The International Open Innovation Programme (IOIP) has come to an end. The initiative, part of Ecosister—a project focused on ecological transition in Emilia-Romagna—aims to build connections between the research world and industry. The closing event took place on 14 October at the DAMA Technopole in Bologna, during the Start Cup & Ecosister Day 2025, with more than 400 representatives from institutions, companies and research centres in attendance. Among the key participants was Unigrà, which joined the programme for the second time.
During the event, participants reflected on the importance of such initiatives for the development of businesses in the region.
The IOIP is a challenge-based programme: companies launch an environmental challenge, and researchers, start-ups and spin-offs respond with innovative solutions designed to improve production processes in a sustainable way. For this edition, Unigrà launched a challenge to measure greenhouse gas emissions along the entire palm oil supply chain, from suppliers to the final product. The company identified a suitable partner and, with the programme concluded, is now entering the development phase.
Once again, Unigrà’s participation in the International Open Innovation Programme demonstrates how sustainability is a central priority for the company, one that must be addressed by focusing on cooperation, research and innovation.
* Ecosister is promoted by the Universities of Bologna, Ferrara, Modena and Reggio Emilia, Parma, Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan Polytechnic, as well as CNR, ENEA, INFN and ART-ER.