Presented the Metropolitan Plan for the Social Economy of Turin 2030

On Monday, June 30, 2025, in the Panoramic Room of the Metropolitan City of Turin, the Metropolitan Plan for the Social Economy of Turin 2030 was officially presented. The Plan was recently approved by the Turin Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan City of Turin, within the framework of Torino Social Impact.

The presentation marked the final stage of a nearly year-long process, initiated with the signing of the agreement between the two promoting institutions in July 2024. The Plan aims to foster a new growth model for the metropolitan area, based on the synergy between economic development and social cohesion. It outlines concrete actions and tools to launch a collaborative program involving the entire public and private ecosystem, including both profit and non-profit actors.

Numerous institutional representatives took part in the event, including Lucia Albano, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Representing the promoting institutions were Sonia Cambursano, Councillor of the Metropolitan City of Turin for Economic Development, and Guido Bolatto, Secretary General of the Turin Chamber of Commerce.

Local institutions were also represented by Michela Favaro, Deputy Mayor of Turin, and Jacopo Sutto, Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan City of Turin.

The morning included a national-level dialogue with contributions from the cities of Bologna and Milan, represented respectively by Daniela Freddi (Metropolitan City of Bologna) and Valerio Pedroni (City of Milan), who shared their approaches and visions on similar ongoing initiatives.

The event concluded with a session curated by Torino Social Impact, titled “New Generations for the Social Economy,” featuring young social entrepreneurs and youth associations from the region:

  • Fabrizio Piazza of CSDA Cooperative (Avigliana)

  • Francesca Cavallo of the Social Cooperative Comunità Nuova Neuro – Social Enterprise

  • Francesco Ilacqua of Ilpa Servizi Social Cooperative

  • Stefania Di Campli of Ortika Association

Read the full press release (June 30, 2025)

Cybersecurity Incubation Program: I3P announces the first selected start-ups and launches the call for the second batch

Launched in 2024 by the Italian National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN) and the Incubator of Politecnico di Torino (I3P), the Cybersecurity Incubation Program is a path of entrepreneurial accompaniment entirely dedicated to supporting young innovative companies which are active in the field of cybersecurity.

The initiative, created in collaboration with partners Leonardo S.p.A. and C*Sparks, has already selected four young companies to enter the program, but applications will remain open until the next cut-off date of July 7, 2025, to join the second batch of supported start-ups.

The first selected companies

The initiative is aimed at companies that have been established for less than 5 years, are registered in the Italian Business Register, are based in Italy and have one or more projects in the field of cybersecurity in line with the priorities identified by ACN’s Research & Innovation Agenda, particularly those using technologies such as data science, artificial intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, quantum computing or cryptography. Included in this framework are the first four young companies admitted into the program: LevelQuantum, Mulini, Osmium Italy and Synchropal.

LevelQuantum offers cybersecurity solutions based on quantum technology. The start-up, founded in 2022 in Milan, Italy, develops encryption technologies that exploit the laws of quantum physics to make communications resistant to cyber attacks, whether by wire or through satellites. Due to the innovative value of its project, the company has already been selected in the ESA BIC Turin incubation program, also run by I3P, and in the Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), managed by NATO.

Young Turin-based company Mulini develops solutions for security and cyber attack prevention of IoT devices, combining real-world device testbeds with artificial intelligence (AI) models that can detect threats in real time to protect devices and ensure high security standards. Mulini’s solutions are based on years of extensive research and contributions to open source products in security, privacy and auditing tools for the consumer, industrial and medical sectors.

Born in 2020 in Spain and incorporated in Italy in 2023, Osmium Italy offers cybersecurity solutions for the aerospace industry: it develops systems and services to secure communications and critical infrastructure for space missions and make satellite communications more secure and independent. An alumni of ESA BIC Turin, the start-up plays an important role in international projects and participates in European-level initiatives such as the EU Space Information Sharing Analysis Centre (ISAC), of which it is one of the founding companies.

Piedmont-based start-up Synchropal develops devices to detect and prevent drone cyber attack threats, such as spoofing and jamming. Specifically, the solution developed by the young company offers accurate and attack-resistant drone tracking and timing by combining independent sources of positioning, such as GNSS signals and ADS-B messages, with proprietary data processing algorithms. Synchropal has also successfully completed its growth path in ESA BIC Turin.

The call for start-ups

I3P is among the official operators of the Cyber Innovation Network, designed by ACN and aimed at supporting the development of start-ups and facilitating the transfer and exploitation of applied research results, according to the goals of the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2022-2026.

The Cybersecurity Incubation Program offers a 12-month incubation path, tailor-made for start-ups operating in the cybersecurity sector, which includes entrepreneurial development activities – among which: customer discovery, business planning, support for team growth, IP protection strategies, assistance in the search for investors – and the possibility of receiving a non-repayable financial contribution of €50,000 from ACN.

In addition, the Leonardo group, through its Cyber & Security Solutions division, offers technical training, mentoring and the opportunity to evaluate the realisation of a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) with its experts, while C*Sparks offers support in the strategic and operational orientation of projects to increase fundraising opportunities.

