PR ERDF VENETO REGION 2021-2027

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The initiative is aimed at consolidating Regional Innovative Networks (RIR) by strengthening the operational structures of each legal entity recognized by the Veneto Region, as provided for by Regional Law No. 13 of May 30, 2014. 13. The project is supported by non-repayable grants awarded under the “de minimis” Regulation (No. 1407/2013). The plan is part of the priorities of the Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) of the Veneto Region 2021-2027, aiming to:

• Strengthen research and innovation capacity.
• Promote the introduction of advanced technologies.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The proposed activities aim to:

• Consolidate the governance and management functions of the RIR.
• Promote networking, animation, and programming.
• Increase online and offline communication and promotion.
• Implement an internal performance monitoring system.
• Enhance the technological trajectories of the Veneto S3, supporting regional policy makers.
• Develop knowledge management systems.
• Improve the qualification of human capital.
• Foster collaborations and synergies with other regional and extra-regional systems.
• Strengthen internationalization and EU ranking.
• Attract new investments.

RESULTS

RIBES-NEST, in line with its mission, sought to enhance the skills and results achieved to improve network efficiency, strengthening the human resources and expertise necessary to support the growth of internal and external activities. The project has allowed for the optimization of network performance through the involvement of international experts and the integration of activities that increase visibility and attractiveness to new partners and investors. Thanks to these actions, it has been possible to achieve an improvement in human capital, greater visibility for the network and its projects, and a broader capacity to develop strategic partnerships at the community and international levels. The technological trajectories of the Veneto S3 are having a tangible impact on the regional territory, helping to strengthen collaborations between the public and private sectors and fostering the attraction of new investments and resources. Among the most significant results are the project ideas emerging from thematic working groups, institutional events open to the public, successful storytelling and/or case histories among Members during “Lunch with the Network,” participation in the international trade fair Circular Medical Expo as a method to engage with businesses in the biomedical sector, the new internal customer satisfaction model, participation in sector meetings called “Dialogues for Innovation” with institutions, companies, research bodies, and citizens promoted by the Veneto Region, new alliances with Networks and/or Clusters from other regional systems, and registrations on new European platforms.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The FOOD-4-life project stems from a sharing of common research objectives identified by the partnership formed between several Members, companies, and research organizations of the Ribes-Nest network. Its main objective is the improvement of plant and animal raw materials, obtained with respect for eco-sustainability, for the production of new functional foods with high nutritional value. A further objective of the research activity is to identify and innovate packaging to make it more sustainable and suitable for improving product shelf-life. FOOD-4-life is divided into 4 work packages (WP): 1) Improvement of raw materials of plant origin based on the phytosanitary and nutritional status of crops; 2) Development of new functional foods; 3) Development of proteins from natural sources with high nutritional value and sustainable for food and feed; 4) Improvement of product shelf life including targeted research into more sustainable packaging. The impact and expected results largely fall within the Smart Agrifood trajectories identified in the regional call dedicated to RIRs, and approved by the Veneto Region with DGR No. 729 of June 26, 2024, covering the interests of companies in the primary sector, processing, and marketing of plant and animal products.

EXPECTED RESULTS

• Development of processes for the selection of probiotic microorganisms for food production (e.g., probiotic pasta), study of their interactions in plant cultivation, and definition of protocols for the cultivation of medicinal and horticultural species, including through genetic markers.
• Creation of a functional pasta enriched with prebiotic fibers and probiotics, along with the optimization of plant cultivation for the extraction of functional compounds and the production of biostimulants, also improving soil health.
• Valorization of sunflower and its co-products, particularly protein flours, for the creation of a new nutraceutical supply chain and the production of functional ingredients, with reduced environmental impacts and potential development of an integrated production hub.
• Innovation in the production of hard cheeses through the use of concentrated whey starter, meeting market demands for sweet-tasting and ready-to-consume products.
• Use of whey as an ingredient for bakery products with a reduced glycemic index, enriched with micronutrients and with lower acrylamide content.
• Development of innovative materials for high-performance green packaging and the creation of pilot plants for packaging. A training program for staff is also planned to enhance skills and the project’s impact.

Lead Partner: RIBES for the Health Ecosystem and Smart Food Project Partners: Agripharma, Cereal Docks, Coccitech, Industria Casearia Silvio Belladelli, Labomar, Landlab, Latteria Di Soligo, Voltan, University of Padua, University of Verona, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, National Research Council (ICMATE).

