The RAISE up mentorship program, promoted by Spoke 5 of RAISE and supported by PwC Italy and I3P - Incubator of the Politecnico di Torino, included four key events - three in person and one online - that shaped the growth journey of the selected innovative solutions. Through a progressive approach, the program guided the teams from presenting their technologies to refining business models and addressing strategic and financial aspects, tackling crucial challenges in technology transfer: from refining innovative ideas to interacting with businesses and investors.
Innovation Showcase (October 28, 2024): exploring innovation potential
The first event, Innovation Showcase, was designed to foster dialogue between the research and business worlds, providing an initial platform for discussing the emerging technologies developed by the selected teams. The meeting focused on networking opportunities between researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate managers, aiming to enhance the value of technological solutions.
During the event, teams showcased their solutions through posters, prototypes, and practical demonstrations, offering participants an opportunity to explore potential applications and receive expert feedback.
Market Meets Research (November 25, 2024): connecting technology and market
The second event, Market Meets Research, served as a strategic moment to analyze the market potential of innovations and understand how to transform them into successful entrepreneurial solutions. The event focused on business models, addressing key issues related to economic sustainability and growth strategies in preparation for market entry.
During the day, the teams had the opportunity to hear two successful entrepreneurial experiences from:
- Andrea D’Aietti (Co-founder & CEO of Lhub Agency)
- Kseniya Lenarciak (Co-founder & CEO of SLY)
Additionally, they presented their business models to an expert panel, which provided constructive feedback to refine their strategies.
Through these interactive sessions, the teams tested the strength of their entrepreneurial ideas, gained a deeper understanding of market dynamics, and consolidated their business models in preparation for their final presentation during Pitch Day.
RAISE up Webinar (December 16, 2024): “Ethical AI: perspectives for the future”
The first webinar of the RAISE up mentorship program was dedicated to Artificial Intelligence and its ethical implications.
Speakers included:
- Annalisa Barla (Associate Professor, University of Genoa)
- Gianluca Campus (Director, PwC Italy, Digital Innovation)
- Shalini Kurapati (Co-Founder & CEO, Clearbox AI Solutions)
Key insights from the webinar included:
- AI and Regulations: Tools to address bias and vulnerabilities, with concrete examples and in-depth analysis.
- AI Act and Ethics: Balancing fundamental rights and technological innovation in AI governance.
- Data-centric AI: Practical strategies to ensure ethical and robust AI models through proper data management.
RAISE up Pitch Day (January 29, 2025): innovation and investment
The RAISE up Pitch Day marked the culmination of the mentorship journey, giving teams the opportunity to present their solutions to investors, venture capital funds, and companies. The event highlighted the strategic importance of innovation as a driver of economic growth and industrial competitiveness.
A special guest, Luca Rossettini, Founder & CEO of D-Orbit, a leading company in space logistics and sustainability, shared his entrepreneurial journey and the challenges faced in building a cutting-edge tech company. His speech provided valuable insights into innovation, scalability, and sustainability.
A panel of experts evaluated the pitches and provided valuable feedback, including:
- Francesco Rossi (Tech Transfer Fund, CDP VC)
- Stefano Peronicini (Eureka! Venture SGR)
- Matteo Bonfanti (Kairos Partners SGR)
- Emilia Garito (Deep Ocean Capital SGR SPA)
- Elga Corricelli (LifeGate Way)
The event concluded with an informal networking session between investors and companies, allowing participants to explore potential collaborations.
The success of the RAISE up Pitch Day reaffirmed the importance of initiatives that connect research, business, and investors, enabling the market adoption of innovative solutions for the benefit of the economic and social system.
The 12 selected projects from the first edition of RAISE up:
LUCA
An EduTech platform based on Artificial Intelligence for delivering educational content in Italian Sign Language (LIS). Using an AI avatar, it offers lessons and exercises accessible to deaf students, addressing the shortage of educational materials and reducing dependence on interpreters.
Mentor: Tommaso Grosso
SMART GATE VISION
An automated infrastructure for managing access to ports and logistics areas. Using AI-based video technology, the system identifies IMO plates and detects container damage in real-time, improving accuracy, security, and efficiency.
Mentor: Riccardo Valpiani
EVA NAVI
An advanced surgical navigation system providing dynamic visualization of patient images, overcoming traditional vision limitations. It helps surgeons make intraoperative decisions, reducing stress, errors, and costs.
Mentor: Martina Fiorin
RESCAPING ECOSYSTEMS THROUGH 3D - PRINTED REEFS FROM RECYCLED MOLLUSK SHELLS
A project to restore marine ecosystems using 3D-printed artificial reefs made from waste materials from mollusk farming. This solution enhances marine biodiversity, water quality, and ocean CO₂ absorption capacity.
Mentor: Ludovico del Carretto
AUTONOMOUS MOBILE ROBT FOR SURVEILLANCE, MONITORING AND OPERATIONS
An autonomous navigation system for mobile robots used in industrial and agricultural monitoring. Operating 24/7, the robotic fleet identifies anomalies and threats with high precision and reliability, reducing risks for human personnel.
Mentor: Leo Italiano
MYCOTECH WINE
An aerobiological soil monitoring system for vineyard protection and optimization. Using natural microorganisms, it prevents vine diseases, counteracts climate change effects, and improves wine production.
Mentor: Bruno Calabrò
AETHER
An advanced environmental monitoring platform for air quality and pollutants. Combining fixed stations and drone fleets, it ensures accurate and safe analysis in industrial and agricultural areas.
Mentor: Luca Toma
PIEZO-AI
An advanced prosthesis with high-sensitivity tactile sensors. Using piezoelectric technology, it provides a more natural tactile experience, improving acceptance and usability for amputees.
Mentor: Giovanni Arigliani
HTS+
A sensorized glove device for the non-invasive assessment of cognitive and motor fragility. Using AI, it analyzes fine hand movements, providing a more precise and standardized diagnosis than traditional methods.
Mentor: Matteo Giovannetti
ULTRAUP
Advanced real-time super-resolution software for 2D/3D ultrasound images and videos, enhancing visual quality while maintaining anatomical features, optimizing diagnostic support for healthcare professionals.
Mentor: Nicole Rinaldi
VERA
A deep learning model for automated detection, diagnosis, and segmentation of aerodigestive tumor lesions. It supports ENT specialists in endoscopic procedures by selecting key frames and characterizing lesions in real-time.
Mentor: Daniele Pierobon
URBAN3D
A Digital Twin system that generates 3D models of cities to identify architectural barriers and improve accessibility, enhancing urban data management for better quality of life.
Mentor: Negar Mokarram