The program’s call for start-ups is permanently open, but has periodic cut-off dates, such as the next one of Monday, July 7, 2025, after which applications received will be reviewed and processed. In order to apply to join the Cybersecurity Incubation Program, start-ups have to write an e-mail to the dedicated address cybersecurity@i3p.it. The application documents for the call are available for download from the incubation path’s page on the I3P website for preliminary consultation by interested parties: fillable versions of the forms will be provided via email to the young companies interested to apply their project.

When humor becomes a form of resistance: More than a joke

On July 2nd, from 10:15 AM to 1:45 PM (CET), the online event More than a joke will explore the role of humor under authoritarian regimes: between censorship, memory, and freedom of expression.

The event is part of the European project MENTOR, which investigates how satire, comics, theatre, and irony become political and cultural tools in repressive contexts.

Researchers, artists, and educators from across Europe will share reflections, case studies, and practices.

Participation is free upon registration at the link.

More than a joke program

Bench-Mark | Ep. 91 – Barriera Design District

In this episode of Bench-Mark, Ivano Viotto, co-founder of Barriera Design District, shares the challenge of a project that aims to bring a new perspective and narrative to North Turin. The initiative seeks to unite the energy of existing local organizations and overcome the preconceptions surrounding this strategic and valuable area of the city.

Interview by Francesco Antonioli.

Watch the other episodes of Bench-Mark here.

Innovation and sustainability: meet the startups of Impact Hub

Innovation and sustainability. Discover the startups of Impact Hub

A journey through startups, digital markets, and social enterprise: Impact Hub featured on Futura News

The first article of the new collaboration between Torino Social Impact and Futura News – the magazine of the “Giorgio Bocca” Master’s in Journalism – takes us inside the world of Impact Hub Torino.
From incubating sustainable businesses to digitizing local markets and offering mentorship paths, the piece offers a lively and dynamic snapshot of social innovation in the area.

The column aims to explore the Torino Social Impact ecosystem through the critical, fresh, and passionate lens of young journalists in training.

Read the article by Lorenzo Borghero on Futura News.

Amapola

Amapola brings E-V-E AI Compliance Manager to Italy: a new alliance for sustainability reporting

Artificial intelligence and strategic consulting to support Italian companies in ESG challenges: the partnership with Danish firm Evolve Solutions begins.

Amapola, an Italian consultancy specialized in sustainability, taking part in Torino Social Impact, announces a strategic partnership with Evolve Solutions, the Danish tech company behind E-V-E AI Compliance Manager — an intelligent platform designed to simplify and enhance corporate reporting processes in line with the latest regulations and emerging international standards.

With this agreement, the Italian market gains access to an advanced tool that combines the efficiency of automated analysis with the strategic insight of expert consultancy. This integrated approach addresses the growing need for regulatory alignment, information clarity, and comparability across companies.

The need for better reporting, today

E-V-E AI Compliance Manager is an analysis system that processes hundreds of metrics and parameters — from regulatory developments introduced by the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) to indicators related to cybersecurity, risk management, and the simplified VSME standards tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises. While still relatively unknown in much of Europe, these standards are becoming increasingly strategic for the future of sustainability reporting.

The platform offers a clear snapshot of a company’s current compliance status and areas for improvement, automating the comparison with regulatory requirements. Where technology detects, organizes, and classifies, consultancy interprets: the machine provides an objective and consistent first assessment, drastically reducing the time and resources usually required. Amapola complements this with the human expertise needed to turn results into decisions — from building compliance roadmaps to defining materiality and supporting stakeholder engagement and strategic communication.

Tangible benefits, European vision

E-V-E enables Italian companies to assess their compliance levels in a structured way, benchmark against European standards (ESRS and VSME), and compare their performance with peers in the same sector or geographical area. It’s not just about automation: it’s a tool that strengthens governance, improves reporting quality, and provides clear guidance on what actions to take.

We chose E-V-E because it blends methodological rigour with flexibility, technical accuracy with strategic perspective, says Luca Valpreda, founder of Amapola. It’s a system capable of mapping both ESRS and VSME in a structured way, offering practical solutions for very different needs. This makes it ideal not only for companies already subject to reporting obligations, but also for those who want to prepare with intention and foresight. Together, we can turn a complex compliance requirement into a clear, integrated, and continuously improving process.

Compliance today is not just about ticking boxes — it’s about understanding where you stand and adapting quickly to a changing landscape,” adds Anders Søborg, Co-CEO of Evolve. With E-V-E, we want to make this process more transparent, more accessible, and more intelligent. Companies need a tool that simplifies technical work while reinforcing strategic thinking. That’s exactly what E-V-E does: it measures, benchmarks, and guides. Together with local partners like Amapola, we make this approach both tangible and tailored.

Technology meets a culture of sustainability

In a context shaped by regulatory pressure and rising ESG expectations, Amapola strengthens its role as a partner for organizations aiming to navigate the new sustainability reporting era with awareness and effective tools.

By integrating E-V-E AI Compliance Manager into its ecosystem, Amapola expands its integrated offering — introducing a reliable, action-oriented international solution to the Italian market, ready to address the complexity of evolving standards, meet corporate needs, and align with stakeholder expectations.

