Unibo Edition 2025
Carlo Golini, 2025 Winner
Title of the pitch: From Patients to Paintings: Looking Beyond the Surface. Beyond diagnostics, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is transforming neuroscience, medical imaging, and cultural heritage preservation. This research applies NMR to improve stroke diagnosis, detect early cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis, and analyse historical artworks for restoration. By integrating NMR into diverse fields, this study showcases its potential for groundbreaking advancements.
Giorgia Giusti, 2025 1st runner-up
Title of the pitch: Can Paper Save Us from Plastic Pollution? Can paper replace plastic? This research develops sustainable, plastic-free cellulose packaging as an alternative to single-use plastics. By optimizing bio-based coatings and accelerating their solidification, the study pioneers water-resistant, recyclable materials that align with global environmental regulations—offering a scalable solution to reduce plastic pollution.
Anna Gaimari , 2nd Runner Up
Title of the pitch: The Power Duo: Supercharged Cells and Radiation Against Cancer Autonomous systems, from cars to robots, are reshaping industries, but true autonomy demands efficiency and safety. This research develops advanced algorithms that enable autonomous systems to optimize decisions based on real-world data, even in complex, multi-agent scenarios like robotic fleets. The findings support a future of more intelligent, efficient, and adaptable autonomous solutions.
Raffaela Piscitelli
Title of the pitch: Sustainable Egg Production: Can Hen Biodiversity and Recycling Former Foodstuff Make a Difference? Sustainable egg production starts with biodiversity and responsible feeding. This research explores the benefits of crossbreeding local hen breeds to improve productivity and investigates alternative feed ingredients to reduce food waste. The findings highlight how these strategies enhance sustainability, preserve biodiversity, and promote more eco-friendly farming practices.
Lidiana Arrè
Title of the pitch:Building the Future of Structural Engineering – One Layer at a Time Revolutionizing construction with 3D printing! This research applies Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) to fabricate structural steel elements. By refining printing parameters and integrating sustainability measures, it demonstrates how WAAM reduces material waste, enhances design flexibility, and paves the way for more efficient, eco-friendly construction.
Riccardo Pellicari
Title of the pitch:Save Money and Optimize Your Processes in Real Time with Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT)? Ensuring vaccine safety starts with precision monitoring. This research applies Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) to optimize pharmaceutical processing, particularly in handling aluminum-adjuvanted vaccines. By mapping real-time conductivity changes, the study enhances process efficiency, reduces sedimentation issues, and scales up industry applications—paving the way for smarter, more sustainable vaccine production.
Aoi Nakakoji
Title of the pitch: Click, Cook, Eat: How Tech Innovates Food Traditions in Bologna How is Bolognese cuisine evolving in the digital age? This research explores the intersection of food culture and digital media, combining ethnographic interviews with 40 families, online food communities, and social media analysis. It reveals how digital platforms shape cooking traditions, blending innovation with heritage in modern kitchens.
Samuele Burattini
Title of the pitch: Orchestrating Hospitals with Digital Twins What if hospitals ran as smoothly as a perfectly synchronized orchestra? This research develops Digital Twins for operating rooms, creating virtual models to predict delays, optimize surgeries, and improve patient care. By mapping entire hospital workflows, these smart systems transform chaotic environments into data-driven, life-saving solutions.
David Naseh
Title of the pitch: Driving into the Future: Safer Roads Through Smarter Communication The future of autonomous driving is powered by 6G networks. This research designs an Air-Ground Integrated Network that allows cars, drones, and sensors to communicate in real time. By applying AI and machine learning, it explores how intelligent transportation systems can improve road safety, reduce congestion, and enhance efficiency.
Camilla Gironi
Title of the pitch: From Virtual to Reality: Advancing Personalized Surgery with Simulation Imagine if doctors could predict and perfect a surgery before stepping into the operating room. This research develops virtual surgical simulations, using computational models of patient anatomy to plan precise, personalized procedures. From jaw reconstruction to cardiovascular interventions, these simulations optimize medical outcomes and reduce surgical risks.