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The R.I. x A.A project stems from a sharing of common research objectives identified by the partnership formed between several Members, companies, and research organizations of the Ribes-Nest network. Through the research activities to be carried out, it intends to study the aging of the Italian population, which, as for almost all European countries, represents one of the most important challenges for public health and the world of work, requiring ever-increasing economic costs and leading to serious problems in all areas of social coexistence. Faced with this scenario, the development of new tools aimed at monitoring quality of life and improving aging conditions (“active ageing”) becomes crucial. To address this issue concretely, it is appropriate to investigate crucial aspects such as understanding the biology of aging, the various predictive and functional factors related to multimorbidity, the life course trajectories of active and healthy aging, and the sphere related to care and assistance. The R.I. x A.A. project is divided into 4 work packages (WP): 1. Innovative applications and development of new methodologies and systems usable for the assessment of cognitive decline and aging performance; 2. Technological systems, processes, and instrumentation serving the monitoring and improvement in the different stages of aging and various related pathologies; 3. Selection of models and tests to evaluate the different conditions of active aging that hinder quality of life; 4. Development of innovative processes and/or products usable to optimize living conditions and changes during the aging phase. The impact and expected results largely fall within the Smart Health trajectories identified in the regional call dedicated to RIRs, and approved by the Veneto Region with DGR No. 729 of June 26, 2024, covering the interests of companies in the Health and Well-being sector, including the biotechnology, MedTech, and Pharma segments.

EXPECTED RESULTS

• Biological indicators of aging will be identified to develop personalized diagnostic kits, useful for monitoring health status in a timely and non-invasive manner, allowing for tailored interventions and reducing the need for frequent clinical visits.
• The process of autophagy in relation to Parkinson’s Disease on a genetic basis will be explored in depth, bringing original results thanks to the joint expertise of companies and research organizations.
• Interventions on metabolism capable of activating autophagy will be evaluated, in order to define protocols useful for improving metabolic conditions in the elderly.
• Development of models to study oxidative stress and its role in degenerative retinal pathologies. The work aims to provide solutions to counter vision loss, a condition with high social and economic impact.
• Tests on stem cell-derived macrophages could lead to the identification of new inflammatory markers and the exploration of the clinical potential of synthetic peptides, with applications ranging from regenerative medicine to cosmetics.
• New bioactive compounds will be developed for the treatment of specific pathologies, with possibilities for industrialization, especially in the ophthalmological and rare disease sectors.
• Innovative technologies such as QMR and new supplements based on bioactives and prebiotics (e.g., GOS from whey) will be evaluated for their effectiveness in slowing down osteoarticular degenerative processes and supporting the immune system, contributing to well-being in old age.

Lead Partner: RIBES for the Health Ecosystem and Smart Food Project Partners: + Watt, Bmr-Genomics, Clonit, Dwb Proteins, Fidia Farmaceutici, Fresenius Kabi Ipsum, Microbion, Micromed, Oxilab, Telea Electronic Engineering, University of Padua, University of Verona, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, National Research Council (IN)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The initiative aims at the organizational and strategic consolidation of the Regional Innovative Network “RIBES for the Health Ecosystem and Smart Food,” through a strengthening of operational structures and coordination of internal activities, in line with the provisions of Regional Law 13/2014. The project falls within the priorities defined by the Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) of the Veneto Region 2021–2027, operating mainly in the “Smart Health” and “Smart Agrifood” areas and also intersecting with the “Bioeconomy” and “Space Economy” Strategic Missions.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The planned activities are:

• Strengthening of RIR governance and management functions;
• Networking, animation, programming;
• Online and offline communication and promotion;
• Internal performance monitoring system;
• Services to support research valorization, innovation, and technology transfer processes;
• Enhancement of Veneto S3 technological trajectories for strategic support to regional policy makers;
• Development of knowledge management systems;
• Qualification of human capital;
• Collaborations and synergies with other regional or extra-regional systems;
• Internationalization, community partnerships, and EU ranking;

EXPECTED RESULTS

The Network consolidation project will follow the leitmotif of interdisciplinarity, a fundamental value for sharing opportunities, criticalities, and solutions from different perspectives, integrating knowledge and methods from various disciplines. Activities will concern new internal organizational methods, also with a view to better programming of the Network’s animation activities. Thematic meetings and opportunities for members to meet will be implemented to increase the exchange of know-how, also thanks to the inclusion of new skills. To reach a wider audience, the Network will strengthen its social channels. Ample space will be given to the development of support services for research valorization processes offered to members, aimed at innovation and intellectual property. To transfer knowledge management best practices to members, an IT system suitable for their needs will be made available. The Network will continue to support the Region in strategic decision-making choices and will develop a training plan together with entities with specific expertise. Finally, the Network will define important alliances for greater development opportunities, also participating in international events.