Daniela Bianchi Amapola

Amapola strengthens its presence in Rome and Central-Southern Italy with Daniela Bianchi

Amapola, the consultancy firm specializing in sustainability since 2009, part of Torino Social Impact network, takes another step forward in its growth journey: Daniela Bianchi begins a strategic collaboration with the company as a senior consultant. This marks the consolidation of an already established relationship, having worked together on major national infrastructure projects. In these contexts, she has played a key role in enhancing dialogue among businesses, institutions, and communities, through a systemic and relational approach that values trust-building and contextual understanding.

Her involvement brings a dual enhancement to Amapola: on one hand, her entry into the “Special Projects” area, where she contributes her expertise in complex decision-making processes; on the other, a strengthening of Amapola’s positioning in Rome and the Central-Southern regions of Italy, thanks to her in-depth knowledge of local dynamics and institutional frameworks.

A key figure among institutions, businesses, and communities

Daniela Bianchi, currently Secretary General of FERPI, is a recognized expert in institutional relations, sustainable governance, and the management of socially impactful, complex projects. As a former Regional Councillor for Lazio, she promoted progressive policies on sustainable economic development and culture, leading participatory processes and public debates. She has managed ESG transformation projects in the financial sector, held leadership roles in the Third Sector, and teaches at several university master’s programs. She is also a published author.

At Amapola, she focuses on institutional intelligence and socio-territorial consulting, with a particular emphasis on participatory processes and sustainability initiatives.

A key element in Amapola’s growth strategy

With Daniela Bianchi’s collaboration, Amapola continues a path of consistent and robust development, which in recent months has seen the addition of new professionals and the opening of new positions. This steady growth is driven by a team enriched with complementary skills and perspectives, aiming to solidify Amapola’s presence across the national territory.

Working with Daniela, notes Amapola founder Luca Valpreda, is a crucial step in laying the foundation for a strategic presence in Rome, which will serve the steadily growing clientele in Central and Southern Italy. It’s a beautiful and demanding challenge, and Daniela is the right professional for it, with her strong expertise and long-standing experience. Her ability to understand contexts, build connections, and activate change processes will be vital to our continued growth with both vision and local grounding.

Working with the Amapola team, I have come to appreciate an approach that combines technical expertise, relational capacity, and attentive listening, all driven by a strategic vision that goes beyond traditional consulting, says Daniela Bianchi. In a time when sustainability calls for increasingly integrated approaches and shared responsibility among all system actors, this collaboration offers the ideal setting to develop innovative frameworks and solutions to face our collective challenges.

Trasformare sostenibilità in risultati webinar

A3i is born from Amapola and 3i EE: the business network turning ESG complexity into sustainable growth strategies

Thursday, June 26: the first Zoom webinar hosted by the new business network to explore sustainability and energy efficiency

Facing ESG challenges today means navigating an increasingly complex landscape where environmental, social, and governance issues intersect with business goals and tightening regulations. It is within this context that A3i – Energia alla sostenibilità was founded: a business network bringing together Amapola, a consulting firm specializing in sustainability and communication and part of Torino Social Impact, and 3i Efficientamento Energetico, part of the 3i Group, which has been active in the engineering sector since 1984.

A3i offers companies concrete, integrated support in managing and reporting on sustainability by merging the strategic, technical, and communication skills of both organizations. It’s a value accelerator designed to tackle ESG challenges from every angle.

Integrated, simplified consulting

At the heart of A3i lies a shared belief: sustainability isn’t a bureaucratic exercise but a key driver of growth and innovation. For ESG transformation to be truly effective, it must be tailored, multidisciplinary, and results-oriented—combining technical analysis, long-term strategic vision, and strong stakeholder engagement.

The network draws on over 15 years of sustainability experience and 40 years of engineering know-how, with a team of 70 professionals in ESG, energy management, legal affairs, and communication. Together, they support over 200 clients each year.

3i EE contributes deep technical and engineering expertise, especially in the environmental and energy sectors, honed through work with businesses of all sizes. Amapola, active since 2009, brings strategic design and communication capabilities, led by professionals who have been working on sustainability issues since the 1990s—long before they entered the mainstream.

Sustainability tailored to business needs

Together, these two benefit corporations provide a platform of complementary expertise to guide companies along structured sustainability paths—from ESG reporting to emission reduction, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. But their real added value lies in their in-depth knowledge of business realities, gained through hands-on work, which translates into actionable strategies, measurable results, improved internal processes, and more efficient, sustainable resource management.

Thursday, June 26: A3i’s first webinar on sustainability and energy efficiency

The convergence of sustainability and energy efficiency will take center stage in A3i’s upcoming webinar.

Titled “Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Data, Impacts, Strategies”, the event will take place live on Zoom at 12:00 PM on Thursday, June 26. It will feature a practical conversation between Giulia Devani, A3i President and Amapola’s Reporting Lead, and Gianluca Gualco, A3i Board Member and Partner at 3i EE.

In just 35 minutes, they will explore key challenges and opportunities for companies pursuing ESG evolution:

  • How to align energy and sustainability goals within a coherent, measurable business strategy;

  • What agile tools—like Flash Audits and ESG Assessments—can support data analysis and strategic decisions;

  • Common pitfalls to avoid and real-world benefits of an integrated approach.

