In recent years, the RAISE project has transformed Italy’s landscape of robotics and artificial intelligence by integrating research, education and innovation into a dynamic and international ecosystem. Through groundbreaking projects in healthcare, environmentalprotection, smart ports and urban mobility, RAISE has shown how multidisciplinary expertise can generate cutting-edge solutions with tangible impact across the country.
The project involved 304 professionals, with a gender-balanced composition (43% women) and an average age of 34. Notably, 18% of participants came from 22 foreign countries, underscoring the project’s inclusive nature and openness to international collaboration.
Training program efforts have engaged over 3,300 participants, including students, teachers, researchers, and professionals, helping to spread advanced knowledge and accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies.
RAISE has developed 172 innovative solutions across fields such as the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Big Data. In healthcare alone, these include 9 clinical trials underway, 4 about to begin, 4 submitted to ethics committees, and 11 currently in preparation.
Communication and public engagement efforts have reached an audience of over 15,000 participants through events, conferences, and publications.
Mentorship program have been central to RAISE’s success: 24 research teams, supported by 62 mentors and experts, have guided over 300 beneficiaries. The Community Development Platform has facilitated strategic connections among 169 organizations, including businesses, universities, public institutions, and startups.
The Cascade Funding led to the creation of 50 projects, backed by a total investment of €24 million, involving 104 companies and 26 public entities, significantly boosting technological innovation across Italy.
While headquartered in Liguria, RAISE’s impact spans the entire country, with active initiatives in Lombardy, Tuscany, Lazio, Umbria, Marche, Campania, Apulia, Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia. The project is now firmly established as a national benchmark for research, education, and innovation in robotics and AI.
“These numbers represent more than just outcomes—they reflect the real-world impact that RAISE is having on the territory, on research, and on society,” says Cristina Battaglia, RAISE Programme Manager. “From education to clinical experimentation, from technology transfer to internationalization, every figure reflects the strength of a collaborative, future-oriented national ecosystem.”
RAISE is once again a key player at the 2025 edition of Roma Fotografia Future, the cultural event directed by Maria Cristina Valeri and Alex Mezzenga which is taking place in some of the most important sites and museums of Rome, from Castel Sant’Angelo to MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts, from the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia to Palazzo Barberiniand Palazzo Merulana.
These different location are hosting, up to November 30th, led panels featuring photo and video projections collected by various partners: a stream of images selected with the aim of engaging the public in a dialogue on themes such as innovation, environment, technology, well-being, sports, robotics, and much more—offering a journey through the challenges and possibilities of our time.
Among the selected contributions is RAISE THE FUTURE, the innovative digital exhibition that – through a series of AI co-created images – offers an overview of the RAISE project’s areas of interest. With strong visual impact, it highlights future and potentially achievable activities that, thanks to the project, could soon become reality. Delicate yet powerful images flow across large luminous panels, depicting scenarios where advanced robots and increasingly efficient machines support humans in precision agriculture, intelligent logistics, environmental protection, monitoring of at-risk areas, safeguarding of artistic heritage, as well as entertainment, leisure, quality of life and work in smart cities, caregiving for the elderly or vulnerable, and more.
RAISE THE FUTURE was also hosted at the 2024 edition of the Roman event : this year, the exhibition extends to additional locations of te Roma Fotografia Future event, so to reach an even broader audience.
Roma Fotografia Future is a co-designed event with Municipio I Roma Centro, organized under an agreement with the Italian Ministry of Culture and in collaboration with ADR – Aeroporti di Roma.
“Once again this year, the event will take place among some of the most visited locations of the city of Rome, inviting to discover them with new eyes”, stated Maria Cristina Valeri, President of Roma Fotografia. “Yet, at the center of the exhibition is the human being, as the theme of this third edition – ‘Relationships’ – suggests”.
The exhibition was inaugurated on Saturday, September 27th at the Italian Geographical Society (Villa Celimontana) as part of the Travel Literature Festival – where photojournalists Luciano del Castillo and Alex Mezzenga organized the event “Reflections on Photojournalism”- and it will be available until November 30th. Several in-person events, including a conference organized by RAISE on November 28th at the MAXXI Museum- will enrich the overall programme.
