On Sunday, November 10, Giardino Forbito awaits you at the Sambuy Gardens (Piazza Carlo Felice) for the regular second Sunday of the month Mercato Googreen.

Discover November’s seasonal produce and agricultural specialties, highlighted by Turin’s art month and the extraordinary Luci d’Artista installations by Giorgio Griffa and Luigi Ontani.

From 3 to 6 December the Giffoni Multimedia Valley will host the Mediterranean Training and Work Exchange, the event promoted by the Super Sud Foundation and organized by the Stratego Group, in partnership with Giffoni Innovation Hub, dedicated to professional training, job placement and to orientation issues.

The three days represents the right opportunity to discuss training, employment and human capital and to delve deeper into issues related to the world of work, with institutional representatives, public and private bodies, school students, undergraduates and graduates, people looking for employment , professionals and entrepreneurs. The Mediterranean Training and Work Exchange represents a real hub of opportunities, a showcase for news on work, orientation and training policies in Campania and Southern Italy.

This year, for the first time, the event will be held within the Multimedia Valley of Giffoni, a symbolic place of innovation and creativity. A large exhibition area will be set up in its spaces for training institutions and local employment agencies, who will have the opportunity to make their offer known through reserved spaces and rooms for talks and presentations. During this fifth edition it is possible to participate, by filling out the appropriate form, in the Creative Contest for the creation of a video on the theme “Smartphone: Growth Tool or Digital Trap?”. The selected videos will be screened in Giffoni on December 6th, as part of the Mediterranean Training and Work Exchange and will receive an important recognition.

For more information on how to participate in the Borsa you can consult the website www.borsaformazionelavoro.it.

Join the Casa Giglio Symphony and Become a Volunteer This Christmas

Each year, Casa Giglio organizes a Christmas Fundraiser to provide free, high-quality accommodations for families with children receiving treatment at hospitals in Turin who stay at Casa Giglio.

We support our families through Solidarity Gift Stalls, gift-wrapping, and activities designed for children. Every day, we work to keep families united during times of hardship and, especially, in moments of celebration.

Our goal is to make our guests feel at home, and we are looking for volunteers to help make this vision a reality!

This Christmas, you can give your most valuable gift: your time. Become a note in Casa Giglio’s Christmas Symphony. The proceeds from our stalls will go entirely to support the accommodation needs of our families.

Give your time to families with children in treatment and become a note in Casa Giglio’s Christmas!

WHERE and WHEN?

• Solidarity Gift Stall at Decathlon, Corso Savona 67, Moncalieri, from 12/6 to 12/24
• Gift Wrapping Stall at Rinascente, Turin, from 12/14 to 12/23
• Santa’s House at Parco Dora Shopping Centre, Via Livorno, on weekends from 12/1 to 12/24

You can download the FULL CALENDAR of this year’s stalls here.

To join our big family, please fill out the FORM, and we’ll contact you to choose your volunteer shift.

For more information, email raccoltafondi@casagiglio.org or call 3338572000

AlgoritmoAssociates works to promote social inclusion through LanguageAid, a project that connects technology and language, involving the migrant community residing in Turin.

Today, with Ilaria Molendi, Project Manager at AlgoritmoAssociates, we explore how this organization collaborates with local authorities and universities to build a strong network, strengthen inclusion, and raise awareness about the importance of intercultural communication.

Interview by Francesco Antonioli.

Watch previous episodes here.

On Monday, November 11, from 9:00 to 12:30, Fondazione Paideia will host the National Forum of Social Services for People with Disabilities, titled “Services as Facilitators of Rights, from the European Union to the Italian Context,” an event organized in collaboration with EASPD – the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities.

The event aims to discuss and delve into European policies and funding for the rights of people with disabilities, along with the role played by civil society organizations, like EASPD, in their design and implementation. From a European perspective, the focus will then shift to the Italian context to explore innovation, best practices, and the role of services in promoting rights for people with disabilities. Experts and professionals will share their experiences and insights, fostering constructive dialogue on key topics around social inclusion and support.

The forum is free and open to all interested participants, offering a morning of dialogue and collective growth. Attendance is open both in-person at Fondazione Paideia (Via Moncalvo 1, Turin), where refreshments will be served after the event, and online.

Registration is open until November 8, 2024. To attend in person, register; to attend online, register.

The full program is available at fondazionepaideia.it

On November 5, 2024, starting at 5:30 PM, a round table will be held on the topic of the EU Deforestation Regulation, which is expected to have a significant impact on many European businesses.

The event will take place at Impact Hub in Turin, in Piazza Teresa Noce, and will feature speakers such as Emanuela De Sabato from Futura Law Firm (a benefit corporation and partner of Torino Social Impact), Alessandro Chelli from Trusty srl, Giuseppina Piccigallo from Domori s.p.a., and Silvia Rota from the Slow Food Coffee Coalition, moderated by Marco Cassinera from Futura Law Firm.

An aperitif will follow to continue the discussion on the topic.

Registration here

Crossing the threshold of the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, in the vibrant heart of London, means entering a lively environment where every participant, hailing from various countries around the world, seems to speak the same language. Innovators, activists, and prominent business leaders gathered for the Trust Conference, the annual event organized by the Thomson Reuters Foundation—a global forum dedicated to addressing the critical issues of our time, situated at the intersection of media, law, and corporate social responsibility.

Torino Social Impact also participated in the event, aiming to gather valuable insights and deepen understanding of the crucial role of information in the era of the impact economy.

As evidenced by the speeches included in the extensive and rich program, the conference’s motto is: “building free, fair, and informed societies.” This is not just a statement of intent but a shared philosophy that permeates every aspect of the event. The real strength of this global forum lies in the belief that only through dialogue and collaboration can we push the boundaries of what is achievable, in order to tackle some of the most urgent challenges the contemporary world faces in a concrete and innovative way.

Finding inspiration: presentations towards a fairer future

Drawing on the testimonies of the prominent speakers present, the first day explored the complex challenges that democracies are facing globally. While billions of people vote in elections worldwide, they are confronted with a surge in repressive regimes and practices, from the spread of disinformation to the erosion of freedoms. In this context, a key question arose: can we reverse the trend of democracy’s decline? And if so, how?

To partially answer this question, there was ample focus on the challenges that the media is currently facing. Several discussions focused on how media professionals and newsrooms can help preserve the fundamental values of good journalism, with the aim of maintaining principles of integrity and truth, especially during such a radical phase of transformation.

Another widely addressed theme was that of generative artificial intelligence, which, since its market debut, has revolutionized how we access information. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our digital landscape, experts debated the ethical considerations and practices needed to prevent the spread of misinformation and further erosion of trust.

Subsequently, attention shifted to the difficulties faced by exiled media, a particularly relevant issue. The challenges faced by journalists and newsrooms fighting daily for freedom of information in repressive contexts were highlighted, and strategies for countering legal attacks on those defending media freedom offered concrete insights.

The second day of the event focused on the broader social impact of AI and the role responsible businesses can play in light of global transformations. International frameworks for AI governance were discussed, ethical challenges of AI integration into the corporate sector were explored, and the ways in which AI is transforming the legal profession were analyzed, particularly whether its adoption is democratizing access to law or creating new barriers.

A forum focused on human rights to accelerate impact

The audience, highly informed and drawn from over forty-five countries, participated in the Trust Conference to reflect on and learn about building a more inclusive and prosperous future for everyone. The shared testimonies highlighted not only the concrete opportunities for creating a fairer future but also the serious consequences that may result from inaction.

Over the course of the two-day forum, the program included panel discussions, interactive presentations, and opportunities for dialogue and networking among participants. By the end of these intense days, the event was confirmed as a valuable opportunity for exchanging and sharing ideas, with the goal of truly building, as mentioned at the start, freer, fairer, and more informed societies.

The 20th edition of the Start Cup Piemonte Valle d’Aosta, the competition for tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, is coming to a close. Come discover the most deserving new innovative projects of the year at the awards ceremony on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in Turin!

The ceremony will feature 10 finalist projects, selected from among 190 business ideas submitted to the competition. These projects will compete for prizes and special mentions offered by the Partners and Promoters, with the aim of supporting the creation of new innovative startups and promoting the economic development of the region.