Register for the webinar here

CA Auto Bank and I3P launch the fourth edition of Digital Factory’s call for start-ups

Accelerating the evolution of the mobility of the future by leveraging artificial intelligence and sustainability. This is the goal behind the 4th edition of the call for start-ups of Digital Factory, a platform promoted by Crédit Agricole Auto Bank Group, the mobility bank controlled by CA Personal Finance & Mobility, and I3P, the Innovative Companies Incubator of Politecnico di Torino.

Presented at Viva Technology 2025, Europe’s largest event dedicated to start-ups – where I3P is an ecosystem partner – held on June 11-14 in Paris, the new call is titled “The Future of Auto Finance: AI, Integration and Sustainability”. The call targets innovative start-ups and companies from across Europe ready to propose cutting-edge solutions for the mobility and vehicle finance sectors. This year’s edition places special emphasis on Italy, France and Spain – countries where CA Auto Bank Group plans to deepen its innovation commitment and market presence.

The opportunities of the initiative

Selected participants will have the opportunity to collaborate directly with CA Auto Bank and Drivalia, the Group’s rental and mobility company, to develop a Proof-of-Concept (PoC), a pilot project that can potentially pave the way for a business relationship with the Group. Younger start-ups may additionally gain access to one of I3P’s incubation paths, receiving strategic mentoring, training and valuable network connections.

The Digital Factory platform looks for innovative solutions and technologies to drive digital transformation for CA Auto Bank and Drivalia, speeding up their internal innovation processes. The previous edition of the initiative has proven successful, with over 150 proposals gathered in 2024 and 6 start-ups selected for joint testing of their innovative solutions. The initiative belongs within the scope of Start&Pulse, Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility’s European program dedicated to start-ups and innovation.

The areas of interest

The new call, available on the Digital Factory website, is aimed at start-ups and innovative companies with cutting-edge solutions in key areas such as:

  • Conversational AI and chatbots
  • Advanced cybersecurity
  • Integration of sustainability principles in ESG
  • Mobility and vehicle fleet management
  • Optimization of operational processes
  • Document management and processing
  • Dynamic pricing systems for the rental industry
  • Legal management and regulatory compliance
  • Improvement of corporate welfare.

Submissions of innovative projects must be submitted by August 6, 2025 through the Digital Factory website. Evaluation and selection of projects will take place by the end of September, and meetings with selected companies will begin in October. Participation is free and documents can be submitted in Italian or English.

Evolving into the future

Innovation has always been part of CA Auto Bank Group’s DNA. We firmly believe that startups – thanks to their disruptive energy and rapid development – are essential for anticipating the challenges of future mobility,” said Giacomo Carelli, CEO and General Manager of CA Auto Bank. “The launch of the new Digital Factory call, made possible also through the valuable collaboration with I3P, will allow us to integrate the most promising ideas and strengthen our leadership in an ever-evolving sector.

This new initiative continues the successful, long-standing collaboration between the Politecnico di Torino’s incubator and CA Auto Bank Group – creating value for all stakeholders“, commented Giuseppe Scellato, President of I3P. “It serves both the international bank’s need for cutting-edge technological solutions and the innovative startups we work with daily to develop their potential. Drawing on our 25+ years of experience in innovation, we stand ready to identify and support the most promising talents throughout this journey”.

A Community of Practice on inclusive communication: changing language, building alliances

On June 11, a special session took place – born from the convergence of needs expressed by the Gender Equality and Communication Communities of Practice, and co-designed and facilitated by Monica Cerutti. Twenty-two participants gathered to reflect on inclusive communication, with a focus on the experiences of Enaip Piemonte and Puntozero.

Inclusivity and Language: Enaip’s Vision

From the interventions of Enrica Moglia, responsible for PO Enaip Piemonte, Ilaria Miglio, Communication Manager and Laura Calgaro, Art Director of Enaip Piemonte,, shared an educational approach deeply rooted in respect for differences: “educating people, not just skills.”

Enaip has implemented concrete tools such as the Carriera Alias and has engaged its entire staff in training on inclusive and non-hostile language. The goal is to create welcoming and safe environments where everyone can feel heard and represented.

Key principles shared include:

  1. Authentic listening
  2. Education in complexity
  3. Co-creation of language
  4. Care for meaningful relationships

Puntozero: Practicing Change through Reframing

With Carolina Lucchesini, Founder & Managing Director of Puntozero, participants explored the narrative frames that shape how we communicate and perceive the world. In a hands-on workshop, working groups identified dominant narratives in their own contexts and developed more inclusive alternatives – crafting narrative statements and campaign concepts capable of fostering new imaginaries.

Reframing was approached as a strategic tool for social change, capable of:

  1. Engaging audiences through emotional connection
  2. Dismantling invisible infrastructures of collective thought
  3. Promoting new languages that are more ethical, accessible, and representative

Once again, the Community of Practice proved to be a shared learning space where differences become a resource for building new narratives of equity and impact.

Learn more about Torino Social Impact’s Communities of Practice!

