q&A session

Register for the Info Day here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/UTP3V0hcTMCbqKB-hjJ9CA#/registration

Apply Before the Deadline: Applications for Cohort 2 are open until 21 June 2026.

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GITEX Kenya 2026 will mark an important milestone for East Africa’s innovation ecosystem, strengthening Nairobi’s role as the “Silicon Savannah” and positioning Kenya as a strategic hub for artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and technology-driven growth. The event is expected to bring together international investors, technology companies, startups, and institutions, creating a valuable platform for business development and cross-border partnerships.

Through this initiative, ICE Agenzia will support the participation of around 10 Italian startups and innovative SMEs in a dedicated Italian Pavilion. The selected companies will benefit from a personalized exhibition space, B2B meeting opportunities, visibility through official communication channels, access to investors, and the possibility to take part in the AI Everything Summit and the SuperNova Challenge pitch competition.

The opportunity is particularly relevant for companies working in sectors such as artificial intelligence, agritech, health, smart cities, education, inclusive finance, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Participation is free of charge, while travel, accommodation, shipping, customs, and other individual expenses remain the responsibility of the participating companies.

Applications must be submitted via PEC to startup@cert.ice.it, following the procedures described by ICE Agenzia. Eligible applicants must be registered as innovative startups or SMEs, have a market-ready product or software, English-language promotional materials, and staff able to present and negotiate in English.

For Italian innovation-driven companies looking to explore the African market, connect with international investors, and build new partnerships in one of the continent’s fastest-growing tech ecosystems, GITEX Kenya 2026 represents a highly promising opportunity.

Event dates: 19–21 May 2026
Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Attachment

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The meeting provided an opportunity to showcase INNOVA’s role as a leading incubation programme in Rome, with a strong focus on supporting research and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. Particular attention was given to two successful spin-offs developed with INNOVA’s support MediaPharma and Janus Pharma, highlighting our commitment to fostering impactful, science-driven ventures.

During the session, Mr. Du Xinli presented the strategic opportunities offered by Shenzhen’s Pingshan District, a rapidly growing hub for pharmaceutical R&D and industrial development. The exchange opened the door to meaningful discussions on potential collaboration areas, including joint research initiatives and future business development opportunities.

This visit marks an important step toward strengthening international partnerships and advancing innovation across borders in the life sciences sector.

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Scaling innovation in hard-to-abate and energy-intensive industries is complex. Market entry barriers, industrial validation, cross-border expansion, and funding readiness often slow down even the most promising solutions. Hard2Scale was created to address exactly these challenges.

As the first macro-regional accelerator focused on these sectors, Hard2Scale provides selected companies with structured support to move from innovation to market traction.

Selected participants will benefit from:

• A network of 12+ accelerators and incubators across Europe
• Access to 10+ industrial and academic demonstrator hosts
• Connections with over 200 potential partners, end-users, and investors
• Support for market access, pilot validation, and funding readiness

If your company is developing innovative solutions for transport, logistics, or construction and is ready to scale across Europe, this is your opportunity to accelerate growth within a strong European ecosystem.

Applications are open until 15 March.
Learn more:  https://hard2scale.eu/acceleration-programme/
Apply Now: https://www.f6s.com/hard2scale/connect 

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• Research & discovery: 7.3 for academic reputation
• Learning experience: The teacher-student ratio of 6.1 highlights an educational approach that encourages direct contact between students and teachers.
• Global Engagement: The data on internationalization are particularly relevant, confirming the strengthening of the university’s international profile. 
• Outgoing student mobility scores 56.5, and incoming student mobility stands at 9.8.
• The international research network scores 22.8, reflecting active scientific collaborations at European and international level. 
• The picture is completed by the international ratio of teachers, with a score of 2.3, and the high diversity of nationalities present, scoring 61.8.
• Sustainability: On the issue of sustainability, which is increasingly central to the evaluation of universities, Unicas achieved a score of 44.8, confirming its strong focus on environmental and social policies. 
• Employability: In terms of employability, the ranking assigns a score of 4.8 to corporate reputation and 9.8 to employment outcomes. 
• These two indicators reflect the relationship between university education and the world of work. 
• The presence of Unicas in the ranking has a value that goes beyond numerical data: it is a sign of constant engagement, a clear vision, and a strong connection with the local area. 

This result strengthens the University’s role in the European academic landscape and allows it to look forward to future challenges with confidence.

European University of Technology 

#Europe #UnicasSostenibile #InternationalUnicas #EuropeUnicas #TerritorioUnicas #QSRankings2026

Source: Link 

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About the Initiative

The Faber School-Urban Living Lab SMILE City is a dynamic co-design and prototyping programme that invites multidisciplinary talents to respond to one of SMILE CITY’s core innovation challenges: the design of an off-grid e-bike charging station powered by renewable energy and built with circular economy principles. This station will serve as a scalable infrastructure prototype for sustainable urban mobility across European cities. 

By joining this initiative, participants will collaborate within an international ecosystem of partners drawn from research institutions, industry, local authorities, universities and civil society, contributing to a real-world solution that embodies sustainability, functional design, and technical feasibility.

Who Can Participate

The call welcomes applications from a broad spectrum of profiles, including:

• University and ITS students
• Recent graduates, researchers and scientists
• Designers, architects and makers
• Digital artisans, technicians and local innovators
• Professionals and companies interested in sustainable design, renewable energy and circular economy solutions

This multidisciplinary cohort ensures a rich blend of perspectives and competences throughout the ideation and prototyping phases.

Challenge Focus and Expected Outcomes

Participants are invited to develop a functional architectural concept that integrates:

• A robust support structure for roof-mounted photovoltaic panels
• A secure and accessible housing for second-life batteries for energy storage
• Optional elements enhancing urban experience, including seating, lighting, and information interfaces

Design proposals should balance aesthetics, functionality, durability, safety, and replicability, while reflecting the principles of circular economy and urban sustainability championed by the SMILE CITY project. 