The most promising innovative projects will compete for a total prize pool of over €75,000, in cash and services, as well as for five special mentions: Female Entrepreneurship, Social Innovation, Open Innovation / Industrial Spin-Offs, Climate Change, and Sustainable Technologies.

Moreover, the top six ranked projects will participate in the PNI – National Innovation Award 2024, which will take place in Rome on December 5-6, where they will compete against the winners of the other 17 regional Start Cups.

Register now on Eventbrite to reserve your spot at the event, which will start at 9:30 AM at the Auditorium of the Energy Center at the Politecnico di Torino (via Paolo Borsellino 38/16). Meet the next stars of the innovative entrepreneurship world up close!

Program

9:30 AM | Participant Registration

10:00 AM | Opening Institutional Greetings

• Candido Pirri, Vice Rector for Research Model and Infrastructure Development, Politecnico di Torino
• Fiorella Altruda, President of 2i3T, University of Turin Incubator
• Giuseppe Scellato, President of I3P, Politecnico di Torino’s Innovative Business Incubator

10:30 AM | Finalists’ Elevator Pitch

11:30 AM | Start Cup Piemonte Valle d’Aosta 2024 Awards Ceremony

• Presentation of the winner certificates by the Competition Supporters and Partners

1:00 PM | Closing Remarks

Finalist Projects

• Colemus (Life Sciences)
• Deplotic (Industrial)
• INFLANT (Life Sciences)
• MediaMiner (ICT)
• Neural Medix – Artificial Intelligence for Medical Imaging (ICT)
• Penso.green (Cleantech and Energy)
• Point Zero (Industrial)
• Steroidomus Medtech (Life Sciences)
• Therness (Industrial)
• Time Processor (ICT)

Special Guests, Partners, and Sponsors

Special guests include the Vice President of the Piedmont Region, Elena Chiorino, responsible for Labor, Training, Education and Merit, Universities, and Andrea Tronzano, Regional Assessor for Budget, Finance, Economic and Financial Planning, and Development of Productive Activities: Industry, Handicrafts, SMEs and Cooperative Enterprises, Internationalization and Investment Attraction.

The initiative is funded by the Piedmont Region with resources from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), promoted by Piedmont universities, and managed by the I3P and 2i3T business incubators within the PNI – National Innovation Award framework. It is Italy’s most important and widespread Business Plan Competition, selecting the best innovative business projects each year.

The event, under the patronage of the Politecnico di Torino, is supported by institutions, foundations, and sponsoring companies committed to promoting innovation, including the Piedmont Region, Autonomous Region of Valle d’Aosta, Chamber of Commerce of Turin, City of Turin, Metropolitan City of Turin, Finpiemonte, Valdostan Chamber of Commerce, CTE Next, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Cuneo, Jacobacci & Partners, Fondazione LINKS, Fondazione Laura & Franco Beltramo ETS, Fondazione Michelin Sviluppo, Piedmont Aerospace District, UniCredit, the Cities of Alessandria, Cuneo, Novara, Saluzzo, and Vercelli, AIFI – Italian Private Equity, Venture Capital and Private Debt Association, Invitalia, Pépinière d’Entreprises Aosta, and the University of Valle d’Aosta.

Digital Ethics Forum 2024

For a sustainable digital world.
Impacts of new technologies. Regulations, projects, and collective initiatives.

Turin, Rome
Online and in-person
November 6 – 7 – 8

Sloweb, a pioneer in digital ethics, is pleased to announce the dates and details for the 2024 Digital Ethics Forum (DEF), the sixth edition organized in collaboration with CSI, Digital Campus, Senior CSI, Frontiere, and Piano D. As always, the Digital Ethics Forum is aimed at civil society and seeks to inform and educate, without including academic discussions or self-referential conversations.

The first day will be held on Wednesday, November 6 at CTE Next – CSI in Turin from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM; the second will be held online on Thursday, November 7, and will be conducted in English with international speakers from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The third will take place on Friday, November 8 at Frontiere in Rome from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, featuring participation from Walter Quattrociocchi and Brando Benifei.

Streaming participation is available via Zoom. The links to access the live streams will be provided upon registration through the Eventbrite platform.

This year, DEF will feature a special event: on Friday, November 8, at 9:30 AM in Rome, at Via Piemonte 39A, the Observatory for Responsible Digital Consumption  – (www.ocdr.it) will be presented. This is an innovative project launched by Movimento Consumatori APS in collaboration with Sloweb, where various Italian organizations committed to responsible and sustainable digital consumption will come together.

The 2024 DEF program (available here) addresses the most current topics:

• The impact of technologies on all of us, starting with smartphones; what we need to know and what we need to do about it; experiences of ethical use in schools and on alternative discussion platforms;
• Epidemiological aspects of the impact, care experiences, processes, and new approaches for digital wellbeing in companies;
• Companies: research, projects, investments, and experiences of sustainable technology use, from device purchasing to web content creation to digital responsibility policies;
• The delicate balance between information, politics, and digital technologies – just hours after the results of the U.S. elections on November 5. The EU’s direction and the prospects outlined by new regulations;
• Concrete responses – projects, initiatives, information – generated by movements of citizens, teachers, and managers who educate themselves, raise awareness, and self-organize to counter the misuse of digital technologies, aligning with Sloweb’s mission to fight against the misuse of technologies, which are themselves wonderful.

Even the DEF website is designed to reduce energy consumption, proving how it’s possible to effectively advocate for a more sustainable and truly eco-friendly web.

“With the sixth edition of the DEF, we are increasingly focused on initiatives and information necessary to reduce the negative impact of digital technologies on the environment and society, and to improve their positive impact through sustainable use, which, even in Italy, is being learned and starting to be practiced in many places”. – Franco Marra, one of the founders of the Sloweb Association in 2017.

Thanks to the collaboration between UOMOeAMBIENTE and Sellalab, this event aims to promote the benefits that local organisations can achieve by adopting sustainability strategies. The meeting will be held on 29 October at the Sellalab Open Innovation Centre in Turin, from 17:30 to 19:30.

During the event, the economic, reputational and operational benefits of implementing sustainable practices will be outlined. Through case studies, industry data and practical tools, participants will be able to explore how sustainability can improve business efficiency, attract new investments and strengthen customer loyalty.

Special attention will be paid to the synergy between sustainability and innovation, with the aim of showing how these two strategies can enhance the competitiveness of organisations in a market that is increasingly sensitive to environmental and social issues.

The event represents a unique opportunity for all companies interested in growing through sustainable paths, improving their environmental impact and business performance.

When: 29 October, 17:30 – 19:30

Where: Sellalab Open Innovation Center Torino, Corso Galileo Ferraris 32, Torino.

To participate, please register here.

Towards new economies and enterprises with social impact

November 6, 2024, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Cottino Social Impact Campus
Corso Castelfidardo 30/A – Turin

What services and opportunities does the territory offer to social enterprises and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in this field?
What are the key points of the metropolitan social economy plan? What is social impact evaluation, and how does it work?
These are the questions that a group of experts will address during the meeting, alternating their insights with direct testimonies from social entrepreneurs.

Program

9:30 AM: Participant registration
10:00 AM: Opening remarks:

• Giuseppe Dell’Erba, Cottino Social Impact Campus
• Alessandra Brogliatto, Committee for Female Entrepreneurship, Turin Chamber of Commerce

Focus on the Territory
Social Economy: What meanings and values come from the territory? – Caterina Soldi, Cottino Social Impact Campus
The goals and perspectives of the Metropolitan Social Economy Plan – Simona De Giorgio, Turin Chamber of Commerce, Social Entrepreneurship Committee, and Turin Social Impact

Focus on Business – Strategies and Tools
Defining a social enterprise – Andrea Mussa, Confcooperative Piemonte Nord
Measuring and evaluating impact. Framework and experiences from the territory: CeVIS – Marella Caramazza, Cottino Social Impact Campus and Istud Business School
An impact evaluation experience in a social enterprise – Bruno Toninelli, Solidarietà Sei s.c.s. – Claudia Carena, Unioncoop-Torino s.c.