180 consulting

180 Degree Consulting Turin: seeking projects for the upcoming academic year

180 Degree Consulting Turin is excited to announce the opening of applications for new projects to be developed during the 2024-2025 academic year. We are a student-led consulting organization based in Turin, committed to providing innovative and sustainable solutions for the social sector.

Who we are

Part of a global network operating in over 35 countries, 180 Degree Consulting Turin consists of university students from various disciplines, including economics, management, social sciences, and engineering. Our mission is to support non-profits, social enterprises, and impact-driven initiatives by offering high-quality consulting services for free.

Our offer

For the 2024-2025 academic year, we offer members of Torino Social Impact the opportunity to collaborate on projects aimed at enhancing the social impact of their initiatives. Here are some of the services we provide:

  • Market and Competitor Analysis: We conduct in-depth studies to better understand your operating environment and identify growth opportunities.
  • Fundraising Strategies: We assist in planning and implementing effective fundraising campaigns.
  • Communication and Marketing Plans: We develop strategies to improve visibility and engagement with stakeholders.
  • Operational Efficiency: We optimize internal processes to enhance productivity and impact.
  • Development of New Services or Products: We support the ideation and planning of new offerings that address community needs.

How to collaborate

Collaborating with us is simple and free of charge. Our approach includes:

  • Initial Meeting: Brainstorming sessions to understand your needs and identify priority areas for intervention.
  • Project Definition: Creating a detailed work plan and defining specific project objectives.
  • Execution and Monitoring: Implementing the proposed solutions and continuously monitoring progress with regular feedback.
  • Final Evaluation: Presenting the results achieved and recommendations for the future.

Why choose 180 Degree Consulting Turin

Partnering with us means benefiting from a fresh and dynamic approach, enriched by the innovative perspectives of our students. Our team is driven by a strong passion for social change and a commitment to making a difference. Each project is an exciting challenge and an opportunity to grow alongside our partners.

Contact us

For more information and to submit your project application, please visit our website or contact us via email at turin@180dc.org

PerMicro: Results of the Study on the Economic and Social Impact of Financial Inclusion Presented

Women and young people are the most vulnerable. Jobs and development among the outcomes of the leading Italian organization in financial inclusion.

Over 9,000 beneficiaries and 3,600 jobs created in 14 years thanks to PerMicro’s support.

In 2024 alone, PerMicro supported 3,030 projects with more than €35 million in funding: 39% of funded businesses are led by women and 31% by young people under 35, confirming PerMicro’s focus on the most vulnerable.

Benigno Imbriano, CEO of PerMicro: “In 2024, for the first time in its history, PerMicro achieved a balanced budget. This is a new starting point for future challenges and growth opportunities.”

Turin, June 11, 2025 – Financial inclusion can profoundly transform the economic and social conditions of individuals and communities. This is the key takeaway from the new impact study presented today by PerMicro, Italy’s largest financial inclusion company, which provides credit to individuals in vulnerable conditions. The study was conducted by Triadi, a spin-off of the Politecnico di Milano focused on innovation and social impact.

The research examined the effects of PerMicro’s activities from 2009 to 2022, revealing how accessible credit acts as a tangible driver of empowerment, economic stability, and social cohesion, creating opportunities especially for women, young people under 35, and migrants.

The findings were presented today in Turin at the Ersel Banca Privata headquarters, with the participation of PerMicro shareholders including Fondazione Sviluppo e Crescita CRT, Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, and Narval Investimenti. The event provided an opportunity to discuss the social and economic value of financial inclusion in Italy. Key speakers included Francesca Giubergia (Chair of PerMicro), Benigno Imbriano (CEO of PerMicro), Mario Calderini (Professor at Politecnico di Milano and Director of Tiresia), Gabriele Guzzetti (General Director of Triadi), Alberto Eichholzer (Head of Finance at Compagnia di San Paolo), Cristina di Bari (Chair of Fondazione Sviluppo e Crescita CRT), and Guido Giubergia (Chair of Ersel Banca Privata and Narval Investimenti).

Key Social Impact Results of PerMicro (2009–2022)

Since its founding in 2007, PerMicro has issued more than 40,000 loans totaling over €336 million.

The study shows that between 2009 and 2022, over 9,000 individuals and micro-enterprises—originally excluded from traditional banking—benefited from PerMicro’s credit. In these 14 years, PerMicro recorded an average annual growth of 30% in funding, increasing from €1.5 million in 2009 to €26 million in 2022. A total of 3,601 jobs were created through businesses launched with PerMicro’s support, involving women, youth under 35, and foreign nationals.

The study confirms microcredit as an effective tool against precariousness: more than 1,700 entrepreneurs improved their working conditions, and over 2,500 reported increased monthly income.

Public systems also benefit: income and consumption growth generated by PerMicro-supported activities led to an estimated €123 million in additional tax revenue (income and consumption taxes). Reduced dependence on welfare led to public savings of €18.3 million.

2024 Highlights

In 2024, PerMicro supported 3,030 projects for families and small entrepreneurs, disbursing over €35 million. This represents a 14% increase in support to microenterprises and an 8% increase in support to families compared to 2023.

