Innovative Bologna, a reference point for science and technology

The regional Networks of Technopoles, High Technology and Higher Education are an ecosystem of innovation that deserves to be known, visited and experienced. We propose here a tour to discover and visit the territory's technological excellences and places of innovation, from the cutting edge in artificial intelligence and computing to those in the motors and mechanics sector, from space research centres to the frontiers of IoT and Industry 4.0. 

We begin our journey starting from the Bologna-Ozzano "Rita Levi-Montalcini" Technopole. The Technopole hosts research, innovation and development activities in connection with the High Technology Network of the Emilia-Romagna region. Together with the other Technopoles created on a regional basis, it is an important hub within the innovation ecosystem. The Technopole is the headquarters of the IRET Foundation laboratories, the Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research, Life Sciences and Technologies for Health of the University of Bologna, and the Operational Unit of Translational Medicine. It also hosts the social enterprise TransMed Research s.r.l., an assay center certified by the Ministry of Health for “Good Laboratory Practice” (GLP).

Right here, on the eve of the G7 Science and Technology, the Bologna Quantum Alliance (BOQA) is born: a new European reference point for quantum science and technology. The new agreement brings together the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, Interuniversity Consortium CINECA, Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC), National Research Council (CNR), National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF), National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN) and National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) to systematize the many competencies on cutting-edge topics in quantum science, from fundamental research to scientific and industrial applications.
Under the guidance of the Alma Mater, the Bologna Quantum Alliance will be able to provide a strong coordinated boost to the development of the entire quantum supply chain, promoting strategic areas such as quantum computers, secure quantum communications, and precision quantum sensing.

The Bologna-Ozzano "Rita Levi-Montalcini" Technopole houses the Leonardo Supercomputer, one of the three precursors of exascale-class systems announced by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, and BI-REX, the national Competence Center specialized in Big Data, to explore the Pilot Line, an example of an interconnected smart factory divided into four different areas (Big Data & IoT, Additive Manufacturing, Robotics, Smart Manufacturing), where 4.0 technologies integrate with traditional ones. The Pilot Line is an advanced digital factory where Industry 4.0 technologies are integrated into a production environment. The line is capable of producing prototypes and small series, and allows the realisation of Proof of Concept in an environment compatible with industrial standards, without production constraints. The subject areas, with the specialised technologies available, are: additive manufacturing, manufacturing and metrology, Mobile and collaborative robotics and Big Data & IoT.

We mentioned Cineca, so let's explore one of Italy's largest computing centers and is globally recognized for its leadership in High Performance Computing (HPC). Simultaneously, Cineca serves as a crucial provider of solutions and services for universities, research centers, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of University and Research, and other institutions.
Cineca drives and champions the digital transition through innovation, developing cutting-edge technological solutions, and creating integrated platforms tailored for and in collaboration with its consortium members. Its primary focus is on supporting institutions and administrations. In the realm of supercomputing, Cineca manages infrastructure, pioneers frontier applications, collaborates on co-designed technological solutions, and leads research and innovation projects.
Established in 1969, Cineca operates as a consortium of publicly held entities on a not-for-profit basis. Its membership comprises 118 entities, including 2 ministries, 70 Italian universities, 46 national public institutions (such as research institutions, university hospital companies-IRCCS, AFAM institutions, agencies, and institutions). The registered, administrative and main operational headquarters of Cineca are in Casalecchio di Reno (BO).

We conclude our journey to discover the innovation ecosystem in Bologna by visiting ART-ER Greenhouses. ART-ER Greenhouses are spaces dedicated to startups located in Bologna at Giardini Margherita. They came to life in 2016 thanks to a regional co-financing, they are managed by ART-ER in collaboration with the Municipality of Bologna. From 2021, the Greenhouses offer a new acceleration model, more streamlined and flexible, characterized by supporting paths that meet the needs of the various stages of development of a startup: starting from the design of the new business, up to consolidation and scaleup. Entrepreneurial projects, startups and scale ups can apply. The path is divided into:

• product/service development;
• strategies for commercial growth;
• access to foreign markets;
• search for funds and investors;
• support to entrepreneurial initiatives in the Cultural and Creative fields;
• support to entrepreneurial initiatives in the Green Tech sector.

The Greenhouse is also the access point to all the partners of the EmiliaRomagnaSTARTUP network and in particular to the IN-ER incubators and accelerators. 
Coordinated by ART-ER, the network promotes the creation and growth of innovative startups in Emilia-Romagna. To do so, they use proven approaches and methodologies to offer services and incentives to new innovative enterprises. Find out about all organisations and associations here.