The Challenges of IOIP System Innovation Edition
The second edition of IOIP Open Innovation Program focuses on 31 Challenges proposed by the Emilia-Romagna corporate partners. The challenges are grouped in 4 thematic clusters.
Cluster 1: DATA COLLECTION, ANALYTICS & TRACEABILITY FOR THE ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION
This cluster includes challenges aimed at the development of advanced solutions for data collection, analysis and traceability, to support strategic decision-making oriented towards the company's ecological transition.
#1. Data and information to train a process optimization software
Scouting for Solver with expertise in digital and production processes, offering data and technical skills to co-develop an advanced inventory management system in industrial sectors (i.e., automotive and machine tools).
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#2. Real-time and predictive crop analysis systems
Solution to develop a real-time and predictive crop analysis system using machine learning and computer vision.
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#3. Solutions for embedding AI algorithms in vehicles for anomaly
detection
Scouting for solutions that would allow the company to embed AI algorithms (written in Python) into the vehicle's ECU (Electronic Control Unit), enabling the implementation of an anomaly detection system that predicts and reports potential vehicle failures before they occur
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#4. Methodologies or tools to measure the carbon footprint of buildings
Methodologies and tools to integrate and analyze carbon footprint of buildings in all its lifecycle, measuring the emissions for strategic decisions.
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#5. Solution for underground infrastructure mapping and analysis
Solution (software and/or hardware) capable of mapping underground infrastructure, identifying, classifying and georeferencing it and its main info, and transmitting the collected data to the company’s central IT system for further processing. The goal is to generate actionable insights to improve the efficiency of construction site operations.
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#6. Methodologies and analyses to launch Digital Product Passport
Methodologies for managing and analyzing the technical infrastructure and data model to make the Digital Product Passport an effective and scalable tool.
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#7. Methodologies or technologies to measure the carbon footprint of palm oil production
Methodologies or technologies to measure the carbon footprint of palm oil production (specifically the carbon footprint generated by palm oil suppliers). The solution must provide a reliable value that the company can use as a reference when making procurement decisions (i.e., selecting or engaging suppliers during the contract period).
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#8. Technologies and tools for ensuring traceability in automotive parts sourcing
Technologies and tools that enable tracing the origin of car components used in repairs after car accidents. The ideal solution would allow to identify both the supplier and the original vehicle, then transmit this data to the company's IT system (SAP) for further analysis.
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#9. Software for data analysis and harmonization suitable for SMEs
Scouting for software to analyze and harmonize data related to the company’s environmental impact. The ideal solution should be compatible with the ORIPAN system and affordable for SMEs.
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Cluster 2: MANUFACTURING METHODS & INDUSTRIAL OPTIMIZATION
This cluster includes challenges aimed at the development of innovative methods and processes in industrial production, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency and product quality.
#10. Solutions for automating sugar beet transplant processes
Solutions to automate sugar beet farming processes consisting in nursery, calibration and transplanting of stecklings (i.e., sugar-beet in the form of young plants). The solution can be a new machine or, ideally, an add-on, i.e. a component to be integrated into the machines already in use by farmers.
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#11. Sustainable solutions for disposable medical devices in advanced wound care treatment
Innovative materials (preferably sustainable) or technologies to optimize performance of disposable medical devices to be used in advanced wound care treatment. The ideal solution would meet (at least one) of the following requirement: have functional properties (e.g., be antibacterial) and ensure comfort/ease of use.
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#12. Solutions to merge steel and titanium for automotive exhaust pipes production
Solutions to merge steel and titanium, to obtain an alloy to produce exhaust pipes for the automotive sector. The company wants to create a high performing material that combines the key properties of both metals: i.e. strength and ductility (steel) and lightness (titanium).
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#13. Innovative methods or technologies for surface treatments of medical filters
Innovative surface treatment methods or techniques for medical filters. The ideal solution should improve filters’ performance, sustainability (e.g., be PFAS-free) and/or allow the company to enhance the efficiency of the filters’ production process.
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#14. Sustainable sound-absorbing materials for noise reduction in industrial machinery
Innovative sound-absorbing materials to be inserted into industrial machinery. The ideal solution should be sustainable, ensure a compact and optimized design, as well as comply with fire safety regulations.