RAISE THE FUTURE offers an intriguing opportunity to reflect on the potential of digital technologies to convey the methodologies and goals of science, exploiting the challenge posed by new AI tools through an innovative approach to science communication. While the co-design process involved the entire RAISE project community, the exhibition was created by a multidisciplinary team including researchers, technologists, and creatives from CNR-IAS and CNR-ITD, in a collaborative effort that brought together diverse skill, along with the support of the scientific Spokes. The image selection was made by the Spoke 5 Communication Team, under the direction of Marco Faimali.
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.
The 18th edition of the Netval Annual Conference concluded with strong participation. The event took place from 22 to 24 September 2025 at the Hotel Casale in Colli del Tronto (AP), in collaboration with the University of Camerino.
This year’s edition, titled “Technology Transfer, Knowledge Valorisation and Measuring ImpacTTO”, centered the debate on the value generated by public research and the need to strengthen the connection between universities, businesses, institutions, and policy makers.
Over the course of the three days, the program featured interactive sessions, thematic round tables, and networking opportunities, focusing on strategic topics such as research infrastructures, university–industry collaboration, emerging skills, and high-impact entrepreneurial initiatives.
“Technology transfer requires an integrated approach, capable of engaging all actors in the value chain – institutions, universities, research centers, companies, and stakeholders – each with a clear, defined, and complementary role,” said Cristina Battaglia, Programme manager at RAISE, speaking during the third parallel session titled “The Impact of New Actors in the TT Value Chain”, held on September 23.
“It is therefore essential to structure this value chain, assigning specific responsibilities to each player in order to generate and maximise value in a systemic way. In such a complex scenario, strategic governance by the Ministries is crucial, particularly in managing the post-NRRP (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) phase. It will be essential to integrate, with foresight, the structures established under the Plan into the new European programming, which increasingly connects research with competitiveness”.
Once again, this year’s Annual Conference confirms Netval as a key national platform for sharing experiences, best practices, and strategic visions, in support of a technology transfer ecosystem that is ever more effective, measurable, and focused on delivering value to society.
On September 25, RAISE presented the round table “An Ecosystem to Support Our Technological Future” at MEDFEST25 in Olbia, bringing to the forefront the potential of robotics and artificial intelligence for the sustainable development of the Mediterranean.
The meeting gathered Silvia Biasotti (CNR-IMATI), Giulia Bodo (IIT), Marco Faimali (CNR-IAS), Francesca Garaventa (CNR-IAS), and Ilaria Zanardi (CNR-IAS), moderated by Massimo Labra (University of Milano-Bicocca and Director of NBFC).
The discussion highlighted how technology can enhance quality of life, improve the management of cities and ports, and contribute to the preservation of natural heritage.
The roundtable explored the main research and experimentation lines developed by RAISE in Liguria, within a model that integrates scientific and technological expertise with a systemic vision. The topics addressed included inclusive and accessible urban technologies, advanced healthcare and intelligent environments, eco-robotics applied to the protection of air, water, and soil, the creation of sustainable and digitalized ports, and structured pathways for knowledge and technology transfer to enterprises.
The exchange among the speakers emphasized how an interdisciplinary approach makes it possible to tackle the social and economic challenges of the Mediterranean with concrete and innovative tools.
RAISE’s participation attracted particular attention from the MEDFEST25 audience, which from September 25 to 28 transformed Olbia into an international hub for dialogue on business, sustainable tourism, and agri-food. The event brought together institutions, businesses, and economic operators, creating a connected ecosystem capable of attracting investments and fostering new forms of cooperation. The festival set out to go beyond the traditional trade fair model, positioning itself as a reference platform for the Mediterranean and its biodiversity.
During the session, Silvia Biasotti stressed the value of engaging with a diverse audience: “We reached a wider audience and gathered valuable feedback. This kind of opportunity allows us to communicate our results while also receiving insights and inspirations that help us further improve our work.”
Giulia Bodo highlighted the direct impact of the technologies developed by RAISE: “Taking part in an event like MEDFEST gave us the chance to convey the added value of our work. We showed how our technological solutions address real needs, both in the clinical field and in the environmental sector, offering practical applications that reflect the demands of society.”
RAISE’s presence at MEDFEST25 confirmed its role as a key player in promoting innovation and knowledge in service of communities. The roundtable demonstrated the project’s ability to combine scientific research, technology, and international cooperation, outlining sustainable development perspectives that begin in Liguria and extend across the entire Mediterranean basin.