PerMicro continues to focus on vulnerable groups: 39% of funded businesses in 2024 were led by women (up from 37% in 2023), and 31% by individuals under 35—including 57 under the age of 26.

The impact of 2024 projects will be assessed 24–36 months after funding to capture long-term outcomes.

The Broader Context

Italy’s microfinance sector continues to face challenges. According to Banca Etica’s analysis of 2022 Bank of Italy data, around 3% of families—about 600,000 households or 1.3 million people—lack access to banking services. While over 500,000 families gained access to current accounts between 2020 and 2022, financial exclusion remains concentrated in southern regions and among lower-income households: 77% of excluded families earn less than €17,000 annually.

In this context, microfinance proves a key tool in reducing inequality, promoting social justice, and strengthening the national economy. Expanding access to credit means restoring dignity, enabling participation, and building a more resilient and inclusive economy focused on the common good.

Leadership Commentary

Francesca Giubergia, Chair of PerMicro:
“PerMicro is Italy’s largest financial inclusion company, providing credit to vulnerable individuals nationwide, with a mission rooted in social inclusion. Though small compared to financial giants, we are unique in Italy—and even Europe. I thank Prof. Calderini and Dr. Guzzetti for quantifying the impact PerMicro has achieved.”

Benigno Imbriano, CEO of PerMicro:
“2024 marked our first-ever balanced budget. This isn’t a finish line but a new beginning. We believe our model can sustainably generate replicable economic and social value. The figures presented by the Politecnico di Milano team confirm this—we move forward with determination, aiming to solidify our financial base and expand our social impact through credit.”

Prof. Mario Calderini, Politecnico di Milano:
“Measuring social impact is not an endpoint—it’s a tool to understand change and refine strategies. Our findings offer a foundation to evaluate the past and future of microcredit’s role in economic and social inclusion. The evaluation done with PerMicro shows how impact measurement can drive continuous improvement.”

Guido Giubergia, Chair of Ersel Banca Privata and Narval Investimenti:
“It’s a great satisfaction to celebrate this milestone. Eighteen years ago, together with Fondazione Paideia, we founded PerMicro to offer a viable path to economic inclusion. Today, we can proudly say it has become a self-sustaining reality. This balance point reflects the maturity of our model—social impact proves business can also be a force for good.”

Cristina Di Bari, Chair of Fondazione Sviluppo e Crescita CRT:
“Our foundation has supported PerMicro since 2009 to broaden access to credit for those seeking to escape financial instability. Whether starting a microenterprise or managing household challenges, we aim to empower communities. The long-term data confirms that social finance can and must respond to the needs of the often-overlooked yet active middle segment of society.”

Alberto Anfossi, Secretary General, Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo:
“PerMicro’s mission—providing credit to the unbanked—is challenging to achieve through market tools alone, yet addresses a significant social need. After a long journey, PerMicro now operates sustainably through self-financing. We’re proud to have supported this achievement with our patient capital.”

About the Research Methodology

Since 2015, PerMicro has engaged in a structured impact measurement journey with the Politecnico di Milano, now led by the Triadi spin-off. After an initial phase covering loans from 2009–2014, the assessment was gradually expanded and, since 2021, has become systematic, with annual evaluations conducted 24–36 months after loan disbursement. This method ensures not only accountability but also deeper insights for improving future interventions.

OP4Impact Community of Practice: toward the Manifesto

On June 10, 2025, the Cottino Social Impact Campus hosted a new session of the OP4Impact Community of Practice, facilitated by Caterina Soldi. It was an intense and engaging afternoon of work, bringing together 14 professionals from various professional bodies, with the shared goal of laying the foundations for the OP4Impact Manifesto.

Review and Relaunch

Following a collective recap of the first workshop’s outcomes, participants engaged in an individual and group exploration inspired by generative leadership – an approach centered on the ability to turn complexity into opportunity, lead change with vision and boldness, and foster environments of continuous learning.

The Whole Brain Model

Using Ned Herrmann’s Whole Brain Thinking model, each participant explored their dominant thinking style (analytical, structural, relational, or creative), reflecting on personal attitudes and the value of cognitive diversity in group dynamics.

Participants were then grouped into mixed teams to develop a shared vision of the OP4Impact project, drawing from their individual insights.

Toward the Manifesto

Through a guided Mentimeter session, each group worked on four key questions:

  1. What is the vision of OP4Impact?
  2. What is its overall goal?
  3. What are its specific objectives?
  4. What values bring us together?

Among the most significant answers that emerged:

  1. Vision: to build a professional community capable of systemic thinking, moving beyond the silos of individual professional orders.
  2. Overall goal: to foster concrete synergies among professionals by enhancing complementarity and generating social impact.
  3. Specific objectives: regulatory and professional innovation, local ecosystems rooted in responsibility, and new narratives around the professions.
  4. Shared values: complementarity, innovation, responsibility, generativity, ethics, and collaboration.

The OP4Impact journey continues: the insights gathered will serve as the groundwork for the Manifesto – a living, collective, and transformative tool to help redefine the role of the professions within the impact ecosystem.

Learn more about the Communities of Practice of Torino Social Impact!

