RAISE took part in MEDFEST25, held in Olbia from 25 to 28 September, presenting a thematic booth dedicated to the Ecosystem, with a focus on the technological demos of Spoke 3 for environmental protection, as well as a round table on the challenges and opportunities of technological innovation for the Mediterranean.
The presence at the festival made it possible to show the public and economic operators how the RAISE ecosystem is developing advanced solutions in robotics and artificial intelligence, capable of combining sustainability, economic growth, and improvements in quality of life.
The exhibition booth offered an interactive journey through RAISE’s latest applications in the field of eco-robotics and technologies for the protection of natural resources. Visitors had the chance to engage directly with researchers, gaining insight into the potential use of innovative solutions for the management of air, water, and soil. The initiative provided a concrete opportunity for outreach and technology transfer, highlighting the role of RAISE as a bridge between scientific research, industrial applications, and social impact.
On 25 September at 3:30 pm, the round table “An ecosystem to support our technological future” took place, organized by RAISE and moderated by Massimo Labra (University of Milano-Bicocca and Director of NBFC). The discussion featured Silvia Biasotti (CNR-IMATI), Giulia Bodo (IIT), Marco Faimali (CNR-IAS), Francesca Garaventa (CNR-IAS), and Ilaria Zanardi (CNR-IAS). The meeting explored the Ligurian model for the development of robotics- and AI-based solutions, designed to support the management of cities and ports, improve healthcare services, and contribute to the safeguarding of the Mediterranean’s natural heritage.
The debate revolved around RAISE’s five strategic areas of intervention: inclusive and accessible urban technologies, advanced healthcare assistance, eco-robotics for environmental protection, smart and sustainable ports, and pathways for knowledge transfer. Participation in MEDFEST represented a key step in showcasing these achievements and strengthening dialogue with institutions, businesses, and citizens.
The festival also offered visitors the chance to explore the exhibition “Aquae”, organized by the National Research Council (CNR). The exhibition guided the audience on an immersive journey through the marine environment, emphasizing the essential role of the oceans: regulating the climate, preserving extraordinary biodiversity, supporting millions of people, and carrying the majority of global trade. Through experiments, models, video installations, and high-definition images, CNR illustrated the connections between sea and climate while presenting innovative technologies developed to monitor and protect marine ecosystems from the impacts of human activity.
Daniela Ropolo, Vice President of MEDFEST, underlined the value of the collaboration with RAISE and CNR: “We have confirmed a solid scientific partnership, enriching the second edition with new initiatives of great interest. The CNR’s ‘Aquae’ exhibition once again achieved significant success, attracting a large and curious audience. This year, alongside it, the RAISE booth provided an additional perspective on the potential of innovation, showing how researchers are working to build solutions that can truly shape the future of the Mediterranean. Today, innovation represents a strategic asset of the festival and a fundamental driver for the region.”
MEDFEST is an international festival dedicated to Mediterranean culture, science, and innovation. Established to promote the value of the region’s natural and cultural heritage, the event offers each year a rich program of talks, exhibitions, workshops, and debates involving researchers, institutions, businesses, and citizens. Its goal is to foster dialogue between different fields of knowledge and communities, raise awareness of the Mediterranean’s importance, and encourage the dissemination of innovative solutions to address the region’s environmental, social, and economic challenges.