Vastè: The Hybridization between Profit and Non-Profit – Marco Pastori and Cristina Avonto, Vastè s.c.s. Social Enterprise.

Join the event

To register for the event, log in or sign up.

ActionAid’s work focuses on promoting women’s rights, with particular attention to the prevention and combat of gender-based violence in all its forms, at national, European, and global levels. Violence against women is a serious violation of human rights, manifesting in various forms, from physical to psychological violence, and represents a structural problem that affects all countries and social groups.

A crucial aspect of ActionAid’s activities is the economic empowerment of women. The lack of economic independence can prevent many women from leaving abusive relationships. Through specific programs, ActionAid supports women survivors of violence in regaining access to economic, work, and service opportunities.

Moreover, ActionAid is committed to combating the labor exploitation of women, promoting their rights and working conditions, particularly for those employed in vulnerable sectors. The organization also works to challenge gender stereotypes and discrimination through educational programs and awareness campaigns.

Finally, ActionAid addresses gender-based violence against migrant women, informing communities about the consequences of harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation. Additionally, the organization monitors policies and the use of public funds to ensure that states fulfill their obligations in protecting and supporting victims of gender-based violence.

iThanks has been selected as one of the 6 finalist startups for the first edition of the startup call, organized by ANGIm for the Treviso Statistics Festival.

From October 17 to 20, 2024, Treviso will host the 10th edition of StatisticAll, the Festival of Statistics and Demography, an initiative promoted by the Italian Statistical Society, Istat, and the Corrado Gini Statistical Society, under the patronage of the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Veneto Region, and the Municipality of Treviso.

With the central theme “Statistics Without Borders. Trust, Ethics, System: The Future of Data in Europe,” this event will feature a rich program of discussions, workshops, and performances, aiming to reflect on the role of data in modern society.

iThanks is an innovative startup that has developed the first solution to solve the problem of controlling and managing product expiration dates on shelves. It also created the first system for monitoring product performance on shelves through analytics in large-scale distribution.

With this technology, combined with data analysis, KPIs, OKRs, and analytics, iThanks aims to support supermarkets (and more) by improving store or product performance, reducing work time, decreasing economic losses, and offering a solution to food waste and its environmental impact.

A technological solution that focuses on productivity, efficiency, the wallet, and the environment.

From this edition, ANGI – National Association of Young Innovators has joined as the main scientific partner in the organizing committee. In addition to bringing representatives from businesses and institutions, ANGI has launched, for the first time at this event, the hashtag #callforstartup to give space to innovative companies and emerging talents, who will have the opportunity to share their stories and receive a special mention for their entrepreneurial journey.

As Gabriele Ferrieri, President of ANGI, states: “We are pleased as ANGI to have signed this important collaboration with the Statistics Festival. Our hope is to bring the theme of innovation and startups into this key event to reinforce the message of looking to future generations with greater strength and exploring the technological developments related to data communication. As young innovators, we are delighted to contribute and thank the promoting partners for their trust. We hope to continue accompanying them on this journey for a long time”.

“Being a responsible company in the eyewear industry means not only helping people see better but also helping them—and ourselves—see a better world”, said Alessandra Girardi, VANNI‘s Sustainability Manager.

The award, aimed at recognizing the company with the best exemplary approach to reducing environmental impact and optimizing social contribution, was presented to VANNI during the Silmo Gala on September 21. The motivation for the award was: “The first Italian company in the eyewear sector to become a Benefit Corporation in 2021, VANNI has demonstrated a commitment to monitoring its social, environmental, and community performance through concrete data and best practices”.

VANNI became a Benefit Corporation in 2021, formally incorporating common good objectives into its Articles of Association alongside profit goals, committing to achieving systemic results. This represents a responsibility towards the environment and society—often intangible elements that numbers alone can never fully capture but that contribute to the company’s overall value. Over the past year, VANNI has taken concrete steps towards sustainability by conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on an acetate frame, calculating the CO2 emissions produced during the product’s life cycle. The results showed that each eyewear model generates 2.35 kg of CO2, a figure lower than the industry average, thanks to the use of Italian raw materials and the decision to manufacture entirely within Italy.

“Made in Italy, for sure” is VANNI’s signature, as the company has always maintained that producing in Italy is a choice that makes a difference and has shown—both numerically and analytically—that it is also the right choice for the environment.

“We are deeply honored and grateful to receive this award. It is recognition that comes after years of invisible but very tangible efforts behind the scenes. It reflects our way of doing business, always prioritizing choices that can have a positive impact on the planet and society. It’s not an easy or fast journey; it requires willpower, patience, and an incredible team effort both at our headquarters and with the VANNI network worldwide. We all share, and strive to practice every day, responsible behavior. This award is for all of us, like a big hug for the world”, said Giovanni Vitaloni, Founder and President of VANNI.

Thank you to our entire national and international team.
Our daily sustainable efforts have led us to this award, and it’s only the beginning!

On Saturday, October 26, and Sunday, October 27, we celebrate autumn with Fiorile | Gardens & Flowers on Display, which returns to the Rose Garden of the Moncalieri Castle for its 10th edition in 2024.

A weekend dedicated to gardening and horticulture, featuring workshops on biodiversity, cultural events, art exhibitions, walks, and readings.

Program

Saturday, October 26, 2024

• 10:00 AM: Educational workshop. Led by Impollinatori Metropolitani (Urban Pollinators)
• 10:30 AM: Immersive walk from the Rose Garden to Podere La Cardinala, with a stop in the vineyard, music by Arduo Pop. Led by Nordic Walking Andrate
• 11:00 AM: Opening remarks with Mayor Paolo Montagna and Antonella Parigi, Councillor for Culture and Tourism of Moncalieri
• 12:00 PM: Presentation of the book “Seeds. An Adventure to Begin”. Led by A.Di.P.A. (Piemonte Section)
• 2:00 PM: Talk “A Glass of Wine is Good for the Heart” with the Italian Heart and Resuscitation Association. Organized by Vendemmia Torino – Grapes in Town
• 3:00 PM: Garden meeting with Alessandra Viola and nursery owners Giani, Gramaglia, and Podere Le Rocche
• 4:00 PM: Educational workshop. Led by Beesù
• 6:00 PM: Closing

Sunday, October 27, 2024

• 10:00 AM: Educational workshop. Led by Impollinatori Metropolitani
• 11:00 AM: Talk “Growing Bulbs in Pots and Gardens”. Led by Gianpiero Gauna
• 12:00 PM: Masterclass “Blind Wine Tasting” with producer Pietro Monti. Organized by Vendemmia Torino – Grapes in Town
• 1:00 PM: Autumn Flavors – Refreshment Area
• 2:00 PM: Social Knitting Workshop
• 2:00 PM: Immersive walk to the Church of the Carmelo and San Giuseppe. Led by Cultural Heritage Volunteers of the Carignano Culture and Tourism Project
• 2:30 PM: Immersive walk to the Coltivabile Vineyard. Organized by Vendemmia a Torino – Grapes in Town
• 3:00 PM: Garden meeting with Laura Brezzi Caponetti and Giorgio Caponetti
• 4:00 PM: Educational workshop. Led by Impollinatori Metropolitani
• 5:00 PM: Meeting with artist Raffaella Brusaglino and presentation of the site-specific installation “Pioniera”. With garden master Marco Gramaglia
• 6:00 PM: Closing

Monday 14 October saw the start of the 4th edition of Impact Prototypes Labs – IP Labs, the collective learning programme realised by the Cottino Social Impact Campus, addressed to enterprises from Turin and its Province and to students of the Politecnico di Torino and Università degli Studi di Torino. This was the first training session, an opportunity for learning, exchange and comparison for the 23 selected enterprises together with the 90 students, tutors from the Cottino Social Impact Campus and CeVIS, the Centre of Competence for Impact Measurement and Evaluation, born from a strategic agreement between the Cottino Foundation and the Turin Chamber of Commerce, Turin Social Impact.