Microgravity Unleashed. From the Complexity of Space to New Opportunities

The microgravity environment offers unique conditions and opportunities to accelerate technological innovation, with significant results in fields such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, materials science, human research, and satellite communications. These opportunities, once the exclusive domain of government space agencies or large corporations, are now increasingly accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Thanks to end-to-end services provided by specialized organizations, access to experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) and in orbit is becoming available not only to universities and startups but also to traditional businesses. Companies specializing in the space sector offer standardized platforms for transporting, installing, and managing microgravity projects, making prior space expertise unnecessary. This shift democratizes innovation and broadens the frontiers of research.

Through firsthand accounts, shared insights, and a discussion on future challenges and opportunities, this free event – organized by Voyager Technologies Europe and ESA BIC Turin, hosted at the Politecnico di Torino’s incubator (I3P), and supported by the Piedmont Region through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) – will offer an in-depth overview of research and innovation in the microgravity environment, guiding participants toward new perspectives in the sector.

How to Participate
The event will take place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, in person at the Sala Agorà of the I3P incubator, located within the Politecnico di Torino campus, accessible via two pedestrian entrances: Corso Castelfidardo 30 and Via Borsellino 53/N.

Participation is free, but registration on Eventbrite is required.

Program

5:00 PM | Guest Welcome

5:10 PM | Welcome Remarks and Introduction

  • Leo Italiano, Senior Consultant at I3P and Program Manager at ESA BIC Turin

  • Olga Moraru, Business Development Manager at Voyager Technologies Europe

5:20 PM | Presentations – “Made in Space – Opportunities”

  • “Microgravity as a Development Environment for Advanced Materials and Critical Technologies: The ISS and Starlab Platforms Driving Innovation”
    Speaker: Andrea Scudiero, Senior System Engineer at Voyager Technologies Europe

  • “Experiments in Orbit and Biotechnologies”
    Speaker: Leonardo Barillaro, Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering

5:50 PM | Q&A Session with the Audience

6:00 PM | Closing Remarks

Restoration of the Sundial of the Ancient Basilica of Oropa. A journey through art, time, and memory

With the support of Filatura Bertoglio I. s.a.s, the collaboration of Impresa Minero Re Guido Ponteggi, and under the direction of KEART – Keep an eye on art, starting June 16, 2025, at the Sanctuary of Oropa, an open-to-the-public worksite will begin, turning restoration into a shared story.

The Project

The Sanctuary of Oropa is preparing to welcome a special restoration project: the sundial of the Ancient Basilica, a silent symbol of the passage of time and a witness to the site’s spiritual and artistic history, will undergo a significant conservation intervention carried out by Mnemosyne Servizi from Turin.

The operation, made possible thanks to the support of Filatura Bertoglio Italo s.a.s., and with provisional structures provided by Minero Re Guido Ponteggi, will be enhanced by a communication project curated by KEART – Keep an eye on art, a company specialized in telling the stories of cultural heritage conservation, making them accessible through the language of art and visual storytelling.

The sundial thus becomes a unique storyteller, giving voice to time through care and narrative. For about two months, the worksite will function as an open-air laboratory: informational panels, QR codes linking to a website section with real-time updates, multimedia content, and expert insights will guide visitors in discovering the restoration in progress.

In particular, don’t miss the event on Friday, July 25 at 7:00 PM, open to all those interested—a special occasion where the work done will be presented and the restorer will be available to answer any questions and curiosities.

A real-time story of rediscovery and enhancement, engaging the community, pilgrims, and tourists alike, offering everyone a unique opportunity to participate and learn.

For info and updates:
www.keart.it | hello@keart.it | +39 392 8388742

ciac banner bench-mark

Bench-Mark | Ep. 89 – CIAC

CIAC Formazione has been supporting those ready to start over for more than fifty years. Young people, adults, job seekers, and those looking to build new skills: everyone finds listening, care, and new opportunities here.

With Cristina Ghiringhello – General Manager – we discover how gentle leadership can change lives, creating a community that grows together.

Interview by Francesco Antonioli.

Watch previous episodes here.

breaking jail

Breaking Jail: Social Impact and New Connections Between Inside and Outside

Breaking Jail is a cultural and social project promoted by Fashion Team SRL Società Benefit, taking place from June 27 to 29, 2025, at Green Pea in Turin.

The aim is to restore visibility, dignity, and value to the professional training paths developed within penitentiary institutions, through a public event that centers on work, art, and human relationships.

Through an exhibition, a public talk, artistic performances, and convivial moments, Breaking Jail creates a space for dialogue between “inside” and “outside,” promoting a culture of reintegration and contributing to the reduction of stigma and recidivism.

The initiative stems from the desire to transform often-invisible experiences into stories of collective rebirth, offering citizens the opportunity to meet organizations working every day in the social, educational, and artisanal sectors within the prison system.

PROGRAMME

Friday, June 27 – Official Opening (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
The opening evening of Breaking Jail.
At 7:00 PM, the public talk “Creating to Rebuild – Work, Art and Dignity Beyond Bars” will take place, presenting the goals, values, and organizations involved in the project. The panel will feature speakers from institutions, universities, and the third sector, fostering a rich and direct discussion.
From 8:00 PM, the exhibition gallery opens to the public, showcasing products and materials created in the internal workshops of various prisons.