SMARTcup Liguria returns as the regional competition that supports the creation of high-tech startups, fostering innovation and the enhancement of research across the region.
From September 15 to 30, 2025, the SMARTcup Academy will take place: a free training program for aspiring entrepreneurs, featuring webinars, workshops, mentorship, and collaborative sessions focused on innovative business creation. To participate, registration is required by September 11, at this link.
Project proposals can be submitted until October 6, 2025, in one of the four focus sectors identified by the National Innovation Award (PNI): ICT, Life Sciences & Med Tech, Clean Tech & Energy e Industrial.
A panel of experts will select the 12 most promising projects, which will then enter an 8-hour personalized mentoring program to develop a Business Plan, to be submitted by October 20, 2025.
The regional final will take place on October 29, at the BIC Incubator in Genoa, where the top 4 entrepreneurial ideas will be chosen to participate in the National Innovation Award (PNI 2025), scheduled for December 4–5 in Ferrara, with full coverage of participation costs and organizational support.
Winners will also receive six months of free incubation within FI.L.S.E.’s regional incubator network, along with access to mentoring, tutoring, training, marketing services, and other benefits provided by project partners.
For the 2025 edition, RAISE confirms its role as a project partner, further strengthening the connection between research and entrepreneurship and supporting the transformation of innovative ideas into viable businesses.
Starting from July 14, 2025, the second edition of the RAISE P1 | KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER & ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACADEMY will be available. This training initiative is aimed at all RAISE researchers and interested PhD students who wish to expand their knowledge on topics such as technology transfer, protection and enhancement of research results, and entrepreneurship in the deep-tech sector.
The training program is designed to strengthen skills needed to develop entrepreneurial ideas based on research carried out within the vertical Spokes. Participants will acquire essential knowledge on how to protect and enhance intellectual property, and how to start, manage, and grow a high-tech startup.
Training
The course consists of three modules, totaling 30 hours of training.
Each module includes offline access to video microlearning sessions, each lasting approximately 20 minutes. Module 1 – Knowledge transfer, intellectual property protection, and valorization Module 2 – Professional training for entrepreneurship in the advanced technology sector Module 3 – Cross-cutting skills for innovation and knowledge transfer management
Registration
It is possible to register for the full course or for individual modules using UniGe credentials (pass/CIE/SPID).
This will allow access to our online training community. Module 1 – Knowledge transfer, intellectual property protection, and valorization: register at this link, using the enrollment key: M1ACADEMY Module 2 – Professional training for entrepreneurship in the advanced technology sector: register at this link, using the enrollment key: M2ACADEMY Module 3 – Cross-cutting skills for innovation and knowledge transfer: register at this link, using the enrollment key: M3ACADEMY
Workshops
Each training module will be complemented by in-person thematic workshops to promote interactivity and support the growth of the RAISE community.
In the coming weeks, the dates and locations of the in-person workshops will be announced, along with the deadlines for completing the offline streaming modules—prerequisites for participation in the events. Participants will have approximately one month to complete the training content.
Benefits
At the end of each module, participants will receive an open badge – one for the online platform training and one for the in-person workshop.
For more information, visit the page dedicated to the first edition of the program.
For assistance or additional information, please contact our support service at formazione.raise@unige.it.
On the occasion of the 19th edition of the International Conference on Intelligent Autonomous Systems (IAS), currently taking place in Genoa, Engineering Group – as an affiliate of the RAISE ecosystem – presented its contribution to several strategic projects in the fields of digital healthcare and advanced port logistics.
The presentation, delivered by Senior Researcher Domenico Presenza, highlighted the group’s commitment to developing innovative solutions based on artificial intelligence, robotics, and distributed technologies.
As part of Spoke 2, Personal and Remote Healthcare, Engineering showcased the SARA project, focused on robotic-assisted cognitive training for individuals with multiple sclerosis. The solution leverages Social Assistive Robotics techniques and aims to personalize interaction based on the patient’s cognitive conditions, using Federated Reinforcement Learning and Active Inference approaches to optimize engagement and effectiveness. Concurrently, the FLO project introduced a graphical environment for designing and executing hierarchically distributed dataflows.