The companies represent a cross-section of Piedmont’s entrepreneurial fabric, with SMEs and large groups involved in the engineering, manufacturing, food industry, industrial automation, ICT and social enterprise, bringing to IP Labs crucial challenges to innovate and evolve towards social impact. In addition to companies participating in IP Labs for the first time, there are also companies that have chosen to continue the work started in the last edition. The companies participating in the 4th edition of the project are: Archibuzz, Beats, Belmonte, Codex, COESA, Diciannove Soc. Coop., Dual Sanitaly, Greenmar, Gruppo GVS, I.T.G., Infra.To, Marcopolo, Mercato Itinerante, Overlab, R.C.A. Imballaggi Flessibili, Samsic Italia, Sistemi 2 Visione, Specialinsert, Sport Innovation Hub APS, Telecontrol Vigilanza, Ultraspazio, Vasté impresa sociale, WECO impresa sociale.

The systemic project will allow them to analyse their starting situation, identify and imagine new opportunities, acquire new skills and tools to plan, manage and measure impact: a collective learning process in which the work of trainers and tutors is decisive for the company’s impact strategy, and the young students are entrusted with the task of bringing their vision of the world, in an intergenerational exchange and cultural transformation of great value. 

The IP Labs programme will end on February 2025 with the Impact Day, which will aim to give space to the companies and the student teams to present the result of the work carried out during the course and the impact strategies that the companies will have been able to formalise thanks to the Cottino Social Impact Campus training, the work of the CeVIS tutors and the experience shared with the young people in their teams.

IP Labs is financed by the Cottino Foundation, the Turin Chamber of Commerce and Unicredit for 140.000 euros, and implemented by the Cottino Social Impact Campus. Among the programme’s distinctive features is the important network of partners: Politecnico di Torino, Università degli Studi di Torino, Fondazione Collegio Universitario Einaudi, Fondazione Piemonte Innova, Api Torino, Confindustria Canavese, Unione Industriali di Torino, YES4TO, Unigens and Torino Social Impact.

Since 2024, the ReLife Foundation project has been welcoming young people from 25 countries into an innovative university residence, offering them a unique opportunity to connect with the local area and third-sector businesses.

Today, with Sara Boido, Project Agent and Foundraiser of the Relife Foundation, we discover how this organization is working to engage young people in social entrepreneurship and volunteer projects, in an effort to create a meaningful impact on the social fabric of Turin.

Interview by Francesco Antonioli.

Watch previous episodes here.

DIFFUSISSIMA is here, the third edition of the fuorisalone of the Torino Art Week.

The opening event will take place on October 19th at 6:30 PM at EDIT, Piazza Teresa Noce 15/A, Turin.

DIFFUSISSIMA promises to be an exciting showcase of contemporary art in Turin. As a partner of the Artàporter community, the presence of the members of Torino Social Impact would greatly enrich this cultural event.

To confirm your participation, please send an email to info@diffusissima.it.

Any guests should kindly be registered here (the event is free with prior registration)

It will be a special evening to celebrate art and creativity in our city.

The Iren Territorial Committee of Turin has launched a new call for proposals aimed at young people aged 18 to 26, who are residents or students in the Metropolitan City of Turin. The initiative seeks to select up to three innovative projects focused on environmental sustainability and the enhancement of the local area. The project areas include reducing energy and water consumption, addressing climate change, and promoting sustainable mobility solutions.

Project Areas and Selection Criteria

Proposals can range from raising awareness on responsible resource use, to tools for monitoring and optimizing energy and water consumption, as well as interventions to reduce environmental impact in small communities. Special attention will be given to projects promoting the circular economy and solutions for climate change adaptation. The replicability, feasibility, and benefits for the community are key criteria for project selection, and projects must be completed within one year from the award.

Characteristics and Awards

Projects must be original and innovative, with a budget ranging between €3,000 and €25,000. The call offers a total fund of €25,000 to be distributed among the best proposals. Each applicant can submit only one project, and participation is free of charge.

Participation Terms

Applications must be submitted by November 20, 2024, through the online form available on the Iren Territorial Committees platform, along with all required documentation.

For more information and inquiries, please contact the secretariat of the Iren Territorial Committee of Turin at comitatiterritoriali.to@gruppoiren.it.

Don’t miss the chance to make a difference for the environment and the future of your community!

As a young man studying chemistry, Ferran Adrià sought a summer job to afford a vacation in Ibiza and began working as a dishwasher: his first experience in the world of restaurants would change his life. Once he started working at the El Bulli restaurant in Roses, on the Costa Brava, Adrià embarked on the most extraordinary journey of innovation, research, and development ever seen in the field, focusing entirely on creativity and advancing the definition of molecular gastronomy, of which he has become one of the world’s foremost practitioners.

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, Ferran Adrià will visit I3P, the Innovative Business Incubator of the Polytechnic University of Turin, for a unique meeting with a revolutionary figure, one of the most influential minds in gastronomy and innovation: an example and a point of reference for anyone in any field looking to explore new frontiers.

During the event, it will be demonstrated how creativity, research, and innovation are not only ingredients for extraordinary dishes but also for success in any field. Ferran will share his vision on how to think differently, push boundaries, and pursue excellence, with an approach that will surprise and inspire both young entrepreneurs and researchers working every day to grow their startups, as well as professionals from other fields who understand the importance of constant experimentation and the value of not settling for what already exists today.

The event, funded by the Piedmont Region with resources from the European Social Fund Plus, is part of a series of special events titled Scintille: a series of meetings with brilliant minds and prominent personalities, not only from the world of technology, who have made a significant impact in their field and beyond. The series is promoted by the incubator to celebrate its 25th anniversary and to continue offering the innovation community new opportunities for gathering, discussion, and inspiration for the entrepreneurship of tomorrow.

How to participate

The meeting will take place on Thursday, October 24, 2024, starting at 6:00 PM, in person at the Sala Agorà of the I3P incubator, located within the Polytechnic University of Turin Campus and accessible from the main gate at Corso Castelfidardo 30/A or the pedestrian entrance at Via Borsellino 53/N.

Participation in the event is free, but registration on Eventbrite is required.

Program

• 6:00 PM | Participant welcome
• 6:10 PM | Opening remarks – Paola Mogliotti, Director of I3P
• 6:15 PM | Event opening – Adriano Marconetto, Entrepreneur In Residence at I3P
• 6:20 PM | Conversation with Ferran Adrià, internationally renowned Chef
• 7:20 PM | Event conclusion

As of October 2024, Torino Social Impact has joined Impact Europe, a network of impact capital providers spanning the entire capital continuum (foundations, impact funds, banks and financial institutions, corporate impact actors, public funders).

The goal of this membership is to offer new international networking opportunities to its partners: 350 capital providers (foundations, impact funds, banks and financial institutions, corporate impact actors, public funders) and social innovators of all kinds are united under Impact Europe.

Meanwhile, from November 27th to 29th, TSI will represent the ecosystem at the annual Impact Week, which will take place this year in Bilbao.

Impact Week is a unique opportunity for the global investment community and impact changemakers to discover cutting-edge ideas, explore new trends, and interact with both old and new partners to maximize their impact on people and the planet.

Over the 20 years of Impact Europe, the annual conference has established itself as a launchpad for groundbreaking initiatives, a promoter of unexpected partnerships, and a platform offering each participant a way to enhance their transformative impact.

On October 17th, Torino Social Impact will be present at the European Parliament, in Brussels, for “The Social Economy and the EU 2024-2029 objectives,” an event promoted by Social Economy Europe in collaboration with the European People’s Party and the Socialists and Democrats parliamentary groups.

This will be an important opportunity to engage with other organizations in Europe focused on the social economy, discussing their role in local, national, and European economic development, as well as the implementation of the EU Council Recommendation on improving the framework conditions for the social economy.

Thanks to contributions from experts, organizations, and political representatives from various European countries, the discussion will focus on how the social economy can and should be crucial in achieving the European Union’s medium- and long-term objectives: a fair and green industrial autonomy, the promotion of education and employment, the right to housing, more effective social policies, and, in general, the strengthening of democracy.

For more information click here

The latest Impact and Sustainability Report from Amapola, a Benefit Corporation specializing in sustainability consulting and communication, places the theme of humanity at its core. The title – Umane – takes inspiration from the University of Trento’s use of the overextended feminine form to provoke thought on how language shapes our reality and how it can either be a tool for exclusion or for recognition and equality.

