Tech Forward
Tech Forward Student Program / Tech Forward – Colliding Innovation
Almacube is an implementing partner of the TechForward project, which is structured around two lines of action:
Tech Forward Student Program Rif. Pa 2024-22855/RER – Num. Progetto 1 – Tech Forward Student Program/CUP: J31J24003680002
The TechForward Student Program establishes an Advanced Training Course dedicated to Master’s students from universities in the Emilia-Romagna region. Through a project-based approach, students identify potential application areas for technologies developed within universities and research institutes in Emilia-Romagna.The goal of TechForward is to foster the entrepreneurial mindset of students and researchers, while also ensuring the enhancement of innovative technologies developed by research groups and their application to address societal needs.
The project aims to make Emilia-Romagna a knowledge-driven region by promoting advanced education and encouraging young people to remain in the region after their studies—potentially founding new companies that leverage the technologies explored. This strengthens the link between higher education and opportunities for specialization and professional development.Since the entire program is delivered in English, TechForward includes initiatives to attract international students and foster collaboration between institutions at both national and international levels, emphasizing its strategic relationship with CERN in Geneva. This includes seminars and networking activities to enhance the program’s visibility and international scope. The project aligns with the region’s smart specialization strategy by promoting skills in key areas such as digital and ecological transition.
The program’s methodology Tech to Market, developed by the University of Bologna—is a hybrid model based on the human-centered Design Thinking approach and other Tech-Driven Innovation methods. Over 16 weeks, inter-university, multidisciplinary student teams examine cutting-edge technologies to identify their potential and develop impactful solutions to societal, human, and environmental needs. Six multidisciplinary teams, each consisting of five Master’s students from different universities across the region, will be supported by local coaches. The process leverages the expertise of university researchers during scheduled design sprints. Students will engage with the technology developers and other experts to gain a technical understanding, connect with professionals and users across sectors to explore impact potential, and iteratively develop and test ideas to determine the most promising applications.
Tech Forward – Colliding Innovation
Rif PA 2024-23127/RER – Tech Forward – Colliding Innovation /Num. Progetto 1 / CUP J31J24003690002
CERN Ideasquare Collision Week
During the CERN Ideasquare week, the TechForward project includes a series of structured activities designed to maximize student learning and innovation:
-
Workshops and Seminars: Students will attend workshops and seminars conducted by CERN experts, researchers, and scientists. Topics will include Design Thinking, technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer.
-
Ideation and Prototyping Sessions: Student teams will engage in brainstorming and ideation to develop innovative concepts. They will then prototype their ideas using tools and resources available at Ideasquare.
-
Meetings with CERN Scientists and Engineers: Students will have opportunities to meet and interact with various researchers to validate ideas and better understand the potential of specific technologies.
Visits to University Technology Labs
Throughout the program, students may arrange visits to university labs associated with the identified technologies.
-
Lab Visit: Researchers will provide guided tours of the labs, presenting the context in which the technology was developed.
-
Technology Presentation: Research groups will deliver in-depth sessions on the technology for the project teams, tailored for a multidisciplinary audience. Interactive and hands-on engagement will be encouraged to help students fully grasp the technological potential.
Technology Deep Dive in Bertinoro (FC)
Students and researchers will spend a week exchanging knowledge on technologies at the University Residential Center of Bertinoro (Ce.U.B.).
-
Seminars: Students will attend sessions led by university researchers covering the basics of the technologies. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the teams, these sessions are essential for establishing a common understanding of the technologies’ potential.
-
1:1 Meetings: Students will have the opportunity for one-on-one meetings with researchers to deepen their understanding of the technologies.
Models, Approaches, and Implementation Methodologies:
-
Design Thinking: The program utilizes the “Tech to Market” model developed by the University of Bologna, based on the human-centered Design Thinking approach. This methodology helps students create innovative solutions that start from user needs.
-
Tech-Driven Innovation: Students will apply methodologies focused on technology-driven innovation to explore the potential of technologies developed in the region’s universities and research centers.
-
Stakeholder Mapping: During the Deep Dive, students will create a map of stakeholders and potential technology users in collaboration with researchers. This supports planning interviews and further investigations during the project.
This combination of activities, methodologies, and resources is designed to create a stimulating and productive environment where students can develop entrepreneurial and technical skills, explore new ideas, and contribute to the technological innovation of the Emilia-Romagna region.
DURATION: 28.02.2025 – 28.08.2025
INVOLVED PARTNERS
Project Leader: Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, Department of Business Sciences, AFORM – Training Area, ARIN – Innovation Area
Promoters: University of Ferrara, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University of Parma
Implementing Partners: Almacube, FAM
PROJECT DIRECTOR: Prof. Matteo Vignoli
Approved Public Contribution (Almacube):
-
Ref. Pa 2024-22855/RER – Project No. 1 – Tech Forward Student Program / CUP: J31J24003680002: €60,000.00
-
Ref. PA 2024-23127/RER – Tech Forward – Colliding Innovation / Project No. 1 / CUP: J31J24003690002: €38,000.00
Total Project Cost (Almacube): €98,000.00
Link to the website:
https://scienzeaziendali.unibo.it/it/con-societa-e-impresa/formazione/tech-forward
