Basilicata Open LAB: Co-Innovation Awards awarded in Matera

The third edition of the Basilicata Open Lab programme concluded on 25 June in Matera with the presentation of the Co-Innovation Awards. The project is promoted by Eni with the support of Shell Italia E&P and is being carried out through Joule, Eni’s School of Entrepreneurship.

Following a selection and training process involving applications from 140 Italian startups and 50 companies from Basilicata, the programme ultimately involved 11 startups and 11 companies from Basilicata, which were able to develop project proposals in key sectors for the region’s transformation: clean energy, agritech, sustainable construction and sustainable mobility.

The six winning projects

The six winning projects, which are the result of collaboration between Italian startups and businesses in Basilicata, aim to produce solutions that can be applied in real-world operational contexts.

• Innoitaly and Masseria Contangelo

Will trial a model for growing saffron using hydroponics in a controlled environment, in order to overcome the limitations associated with seasonality, yield and land availability. The project involves a pilot greenhouse with sensors and data collection to optimise quality and productivity.

• FrantoSmart and Smeda

Will be working on validating an intelligent system for the classification and traceability of demolition materials during the crushing process. The trial aims to reduce the time taken to certify recycled aggregates, thereby facilitating their faster recovery and entry onto the market.

• Solship and Lucen

This project aims to make energy storage systems more profitable through the use of an artificial intelligence agent capable of optimising energy sales. The trial involves integrating Solship technology into a photovoltaic system with a battery in Matera, with the aim of maximising the economic value of the stored energy.

• EONera and Swabia

An innovative industrial heating technology, offering an alternative to traditional electric heating elements, is to be trialled. It will be carried out at the Svevia washing tunnel and will enable measurements to be taken of thermal efficiency, temperature stability and productivity gains, thereby helping to improve operational performance and reduce energy consumption.

• SatEnlight and AreaWi

Will work together to validate a hybrid optical network to provide high-capacity connectivity in areas where it is difficult to lay cables. The project involves testing a link between Lido di Metaponto and Lido Quarantotto, in a context characterised by environmental and infrastructural constraints, proposing a low-impact model to help bridge the digital divide.

• AgreeNet and EcoPlen

Will develop a recycled polyethylene material containing additives, which has high barrier properties. The trial will involve the production and testing of various batches, with the aim of assessing their workability, durability and performance compared with traditional materials, thereby supporting the transition towards more sustainable industrial packaging solutions.

In addition to the financial grant, the teams will have access to a three-month mentoring programme to support the development of their solutions, with a view to either technological validation or direct industrialisation.

With three editions already under its belt, Basilicata Open LAB has established itself as a strategic driver of regional innovation, fostering collaboration and synergies amongst all the stakeholders involved, harnessing local entrepreneurial expertise and accelerating the development of solutions to support innovative and sustainable regional growth.

With the aim of engaging even the youngest members of the community, this year’s Call4Innovation, which traditionally comprises the Entrepreneurship Award and the Co-Innovation Award, has been expanded to include the Young Innovator Award, a programme dedicated to secondary school pupils in Basilicata, designed to promote entrepreneurial skills, innovative project planning and a culture of innovation and sustainability amongst the younger generation.