“The concept for this year”, explains founder Luca Valpreda, “arises from a reflection on our identity and what unites us as humans. But it goes beyond that: it was prompted by the increasingly unavoidable presence of artificial intelligence in our lives and in our consulting work. It’s a pressing topic regarding the approach we aim to take on environmental and social sustainability issues”.

Common benefit, certifications, and community projects

How is Amapola’s journey as a Benefit Corporation progressing? Since 2021, the year of its statute change, the company’s commitment has solidified. The numbers speak for themselves: over 1,500 hours dedicated to common benefit goals, 18 community projects in areas where Amapola operates, and over 4,000 people involved through in-person initiatives and communication activities. 2023 also marked the year of certifications for Amapola, with recognition for quality and gender equality standards, as well as a bronze EcoVadis medal.

The Benefit Corporation confirmed its commitment to spreading the culture of sustainability through various initiatives: a podcast dedicated to environmental communication, the column Voci | Parole senza barriere which sheds light on social issues of our time, pro bono participation in numerous industry events, free training for over 700 high school and university students, and the Meet the CSR Leaders orientation project in collaboration with the Salone della CSR and social innovation.

“Where can we truly generate a positive impact? This is the question that guides us in choosing our benefit activities”, comments Amapola’s Impact Council, currently composed of Silvia Bonzano, Micol Burighel, Elisa De Bonis, and Irene La Porta. “This is where our focus on the areas where we are based comes from, along with our commitment to gender equality, outreach initiatives, and projects dedicated to new generations. The common thread is always our identity”.

Building networks

At the same time, the Benefit Corporation has strengthened opportunities for dialogue and synergy with the benefit world, actively participating in the Torino Social Impact network and Assobenefit, contributing to association projects and organizing training events for benefit corporations. In addition, it continues to collaborate with FERPI (the Italian Federation of Public Relations) through cultural outreach activities. The Impact Report also highlights the projects dedicated to Amapola’s people: from internal and horizontal training where everyone can share their skills with the group, to corporate volunteering in support of women victims of male violence in 2023; from team-building activities to initiatives aimed at ensuring a positive, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

“The Impact Report is an essential tool of transparency and engagement for Benefit Corporations”, says Giulia Devani, Head of the Reporting Area, who participates annually in the reporting activities. “It’s a document that clearly outlines the impacts of this new business model and communicates its effects to the stakeholders surrounding the company. It must be approached with seriousness, method, but also an exploratory spirit”.

Amapola’s 2023 Impact and Sustainability Report is now available online here.

Returning for its second event of the season, the Googreen biodiversity market is back at the Sambuy Gardens for a special edition of Portici di Carta 2024, this year celebrating the figure of Goliarda Sapienza.

On Sunday, October 13th, from 10 AM to 7 PM, seasonal excellence will be represented by Maestri del Gusto, Paniere products, and enogastronomic hubs, all gathered in the beautiful setting of the gardens in front of Porta Nuova.

Joining us will be: Punto Einaudi, Silent Book Club Torino, the French scholar Beatrice Istria, Bici-t, Art Site Fest, artist Clara Luiselli with music by Giuseppe Jos Olivini, the Metropolitan Pollinators Community, and Beesù.

Program:

• 12 PM – 4 PM: SILENT READING of texts by Goliarda Sapienza, in collaboration with Punto Einaudi bookstore and Silent Book Club Torino
• 3 PM: LECTURE on Goliarda Sapienza by French scholar Beatrice Istria
• 4 PM: EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP organized by Beesù
• 5 PM: INAUGURATION of the SITE-SPECIFIC INSTALLATION by artist Clara Luiselli, in collaboration with Art Site Fest. The performance will be accompanied by music from Giuseppe Jos Olivini

On the occasion of the 12th edition of the Fair, on Wednesday, October 9, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Torino Social Impact will participate in the event: Transformative Sustainability and Impact Management.

How important is it to measure and evaluate the impact generated by one’s activities? Organizations committed to sustainability have realized that the process of measurement and evaluation is useful not only for understanding the effects produced but also for guiding future decisions. This is a challenge particularly relevant to businesses and Third Sector organizations.

Pietro Saccò, Head of the Economics and Civil Economy Department at Avvenire, will moderate the talks by Giorgio Fiorentini (Professor of Social Enterprise Management at Bocconi University), Federico Mento (Director of Ashoka Italy), and Raffaella Scalisi (Advisor at Torino Social Impact), who will explain how and why this topic has been central to the development of Turin’s impact-driven ecosystem from the very beginning.

The third call of Impact Deal is online!

The Impact Deal acceleration program is back and will open its doors to European companies committed to generating a positive social and environmental impact.

The selected startups will have access to exclusive resources:

• Data and mentorship
• Strategic partnerships
• Investment opportunities

If you’re ready to grow your impact and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future, this is your chance!

Don’t miss the opportunity—start preparing your application now!

Deadline: December 2
Discover the Call and Apply here

The program is promoted by Fondazione CRT and OGR Torino, and managed by TOP-IX with the scientific supervision of ISI Foundation.

This third edition of Impact Deal is organized in collaboration with Ashoka, Impact Hub, Impact Europe, DIHP, and Mesap Innovation Cluster as Impact and Ecosystem Partners, and with the valuable contribution of Advaneo GmbH, Almawave, Città di Torino, Cuebiq, Open Data Hub, Sella Bank, and Windtre as members of the Data Club.

The European BFSE-B2B project is coming to an end: on October 17th and 18th, a final event will be held in Milan to celebrate two years of activities aimed at strengthening partnerships between social enterprises and traditional businesses to improve the market for social enterprise products and services.

The event kicks off on October 17th with an afternoon of discussions and networking dedicated to innovative partnership models between social enterprises and the private sector, promoting an inclusive and sustainable economy. We will welcome partners and stakeholders from the private and social sectors across Europe to discuss pathways of cooperation between traditional businesses and social enterprises.

Torino Social Impact will present the social purchasing promotion campaign in the B2B space, which also includes a pilot portal for finding social impact enterprises.

Location: Mosso Milano, Via Angelo Mosso 3 – Milan

Agenda:

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM Welcome coffee

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM Welcome and introduction

• Gianluca Pastorelli, Diesis Network
• Sabina Bellione, National Consortium of Social Cooperation CGM

2:45 PM – 3:00 PM Setting the scene: An overview of the Buy Social Future of Social Economy project
Dorotea Daniele, Diesis Network

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM Social enterprises and the private sector: Trends and future perspectives at the EU level

• Karel Vanderpoorten, European Commission – DGGROW

3:15 PM – 4:05 PM Panel discussion: Selling social enterprise products in large distribution chains, opportunities, and challenges

• Moderator: Patrizia Bussi, European Network of Social Integration Enterprises (ENSIE)
• Angela Achitei, ADV Romania
• Paulina Zglinska, Polish Social Cooperatives Association
• Daniele Caccherano, Liberitutti scs

4:05 PM – 4:55 PM Panel discussion: Partnerships between social enterprises and private businesses in the textile sector

• Moderator: Mojca Metelko, Institute KNOF Slovenia
• Good practice from Croatia or Spain
• Peter Ambrožič, ETRI Group and Partners Slovenia
• Sumita Mazumder, GreenPea

4:55 PM – 5:10 PM Coffee break

5:10 PM – 6:00 PM Panel discussion: The crucial role of communication in B2B partnerships

• Moderator: TBC
• Raffaella Scalisi, Torino Social Impact
• Katja Beck Kos, PRIZMA
• Antonella Tagliabue, UN-GURU

6:00 PM – 6:15 PM Closing Remarks

• Gennaro di Cello, ENTOPAN Smart Networks and Strategies

6:15 PM – 8:00 PM Networking Aperitif

On October 18th, a study visit is scheduled at the TEXTILE HUB of the Vesti Solidale cooperative, the largest textile recycling facility in Northern Italy. Vesti Solidale is one of the most influential players in the field of second-hand collection and textile material recycling. In this context, the TEXTILE HUB strengthens cooperation among the key players in the sector, creating the first fully cooperative supply chain in the industry.

Want to participate? You can register here!