In the scope of Spoke 4, Smart and Sustainable Ports, Engineering presented three complementary projects: the first (Project 3 / Port data acquisition, processing and distribution) defined a federated IoT platform for acquiring and sharing port data via microservices; the second (Project 5 / Robotics and AI for safety and risk assessment) proposed a framework based on drones, robots, and monitoring systems for operational risk assessment; the third (Project 7 / AI- and ML-based detection systems) developed AI- and machine learning-driven hardware and software solutions for advanced threat detection, including underwater identification technologies and monitoring of illicit trafficking.
At the close of his presentation, Dr. Domenico Presenza commented: “Engineering creates value by integrating domain expertise and technology, leveraging a portfolio of more than eight proprietary platforms and partnerships with strategic players like Microsoft and Google. Participating in research projects and events like IAS 19 is a tangible opportunity for us to keep our solutions aligned with future challenges. As we like to say in the company, we want our technologies to remain future-proof. That is why collaboration with academia and research institutions such as the CNR is essential to us. This approach has made us one of the most active Italian companies in both European and national innovation programs.”
The IAS 19 conference, which will conclude on July 4th, has once again proven to be a global benchmark for discussions on intelligent and autonomous systems, with a strong focus on ethics, responsibility, and inclusiveness in the development of robotic technologies.
Inside the Italian Pavilion, designed by architect Mario Cucinella – who studied at the University of Genoa – RAISE is featured in several ways and at various moments.
Throughout the week, during which Liguria takes center stage in the space dedicated to Italian regions, the four themes of the RAISE ecosystem will be presented to the public through a video titled EXPOsing RAISE, Present and future of Italian Robotics and AI.
The video is a multimedia summary that showcases the best innovations produced so far by RAISE, presented as a dialogue between two robots – one Italian-made, R1, and one Japanese, Pepper – symbolizing the encounter and exchange between Italian and Japanese culture and design.
These two humanoid robots are involved in several RAISE projects. In Osaka, they guide visitors through the Italian Pavilion on a journey through the activities and current results of the four scientific Spokes.
The theme of the inclusive smart city, developed by Spoke 1, is illustrated not only with 3D models of the Brignole and San Martino neighborhoods (CNR-IMATI), but also with video clips from the RAISE Village at the 2024 Science Festival, particularly showing visitors—children and seniors—interacting with technology (interactive tables, robots, etc.) as well as with RAISE researchers (UniGe).
The video also includes interfaces of innovative digital services and data management platforms for a smart, inclusive city, developed by ETT and UniGe, both for citizens and decision-makers.
Spoke 2 is represented with 3D models of organs, particularly the brain and kidney, which are already being used to enhance surgical procedures in hospitals that are part of the ecosystem. It also features advanced heart diagnostics (Esaote) and 3D-printed reproductions of the spine. Smart environments are also showcased, including FISM‘s smart kitchen, as well as the AIMOKA project’s sensorized glasses and insoles.
An iconic hug between Pepper and a UniGe researcher who programs the robot symbolizes the theme of robotics applied to personalized care—both at home and in hospital settings. R1 also features as a guide throughout the experience, and appears at the end, displaying a heart on its face.
Marine eco-robotics from Spoke 3 is illustrated through 4D and 5D models from the NEPTUNE™ project, including footage from the February “mission” in the Portofino Marine Protected Area, using ROVs and MYWAI’s platform. Other video segments show not only the beauty of the Ligurian sea and coastline, but also the famous Christ of the Abyss.
Eco-robotics applied to soil and the protection of cultural heritage is featured through 3D models of churches and video footage of field experiments with a tracked robot and drone in Aggio (Genoa), developed by UniGe in collaboration with IIT, ETT, and Info Solution. The latter also showcases another robot in a vineyard, performing pruning tasks with a robotic arm developed by the IIT team.
Environmental monitoring is represented with interfaces from ETT’s data management platform, used for marine and coastal data. Finally, 3D models of the Port of Genoa are used as elements in a serious game.
Spoke 4 contributes content focused on smart logistics at the port, safety (including the use of quadruped robots), and tourist engagement through social robots—Pepper and Alter Ego—deployed both at the port and in other locations such as the Genoa Aquarium, thanks to researchers from CNR, IIT, and UniGe. One futuristic image of a robot “camallo”(dockworker) was co-created with AI during the RAISE The Future project, in collaboration between ITD and IAS.
The video was made possible thanks to the collective effort of over 100 people from the RAISE ecosystem, and features underwater robots, quadrupeds, humanoids, and drones.
Spoke 5 coordinated the production of the video, including scriptwriting, filming, and editing (in particular with CNR and ETT).
