TURIN. Now that companies have responded en masse to the University of Turin’s call to join the pole of sustainability and the circular economy, the “campus on company” project will be born in Grugliasco next to the city of Science and the Environment. «Perfect for characteristics and implementation methods to participate in the Pnrr calls», explains Cristina Prandi, vice-rector of UniTo in search and coordinator of the initiative. On 4 November, the process started with the launch of the project was reviewed and ended with 237 expressions of interest. One in five was presented by large companies, 64.9% by small and medium-sized enterprises and there are start-ups (11.9%). “This is a very interesting mix because our goal is to work together with business chains”. More than half of the companies aim to work on agri-food, 65% on environmental issues and then energy and biotech.
Now the second phase has begun, that of signing a memorandum of understanding that defines the rules of engagement. To date already joined in 29. From Lavazza to Skf, from Reale Mutua to Blue Enginering from Confagricoltura to the Industrial Union of Turin. The University intends to work in successive steps, especially with regard to construction. «Before building – explains Professor Prandi – we want to be sure of how many realities will settle on campus. We work on sustainability and we certainly cannot imagine building a concrete pour ».
Some lines of action were illustrated to the companies. For example, to equip the Butterfly Area with a service center and laboratories open to researchers and companies. But also to create an experimental field for hydroponic cultivation, with corporate IoT applications. Or create a competence center on the purification and reuse of water in industrial plants through photocatalysis.
These are open guidelines and to be discussed and shared together with the companies with whom an activity plan will also be drawn up. A path that will continue throughout 2022 and that will not need structures to be built even if the area is already available including building rights. The first small construction sites will be opened in 2023. And the following year the complete and financed building project will start.
A chrono-program compatible with the Pnrr rules. The University aims to have a substantial dowry of public funds capable of attracting private investments. Meanwhile, a feasibility study on the governance of the project has started, which could be a foundation or a public-private partnership. –
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