On September 30 and October 1, 2024, the kick-off of the DO Impact project took place at ZIP News in Turin. This European initiative aims to enhance the social economy by facilitating the adoption of digital solutions and data-driven models for small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector. The event brought together consortium partners, marking the official start of an ambitious project that seeks to harness the potential of digitalization to increase the social impact of organizations.

During the two days of work, participants, representing various European organizations, explored the project’s objectives, shared vision, and the methodology to follow. Among the partners present were Fondazione Piemonte Innova, Diesis Network, Torino Social Impact, Cluster Digital de Catalunya, Tiresia – Politecnico di Milano, Taula d’entitats del Tercer Sector Social, Coompanion Gothenburg, Social Entrepreneurship Association of Latvia, and Lithuania Social Business Association.

The Need for Digitalization in the Social Economy

One of the key topics that emerged during the kick-off was the recognition of the need to accelerate the digitalization of social enterprises. Currently, many of these organizations operate with a low level of technological integration, despite the clear potential that digital tools could offer. In particular, it is crucial to invest in training for key skills such as data science, process innovation, and the development of more advanced social business models.

Digitalization represents an opportunity for social economy organizations, allowing them to improve operational efficiency and offer more sustainable services. However, it was noted that many current digital solutions are not yet adequately tailored to the specific needs of these organizations.

Key Moments of the Kick-Off

The kick-off began with a presentation of the participating organizations and an overview of the DO Impact project. On the first day, discussions focused on the current state of the social economy in Europe, its level of digitalization, and data usage. A central moment was the workshop, structured in the “World Café” format, which provided participants with the opportunity to discuss key stakeholders to involve, key sectors for the development of the social economy, and strategies to activate local ecosystems. This exchange helped outline an initial roadmap for defining the project’s future activities.

The second day addressed the project’s management and financial aspects, along with communication and dissemination strategies, which are essential to ensure the initiative’s success and to spread the results on a European scale.

The event was an important opportunity for dialogue and planning, reinforcing the consortium’s commitment to an inclusive and sustainable digital transition for social economy organizations in Europe.

A “Data Stewardship Bootcamp” is scheduled in Turin on November 18th, 19th, and 20th, 2024 (+ three additional online sessions) aimed at data professionals (and more) who want to train in the reuse of private and public data to tackle the challenges of our cities and society.

The training course is free for those who are selected and is delivered by the organization “The Data Tank“, particularly by Stefaan Verhulst, who is an international reference point on the topic of data reuse.

The goal is to involve profit, non-profit, and public entities to promote cross-experience contamination and multi-level training.

For information and applications by October 14th, click here.

To learn more, you can join a webinar hosted by the Bootcamp organizers on Monday, October 7th, at 2:00 PM by registering here.

Every night in Grugliasco, near Turin, wholesalers and retailers engage in vital exchanges that supply fresh food to local markets and restaurants. This process happens at CAAT – the Turin Agro-Food Center, one of Italy’s largest hubs of its kind, and a partner of Torino Social Impact.

In the latest Bench-Mark episode, President Fabrizio Galliati, interviewed by Francesco Antonioli, discusses the center’s initiatives focused on sustainability and food safety.

Watch previous episodes here.

BeSafe Group and Limo Comunicazione present “PMI in Transformation. A guide to the future of work through innovation and people development”

In this event, we will explore how to face the challenges of digital transformations, improve human resources management, and access grants and incentives that will make your company more competitive.

Speakers: BeSafe, Limo, FonARCom, Compagnia delle Opere Piemonte, Denise Nardulli HR Partner, MyOrango.

After the presentations, there will be an opportunity for networking during a beer tasting by Soralamà.

What will you take away from this event?

• Tools for business transformation: Practical strategies to optimize processes and communication.
• People development: Learn how to innovate by investing in people.
• Access to resources and incentives: How to leverage tax breaks and funded training.
• Networking and inspiration.

When: Thursday, October 29, 2024
Time: 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: Birrificio Brasseria Soralamà – 14 Via Nazionale, 10050 Vaie
Tickets: Reserve your free ticket on Eventbrite

Admission is free, but registration is required. You can register at this link.

The commitment of the Cecilia Gilardi Foundation to support young people: “Everyone has a dream, we help them nurture it.”

In the last 13 years, Piedmont has lost 46,000 artisan businesses, nearly a quarter of its entire production network. On a national level, we are the third region for the loss of workers in the artisan sector. These jobs, which often represent the tradition of Italian excellence, are now at “risk of extinction.” It is partly to counter this trend that the Cecilia Gilardi Foundation has been supporting young people since 2010, helping them find their path and revitalize certain professional niches. In its thirteen years of activity, the foundation has financed 320 scholarships and 45 special projects, disbursing over 1.2 million euros. “Often, talented young people already have their path in mind, but they don’t know how to follow it. We help them make their dreams come true in a concrete way”, explains Alessandro Gilardi, president of the foundation named after his daughter, who died at 17 in an accident.

The Master Mëstè program, supported by the CRT Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce, is aimed at individuals under 35 and is now in its third edition. “97% of the young people we’ve helped have since been hired on permanent contracts; the dropout rate is practically negligible”, says Alessandro Gilardi. Initially, the project was limited to the Piedmont region, but it has since expanded to Liguria and Valle d’Aosta. “Over the years, we’ve helped mosaic restorers as well as actors who are now part of the Teatro Stabile,” recalls Gilardi.

Alongside Master Mëstè, the foundation also supports young athletes, artists, or talented university students who lack the means to complete their studies. All are selected by a scientific committee that evaluates not only financial criteria, such as the ISEE, but also the strength and originality of their projects. “Over the years, we’ve realized that young people still have dreams; they just need help to nurture them”, concludes Gilardi.

We are pleased to share with you a new project concerning the promotion of tourism in our beloved Valleys.
Our intention is to revitalize the area thanks to an app that we have been working on and are working on for more than three years now.

If you don’t know it yet, it is VIAVAI: a digital application designed specifically for tourists and sportsmen.

Years ago Crédit Agricole helped us get started, and today Eppela is giving us the opportunity to concretely achieve our goals.
Specifically, we would like to create inclusive signage also for the visually impaired, a section of the app always dedicated to this category of people, and a website specifically for VIAVAI. At the link below you will find all the information regarding the project.

Let us know what you think, your opinion is very important to us and if you would like to share the initiative with other people we would be grateful!

Find out more and contribute!

The fourth edition of GrandUP! Tech Academy, the free training program for future entrepreneurs and innovative startups, is about to begin! You can discover all the new features during the presentation event, which will be held on Thursday, October 3rd at 6:00 PM in person at the Rondò dei Talenti in Cuneo!

In addition to learning about the details of this year’s program, including insights on how the course will be conducted and how to participate, the meeting will provide an opportunity to learn more about the application process and hear the testimonies of young teams who participated in last year’s edition, such as QRTonic and SmartScholars.

The event will conclude with a networking aperitif, providing the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with the local entrepreneurial community.

The new edition of the academy

The initiative is promoted by Fondazione CRC in collaboration with I3P, the Incubator of Politecnico di Torino, as part of the multi-year project GrandUP! Tech, which aims to support the development of an innovation ecosystem and the creation of new businesses in the Cuneo area.

The new edition of the Academy will once again address key topics for the development of an innovative startup, covering both theoretical aspects and practical applications, including case studies. The nine sessions, starting in January 2025, will feature contributions from professors from Politecnico di Torino, industry experts, and I3P analysts who will guide the participating teams in developing their entrepreneurial projects.

Some of the main topics covered in the lessons include: business models, customer discovery processes, performance evaluation metrics, economic-financial planning and fundraising activities, project communication, digital marketing, as well as legal and tax aspects in the establishment of new companies.

The GrandUP! Tech project and its Academy are part of the “Protocol of Understanding for Innovation and Digitalization of Businesses in the Province of Cuneo”, promoted by Fondazione CRC and the Cuneo Chamber of Commerce, to which all the main local trade associations have adhered, including Coldiretti, Confagricoltura, Confartigianato, Confcommercio, Confindustria, Legacoop Piemonte, and Punto Impresa Digitale.

How to participate

The event will take place on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024, from 6:00 PM, in person at the Rondò dei Talenti in Cuneo, located at Via Luigi Gallo 1.