Saturday, June 28 – Exhibitions (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
A full day dedicated to showcasing products crafted within prison-based training programs. Each participating organization will host its own stand to present its work, share its mission, and offer visitors the opportunity to purchase the displayed items.
Also on view: a photographic exhibition by Ranzani, offering a powerful and authentic look inside life in correctional institutions.

Sunday, June 29 – Exhibitions and Fashion Show (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
The final day continues with exhibitions at each stand starting from 2:00 PM. At 5:30 PM, a fashion show will feature garments and accessories made within penitentiary institutions, providing the public with a unique moment of storytelling through fashion.

The First Generative Breakfast Comes to Turin: Books, Ideas, and Connections on June 13 at Tomato

MyOrango is bringing the Generative Breakfast to Turin for the first time—an event that blends books, inspiration, and authentic connections.

The gathering will take place on Thursday, June 13 at 9:00 AM at Tomato Urban Retreat (via Silvio Pellico 11), a welcoming space in the heart of the city, perfect for starting the day with inspiration and energy.

Designed for freelancers, professionals, and enthusiasts of the publishing and cultural world, the Generative Breakfast is a format that centers around encounters between people, words, and visions—all over a good breakfast. It’s a chance to slow down, engage in meaningful conversations, and be surprised by unexpected insights.

The special guest will be Tiziana Rubano, author of “The Leadership of Duties: Simone Weil’s Thought for the Care of Contemporary Organizations”, who will share the essence of her work and engage in dialogue with attendees.

But the real protagonist is you: bring a book that left a mark on you, share its story, listen to others’ stories, and discover new reads in a collective moment of exchange and reflection. All of this will be accompanied by a complimentary breakfast, in an informal and generative atmosphere.

Tickets available here.

Gerla Green and social innovation in the Turin food scene

The Turin-based Gerla group inaugurates its first vegetal-based restaurant: a new gastronomic address that combines health, taste and agricultural tradition, under the banner of an innovation that involves the brand’s entire entrepreneurial project.

Gerla 1927 launches a new challenge in the heart of Turin. Starting on Thursday 5 June, Gerla Green opens to the public, the group’s first restaurant designed with a predominantly vegetable footprint and entirely devoted to sustainability. Located at 78 Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the new space will offer a gastronomic experience combining healthy cuisine, aesthetic attention and respect for the earth, in a format that is contemporary yet faithful to the brand’s history.

Focusing on vegetal-based cuisine,’ explains general manager Stefano Chiodi Latini, ’means not only following the evolution of taste and food wellness, but also expanding the group’s identity by offering a proposal that is attentive to the products of the earth in all our premises.’

With Gerla Green, the group reinforces an entrepreneurial vision that over the years has re-launched some of the city’s most iconic brands – from Caffè Platti to Norman, from Dezzutto to La Pista – flanking the historical tradition with a constant path of updating and training, also through the Gerla Academy.

President Roberto Munnia continues, explaining the sense of the initiative: ‘Vegetable is not just a fashion, but a cultural and gastronomic opportunity. Turin and Piedmont boast a great agricultural tradition, which already in the historical cuisine of the Savoy family emphasised biodiversity. With this new project, we want to open a space that speaks the language of the earth with elegance and substance‘.

Gerla Green will be open from Monday to Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a continuous proposal from breakfast to aperitif. A new piece in the city’s gastronomic map, which aims to make vegetable the protagonist, without extremism, but with taste and identity to further strengthen the synergy between the group’s premises: an innovative protein and genuine breakfast based on Scandinavian suggestions such as the Danish smørrebrød will be proposed, which will stand out from traditional cafeterias, with a selection of Lavazza coffee. Moreover, thanks to the collaboration with the two Suki restaurants acquired by the Gerla group (in Via Rodi and Via Amendola), a sushi man on view will prepare lunches and aperitifs based on poke and sushi, both traditional and vegetarian.

A ‘healty’ break in a historical and Savoy city is the declination to the future necessary for true ‘innovation’ in the food sector.

It’s All About Impact. Journalism That Seeks Hope

In an age of misinformation and distrust, journalism can generate positive impact. In Turin, thanks to the Impact Journalism Spring Lab promoted by Torino Social Impact and the “Giorgio Bocca” Master’s in Journalism, a new way of reporting the world is taking shape: constructive, solution-oriented, and capable of fostering trust and change. With international guests like Richard Addy, storytelling becomes a tool for transformation.

Read the article by Daria Capitani on Vita

viaggio nell'impatto sociale

Social Procurement: A Responsible Supply Chain Built on Collaboration Between Profit and Non-Profit

In Turin, profit and non-profit organizations come together through Buy Social Torino, a platform launched within the Torino Social Impact network to promote a responsible supply chain. A bridge between different worlds that share common goals and a drive for social innovation.

The project aims to highlight cooperatives, social enterprises, and benefit corporations by creating meaningful connections with for-profit businesses. It’s a pilot initiative that reflects the local culture, intentionality, and transformation—because generating impact is not just an ethical choice, but a strategic one.

Read the article by Daria Capitani on Vita.