Programme Structure

The initiative is structured in four key phases:

1. Introductory Workshops: A series of preparatory sessions to:
   • Present the SMILE CITY partnership and its expertise network
   • Deep-dive into the call objectives and technical materials
   • Facilitate networking and exchange among participants and project partners
2. The first workshop took place on 3 December 2025 at CNR – Rome, with follow-ups in early 2026 at Sapienza University, Politecnico di Torino and ISIA Faenza.
3. Call for Applications: Submissions are open until 10 January 2026 (18:00 CET). Applications are evaluated by a panel including representatives from Lazio Innova, ETRA and sector experts.
4. Co-Design and Prototyping Phase: A blended programme of in-person and digital sessions hosted through the FabLab network and across partner locations, fostering cross-fertilisation among international teams.
5. Demo Day & Final Presentation: Each working group will present a suite of outputs from CAD drawings and scale models to presentations and illustrative media  before an international expert jury.

Selected teams will gain:

• Involvement in SMILE CITY project activities,
• Recognition and visibility across project communications,
• Rights to reference their concept and prototype in professional portfolios,
• Travel cost reimbursement for project-related meetings.

Why It Matters

Urban Living Labs like this embody Europe’s push for participatory innovation, linking design, technology, sustainability and community needs within real urban contexts. The SMILE CITY project aims to pioneer circular, low-emission urban environments, with infrastructure solutions that are adaptable, scalable and citizen-centric.

This open call not only creates tangible outcomes in sustainable mobility infrastructure but also fosters international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and real-world impact for participants poised to become leaders in innovation, design and sustainability.

Apply and Engage

Interested innovators and teams are encouraged to apply by 10 January 2026. For full details and application procedures, Click Here 

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HARD2SCALE brings together innovators, industry leaders, research organisations, and investors to identify high-impact technologies and match them with real industrial needs. Through regional workshops, market assessments, and ecosystem mapping, the project will co-create a Cross-Border Action Plan that outlines how deep-tech solutions can be effectively scaled across Europe.

This work will pave the way for a future European deep-tech accelerator dedicated to supporting startups and scale-ups in reaching industrial validation, market adoption, and cross-border growth thereby accelerating Europe’s transition toward climate-neutral industrial processes.

INNOVA’s Role in the Project

As a core partner, INNOVA leads key activities that ensure the project’s effectiveness and impact, including:

• Mapping high-potential deep-tech technologies with relevance to HtA sectors
• Engaging Italian industry stakeholders, startups, research centres, and investors
• Validating needs and challenges through consultations, surveys, and workshops
• Co-designing the strategic Scaling-Up Action Plan for a cross-border accelerator
• Supporting communication and dissemination to increase outreach and stakeholder participation

The HARD2SCALE Consortium

The project brings together 8 strategic partners from both emerging/moderate and leading innovation ecosystems:

• KiNNO Innovation Intermediaries (Greece): Project Coordinator
• ASTR Capital (France)
• Accent Inkubator GmbH (Austria)
• Venture Booster (Portugal)
• INNOVA – Innovation, Technology Transfer & Valorisation (Italy)
• Merinova Technology Center (Finland)
• G-Force (Slovakia)
• EurA AG (Germany)

Together, the consortium offers complementary strengths in investment, acceleration, open innovation, and industrial collaboration.

Join the HARD2SCALE Community

We invite innovators, industry leaders, research organisations, clusters, and policymakers to collaborate with us in shaping Europe’s next wave of green industrial innovation.

• Subscribe to project updates: https://hard2scale.eu/index.php/updates/
• Learn more about INNOVA: innova.ethiolocate.com/

INNOVA remains committed to fostering innovation, strengthening ecosystems, and supporting Europe’s journey toward sustainable and resilient industrial transformation.

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The article highlights the launch of Scuter’s new sharing service in Milan, introducing 200 electric three-wheel vehicles designed and developed in Italy.

Scuter combines comfort, safety, and sustainability in a unique way, offering the convenience of a scooter with the protection and stability of a car, all without the need for a helmet. With its lightweight design, electric propulsion, and user-friendly digital platform, Scuter aims to revolutionize urban micro-mobility and reduce emissions in city centers.

This recognition reaffirms Scuter’s commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability, setting a new standard for the future of clean transportation in Europe.

Source: Corriere della Sera

#Scuter #INNOVA #MobilityInnovation #MadeInItaly #SustainableTransport #UrbanMobility #Innovation #Cleantech

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Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire UNICAS community. Charles’s untimely passing is a profound loss to all who knew him.​

May his memory inspire us to strive for excellence and compassion in all that we do.

#RememberingCharles #UNICAS #INNOVA #Condolences

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What’s on the agenda?
In-Depth Discussions: Dive into the evolving role of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) in Italy and Europe, with a spotlight on green and clean technologies.
Success Stories: Learn from six inspiring tech transfer initiatives involving innovative Roman SMEs from the innovation ecosystem in Rome.
Networking Opportunities: Wrap up the day with a vibrant networking aperitif, connecting with leaders from academia, industry, and innovation ecosystems.

Location: CTE Roma, Stazione Tiburtina (Galleria Commerciale, 2nd Floor), Rome
Time: Workshop begins at 3:00 PM

Register here: Secure your spot now!

Let’s build the future of innovation together! Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a dynamic ecosystem driving impactful change.

@EmpoweredbyNEIA, @INNOVA, @LUISS, @TorVergata

#TechnologyTransfer #Innovation #TechEvent #RomeEvents #Networking

Save the date and join us!

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