Participation is free of charge, but registration on Eventbrite is required.

Program

6:00 PM | Registration and Welcome

6:10 PM | Opening Remarks:

• • Introduction by Eleonora Lavalle, Program Manager of GrandUP! Tech
  • Institutional Greetings from Fondazione CRC and I3P

6:30 PM | Presentation of the New Edition of the Academy

6:45 PM | Testimonials from Young Participating Companies

7:15 PM | Conclusion and Start of Networking Aperitif

On Thursday, October 3rd, at 2:30 PM at Toolbox, the new Corporate Meeting of the Polo di Innovazione ICT will be held, focusing on technologies for health and well-being. The Corporate Meeting, titled “Tech Innovation for the Health Care Sector”, offers a unique opportunity for professionals and organizations to explore the latest trends and opportunities in digital health.

The event will highlight how HealthTech technologies are transforming the sector, making healthcare more personalized, preventive, and participatory.

With the anticipated impact of the EU Data Act in 2025, which will enhance data accessibility and security, technological innovation in healthcare is expected to grow even further.

Through presentations, pitches, and networking, participants will contribute to building a healthier and more sustainable future.

Learn more and register here.

The annual edition of the Social Outcomes Conference 2024 recently took place, held on September 5-6, both online and in person at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford. The event gathered some of the world’s leading researchers, policymakers, and professionals to share cutting-edge insights and practical strategies for building partnerships that not only generate social good but do so with integrity and effectiveness.

Among the speakers was Mario Calderini, Full Professor at the Polytechnic University of Milan’s School of Management and spokesperson for Torino Social Impact. Calderini participated in the keynote panel of the Social Outcomes Conference 2024, addressing social and technological innovation and the need for a new governance model.

A bridge connecting experts and practitioners

The prestigious conference is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, engaging a broad intersection of voices and backgrounds. It encourages the participation of individuals and organizations representing a wide array of ethnic, cultural, geographical, age, and income differences.

With this goal in mind, the latest edition involved top experts, researchers, policymakers, academics, and professionals to collectively reflect on how to build partnerships, share leading-edge insights, and develop strategies and practices that generate social good with integrity and efficiency.

Responsibility, transparency, and trust toward social change

The mission of this year’s edition is to understand how we can foster collaboration and partnership work in an increasingly uncertain world. In the face of adversity, responsibility, transparency, and trust become more crucial than ever, forming the foundation of cross-sector partnerships aimed at social change.

From this reflection, several questions are raised by the 2024 edition: how can innovative contracting practices contribute to long-term trust-based relationships? How can we use data not only to measure impact but actively promote improvement and empower partners? How can we ensure that marginalized communities are meaningfully engaged, rather than merely consulted, in the design and implementation of solutions?

The conference’s title, “Responsibility, Transparency, and Trust in Cross-Sector Partnerships,” points to the fundamental values needed to bring about social change. In a world grappling with unprecedented challenges and near-constant crises, collaboration proves not to be a luxury but a real necessity.

Uomo & Ambiente, a consulting and training company specialising in environmental, social and economic sustainability themes, has announced a collaboration with the University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) to launch the first Executive Master in Circular Economy for Food in Italy. Thanks to its expertise in the field of sustainability, Uomo & Ambiente will participate as part of the teaching staff, offering its contribution in the training of participants.

The programme will provide core multidisciplinary skills, with a focus on crucial topics such as the circular bio-economy, eco-packaging and sustainable governance. Practical tools and strategies will be provided to address the challenges of the ecological transition.

This Master represents an important opportunity for those who wish to position themselves at the centre of change, acquiring the knowledge needed to become leaders in the circular economy applied to the food sector. The course also includes pathways that prepare for sustainability skills certifications, ensuring a comprehensive and innovative preparation.

Enrolment is now open and classes will start on 24 January 2025. You can download the information brochure here and register via the official website here.

The Italian Master Startup Award (IMSA), established in 2007, is the only national competition that rewards young, knowledge-intensive startups with a significant market impact, born from research at universities and public research institutions within the PNICube network.

IMSA 2024 is organized by PNICube, the largest and most extensive National Network of Universities, Academic Incubators, and Regional Start Cups – local business plan competitions, in collaboration with the Innovative Business Incubator of the Politecnico di Torino – I3P, which has supported over 360 incubated startups in developing their business since 1999.

The 18th IMSA Award will take place in Turin on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at I3P, located within the Politecnico di Torino Campus, as part of the “Side Events” of Italian Tech Week.

Co-financed by thePiedmont Region through the European Social Fund Plus, IMSA 2024 is sponsored by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, theItalian Alliance for Sustainable Development (ASviS), and the Embassy of Italy to the Holy See, with prestigious partnerships: Invitalia, OSIF (Scientific Observatory for Women’s Enterprises, University of Rome Tor Vergata), EIT Digital, Business France (the public agency for the internationalization of the French economy), and GammaDonna.

The event will feature the participation of eleven finalist startups in four sectors: Cleantech & Energy, ICT, Industrial, and Life Sciences / Medtech. The startup with the best performance will be announced at the event and will receive a cash prize of €10.000, co-financed by PNICube and I3P.

New this year: Special Services Award by Invitalia for the best female-led startup, in collaboration with OSIF; Special EIT Digital Award for the best startup in the ICT category; free support from Business France for IMSA finalist startups wishing to establish a presence in France. By bringing together the innovation ecosystem and offering a platform for promising startups, IMSA 2024 provides an ideal context for exchanging ideas and concrete proposals on how to support innovative entrepreneurship in the journey toward sustainability.

How to participate

The 18th IMSA Award will take place on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, in the Agorà Room at I3P, located inside the Politecnico di Torino Campus, accessible via the pedestrian entrances at Corso Castelfidardo 34 and Via Borsellino 53/N. In addition to attending in person, it will also be possible to follow the event online via live streaming.

Participation is free, but registration is required on Eventbrite.

Program

2:15 PM | Participant check-in

2:30 PM | Welcome remarks

• Paola Paniccia, President of PNICube
• Giuseppe Scellato, President of I3P

2:45 PM | Finalist startup pitches

• Alba-Robot
• Bluebiloba
• E-Lectra
• Hemera
• K3RX
• Young Platform
• ALTO Robotics
• DG Twin
• Helios Domotics
• HEREMOS
• LEB

3:40 PM | Testimonials from innovative startups

• AIKO
• Midori
• Nanomnia
• Reveal

3:50 PM | Panel: “Startups from Research for Sustainability”

• Francesco Morgia, Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy
• Luigi Gallo, Invitalia
• Stefano Marzario, European Investment Bank (EIB)
• Francesco Ferrante, PNICube Board Member
• Michela Mari, OSIF – Scientific Observatory for Women’s Enterprises

4:20 PM | Award Ceremony
Moderator: Pietro Saccò, Deputy Editor, Avvenire

The 40 winning projects of the 2023 edition of Posterheroes, “Beautifully Diverse”, dedicated to the concept of disability, will be exhibited in New York at the United Nations Secretariat Building from September 16 to 27. This is a significant milestone, not only due to the prestige of the venue hosting the exhibition, but also for the alignment of purpose.

Posterheroes was launched in 2010 as an invitation to the international creative community to express a social message through a 70×100 cm poster, aimed at fostering debate on issues of collective interest. Over the past thirteen years, Posterheroes has received more than 20,000 posters from all over the world and engaged 110 international experts in illustration, arts, and visual communication, who, as jury members, selected the winning posters.

The 2023 edition of the competition sought to promote a culture of diversity free from stereotypes, highlighting authentic and transformative narratives while challenging dominant discourses on these topics. It reflects on the concepts of normalcy and social justice.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) affirms that disability results from the interaction between individual characteristics and the surrounding environment. Both material barriers, such as broken elevators, and intangible barriers, such as stigma and discrimination, can limit one’s freedom and ability to act. Addressing this issue effectively requires collective action and shared responsibility, alongside a cultural shift away from a focus solely on high-performing bodies and minds, towards valuing human diversity.

The initiative is promoted by the Cultural Association Plug, Favini,  ITCILO International Training Centre and Fondazione Time2.