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#15. Innovative durable and hard materials for steel cutting
Innovative, high performing and durable materials for the production of steel cutting blades. The ideal material must have sufficient hardness to minimize blade wear over time.
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Cluster 3: SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS, PRODUCTS & PROCESSES
This cluster includes challenges focused on developing innovative materials, products, and processes with minimal environmental impact, fostering the circular economy and reducing waste.
#16. Methodologies and tools for reusing pharmaceutical plastic waste materials
Methodologies and tools to reuse pharmaceutical waste, in particular mixed plastic and sludge from wastewater industrial treatment. The ideal solution would allow to transform waste materials into inputs for new value chains, in line with industrial symbiosis principles.
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#17.
Powder solution to absorb liquids of different densities
Powder solution to absorb liquids of varying densities, enabling the efficient collection of animal excrements without creating additional waste.
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#18. Sustainable materials for tunnel excavation operations
Sustainable materials to be used in tunnel excavation processes, that can replace the currently used Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP), while ensuring the same mechanical properties.
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#19. Solutions for purifying and reusing wastewater from milk production processes
Solutions to recover condensate water generated during the milk production process, specifically from milk sterilization using direct steam injection. The ideal solution would enable the recovery and reuse of purified and demineralized water.
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#20. Solutions to achieve high barrier performance for cellulose-based packaging
Additives, methodologies, or technologies to enhance the barrier properties of dry molding cellulose packaging against water, fats, gases and aroma preservation.
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#21. Materials and methodologies for compostable wood packaging suitable for food contact
Innovative materials and methods to produce primary waterproof wooden packaging. The ideal solution would allow the company to manufacture fully compostable and environmentally friendly wooden trays, suitable for food contact.
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#22. Materials, methodologies and technologies for sustainable packaging
Methodologies, technologies and materials to reuse and reduce waste generated in the logistics industry (particularly tertiary packaging and support materials), to reduce the environmental impact and improve the sustainability of food and consumer goods supply chains.
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#23. Methodologies, tools and materials for sustainable packaging of industrial components
Innovative methodologies, tools or materials that would enable the company to maximize the recyclability of packaging materials and processes used for shipping industrial components (specifically, cartridge valves).
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Cluster 4: GREEN ENERGY & BIODIVERSITY
#24. Tools and methodologies for insect detection and tracking
Accessible solution to detect, track and possibly capture the Asian Hornet, allowing the localization and elimination of nests to protect regional beekeeping.
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#25. Methodologies and tools for measuring biodiversity in agricultural soil
Methodologies and tools to accurately measure the biodiversity of soil used for agricultural purposes. The ideal solution should provide data-driven insights to guide corrective actions in soil management, enabling the company to optimize its agricultural practices.
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#26.
Regulations and requirements analysis on Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) in Italy
Scouting a solver who can conduct an analysis of the requirements related to the creation of a Renewable Energy Community (REC) in Italy. The research should outline all relevant constraints (e.g., regulatory, infrastructural, …) and lead to the definition of a roadmap that will enable the company to establish a Renewable Energy Community.
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#27. Methodologies for extracting hydrogen from foodservice industry wastewater
Methodologies for extracting hydrogen from wastewater deriving from foodservice industry plants. The ideal solution would be a feasibility study and potentially include equipment to produce green hydrogen, thus considered equivalent to domestic sewage.
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#28. Affordable solutions for refining and purifying biomethane used as an energy source
Efficient, accessible and standard-compliant solutions for small to medium sized agricultural farms to upgrade biogas, in order for the company to refine it to the quality needed to run its Methane Power Tractor and pump into natural gas pipelines.
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#29. Smart systems for underwater animal capture
Smart systems that allow the automatic capture of wels catfish or other underwater animals, made for the purpose of ecosystem preservation. The ideal solution is a sensor-based trap, combining hardware and software components and made of environmentally friendly materials.
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#30. Energy capture and storage solutions for machinery hydraulic systems
Energy system to be applied to hydraulic systems, particularly hydraulic cylinders used in lifting machines, that would allow for the capture, storage, and reuse of generated energy. The ideal solution combines both hardware (primarily) and software components.
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#31. Solutions to monitor fishing trajectories underwater
Solutions to integrate for the monitoring of underwater trajectories followed during trawl fishing operations. A combination of hardware and software is needed to collect and analyze data on the seabed most frequently traversed. The solution is be applied on the nets and the diverters.
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