The presentation of the NEPTUNE™ project (Spoke 3) during the Blue Tech Revolution event | Author: NEPTUNE™ (Spoke 3) | Credits: NEPTUNE™ and RAISE
The Ligurian company MYWAI, lead partner of the NEPTUNE™ project and winner of a cascade funding call from Spoke 5, contributed not only to the video’s content but also presented its progress and results within Spoke 3, in collaboration with IIS – Italian Institute of Welding, during the Blue Tech Revolution event.
On July 1, the RAISE ecosystem was officially presented by Renata Paola Dameri (UniGe, Spokes 1 and 5) and Laura Gaggero (UniGe, Spoke 5) in the Auditorium of the Pavilion, during a day dedicated to the University of Genoa, research excellence, and academic exchange with Japanese universities.
Renata Paola Dameri (UniGe, Spoke 1 and 5) introduces the day dedicated to university and research | Author: Regione Liguria | Credits: Regione Liguria
Thus, innovation through robotics and AI becomes an expression of Ligurian know-how, in dialogue with other forms of expertise, through multimedia presentations and in-person events inside the Italian Pavilion.
Pro-rector for Internationalization Paola Dameri (Spoke 1 and 5, UniGe) and Pro-rector for Research Laura Gaggero (Spoke 5, UniGe) present RAISE in Osaka | Author: Marco Frascio (UniGe) | Credits: UniGe and RAISE
Cover Image
Davide Giglio (UniGe, Spoke 4) next to the monitor playing the video about RAISE
Author: UniGe and RAISE Credits: UniGe and RAISE
The official presentation of the Liguria Region’s program for its dedicated week at the Universal Exposition in Osaka, Japan- scheduled from June 29 to July 5 – took place on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Sala Trasparenza in Genoa.
The event was attended by Toshiaki Kobayashi, Consul General of Japan in Milan, further underscoring the importance of institutional and cultural ties between Liguria and Japan.
The theme guiding Liguria’s participation at the Expo will be “Ligurian artist of living”, a concept designed to highlight the Ligurian ability to transform beauty, tradition, and culture into opportunities for work, entrepreneurship, and innovation, while maintaining a balance with the natural environment. The narrative intends to focus on people and their skills, showcasing the value of craftsmanship, quality of life, and harmonious coexistence with a land that is both complex and rich in potential.
During the press conference, the presence of the RAISE ecosystem was also outlined – a Ligurian initiative dedicated to research and the development of innovative technological solutions in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. As part of Liguria’s Expo week, RAISE will contribute with the experiential video “EXPOsing RAISE – Present and future of Italian Robotics and AI”, a multimedia feature that will showcase the main applications and projects developed by the organizations and companies belonging to the ecosystem.
The video is one of several audiovisual materials that visitors will be able to view within the Liguria Region’s dedicated area inside the Italian Pavilion. The production, coordinated by Spoke 5 – RAISE Communication Team with technical support from ETT Dedagroup, involved more than one hundred researchers, developers, and professionals from the sector.
The journey proposed in the video will allow Expo visitors to explore twelve three-dimensional and interactive models illustrating RAISE’s main research areas: inclusive smart cities, personalized healthcare, eco-robotics for environmental protection, and intelligent port logistics. The showcased solutions will include ground robots, drones, underwater ROVs, and humanoids operating in real-life contexts across the Ligurian region, such as ports, historic centers, healthcare facilities, and the marine environment.
“We are honored to take part in this major event and we thank the Liguria Region for the tremendous work done,” commented Cristina Battaglia, RAISE Project Manager. “Expo Osaka represents a global showcase and we are proud to present some of our projects related to robotics and artificial intelligence. RAISE is growing significantly in terms of projects and applications, and having the opportunity to display even a part of our work is unique”.
The press conference also highlighted other key aspects of Liguria’s presence in Osaka: six artisan companies selected through a dedicated regional call; cultural initiatives such as the Chiossone Museum; the launch of the new edition of the Genoa International Boat Show; and the strengthening of relations between Ligurian universities and Japanese educational institutions. References were also made to successful entrepreneurial stories born from the meeting between Liguria and Japan, as well as to the promotion of tourism and local skills.
The entire program has been designed to strengthen existing ties with Japan and to create new opportunities for economic and cultural cooperation within a global showcase like the Universal Expo in Osaka.