The thirteenth edition, entitled “Making Mistakes,” is currently underway.

Doing good is good for you. This is the theme of the upcoming online webinar on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), organized by Amapola, a consultancy specializing in sustainability and communication. The event will take place on Wednesday, 2 October, at 12:00 PM, live on Zoom. Registration is required here.

The impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace

Following the success of the previous event on sustainability reporting, this webinar will dive into one of the most relevant and strategic topics for businesses today. Leading the session will be Emilia Blanchetti, Senior Account at Amapola and DEI expert, along with Micol Burighel, Head of Communications. During the event, participants will have the opportunity to explore how DEI policies are crucial for companies looking to stand out and thrive in an increasingly socially responsible market.

DEI policies are not just an ethical commitment with tangible impacts on people’s lives, but they are also powerful tools for enhancing business performance. Embracing diversity enables companies to attract talent, retain employees, win new clients, and strengthen relationships with stakeholders. The webinar will also discuss the evolving legal framework, with a focus on recent European directives such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), which requires companies to ensure respect for human rights and promote inclusion throughout their value chains.

The Amapola Webinar

This online event, hosted by Amapola, will explore how to integrate the values of equity and inclusion into corporate strategies, starting with leadership commitment, and how these efforts can deliver concrete benefits. It will also cover how transparent communication and active stakeholder engagement can help prevent washing practices and position DEI as a cornerstone of business development.

About the Speaker: Emilia Blanchetti

Emilia Blanchetti brings over 30 years of experience in sustainability projects, stakeholder engagement, and business consulting, with a particular focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

For more information and to register for the webinar, please visit the dedicated page.

From the collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce of Turin, Torino Social Impact, Unione Industriali Torino, and Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, a series of online meetings has been created to delve into the topic of social procurement, promoting responsible business choices.

The meetings aim to explore the main aspects of this business strategy by examining both the most interesting elements for business development (on the supply side) and the key opportunities for entering a market (on the demand side) that, in addition to meeting business needs, generates positive impacts on the local area.

The Chamber of Commerce of Turin, which has long been active in supporting local businesses in raising awareness and social responsibility, including through the Torino Social Impact project platform, has enthusiastically embraced this shared initiative.

How can you become a player in Social Procurement? Where can I find commercial partners with a social impact? What kind of supply can I request, and what form of impact can I expect? What opportunities are available for businesses in the local area?

Experts and professors will attempt to answer these and other questions during the Promotion of the Social Market event, which will be held online on Tuesday, September 24th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

In the third and final webinar, thanks to the contributions of industry experts, opportunities and testimonials on the implementation of social supplies by local businesses will be presented.

The program, still being finalized, is available in the attached flyer.

The series of events will conclude with a keynote speech by Professor Mario Calderini from PoliMi Management School and spokesperson for Torino Social Impact.

Participation is free with prior registration here.

On Monday, September 16, from 2 to 4 pm, the course “Social Impact Metrics in Journalism” was held: the second in a series of webinars as part of the Torino Impact Journalism initiative, sponsored by Social Impact Agenda for Italy, which aims to explore how journalism can promote change by engaging all sectors of society, from institutions to businesses, to address major environmental and social challenges.

Starting from metrics to build a culture of impact

Measuring the social impact of news is now a crucial aspect of journalism. News is widely evaluated in quantitative terms, following the logic imposed by the algorithms of major internet players. However, this approach risks overlooking the true value of journalism as an agent of social and economic change. Evaluating the social impact of news, emphasizing the importance of qualitative metrics that go beyond the number of views or shares, instead allows us to understand their concrete effect on communities and restore journalism to its original function: to spark reflections and positive actions in society.

Thus, the webinar “Social Impact Metrics in Journalism” brought together industry experts to analyze possible metrics for measuring social impact in journalism and provide practical tools for assessing how news affects the communities they serve.

Measuring the social impact of news: experts weigh in

More than 80 journalists, communicators, media experts, and interested parties participated in the webinar, organized in collaboration with the National Association of Journalists. The event, moderated by Paolo Piacenza, featured speakers with expertise in social impact, including Richard Addy, co-founder of Akas; Lindsay Green-Barber, founder and director of Impact Architects; Filippo Montesi, senior advisor at Human Foundation and general secretary of Social Impact Agenda for Italy; and Vera Penêda, director of programs and impact at the European Journalism Centre.

After an introduction by Paolo Piacenza, Filippo Montesi introduced the concept of social impact, with a deep dive into the concept of social value and the main impact metrics. He also provided an overview of how journalism can contribute to an economic paradigm shift toward more socially and environmentally sustainable development.

Lindsay Green-Barber, founder of Impact Architects, then discussed the use of digital tools in newsrooms to monitor the impact of news. On this occasion, she presented the *IA Impact Tracker* developed by Impact Architects, a free digital platform to help journalistic organizations, funders, and other stakeholders understand the impact of journalism by defining, measuring, and tracking real-world changes.

Richard Addy followed by sharing his decade-long experience in impact measurement, presenting the work of Akas, an international consultancy (of which he is a co-founder) specializing in audience strategy. Akas’ mission is to help organizations increase their impact to achieve their missions and visions. For the occasion, he presented the Impact Wheel, a tool useful for accurate and credible evaluation of the social impact of news. Through practical examples, Addy showed how the use of measurement techniques has influenced newsrooms’ work, helping them produce more relevant content for the public.

Lastly, Vera Penêda, representing the European Journalism Centre, shared her experiences in training newsrooms in impact journalism, providing tools and support to implement an impact-focused mindset. She provided key guidelines to help newsrooms and freelance journalists plan and measure the social impact of their journalism.

Overall, the national and international experts offered a comprehensive overview and concrete examples for reflection, starting from one certainty: in today’s landscape, measuring the social impact of journalism is not only possible but necessary to restore its central role in promoting sustainable and informed social development.

To learn more, don’t miss the upcoming webinars:

• November 11, 2-4 pm – Impact Journalism: Stories that Make a Difference
• December 2, 2-4 pm – Economic Sustainability of Impact Journalism

In Turin, the climate crisis has a particularly significant impact.

During our conversation with Sergio Capelli, director of Legambiente Piemonte Valle d’Aosta, we explored why addressing ecological transition and climate change is key to changing the economic vision.

Interview is conducted by Francesco Antonioli.

Watch previous episodes here.

On 19th September at 11:00 AM at the Luigi Einaudi Campus, the Kick-off Meeting of the DEA Project – Digital, Equity, Actions will take place. The event, titled “Managers of the Future: Between Innovation and Inclusion” offers an important opportunity to learn how the project aims to promote gender equity and the inclusion of women in technology sectors and managerial roles.

The meeting is open to businesses, managers, and students, and will provide a platform for discussion on innovation and inclusion. Register here

The DEA Project

With Italy ranked 79th out of 146 countries in gender equality, as highlighted by the Global Gender Gap Report 2023, immediate action is needed. In particular, the STEM sector (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) suffers from a severe gender disparity: only 17% of Italian women work in tech, compared to 32% of men (Eurostat 2023 data).

The DEA project, promoted by Fondirigenti and carried out with the University of Turin and Fondazione Piemonte Innova, aims to provide companies with innovative tools to enhance Diversity & Inclusion (D&I). Through research, analysis, and co-design with businesses, DEA seeks to create more inclusive, sustainable workplaces equipped to face the challenges of emerging technologies.

In the project’s initial phase, two online surveys, targeting companies (click here) and executives (click here) , will explore the barriers preventing greater female inclusion, with a focus on the skills required to navigate technological advancements.

Leveraging the survey results, participating companies will analyze challenges, explore best practices, and co-design a set of actions and tools to bridge the gender gap. The goal is to create a replicable model that includes self-assessment methods, monitoring, and the definition of new skill profiles.

The DEA project will unfold over 6 months and will involve up to 20 companies in the experimental phase. This journey will not only help close the gender gap but also prepare Italian SMEs for a cultural revolution, requiring new managerial skill sets that blend humanistic and technological expertise.

For more information or to participate, contact: dea@piemonteinnova.it

An afternoon dedicated to collective cleaning along the Dora River, but more importantly, a chance to come together to take care of public spaces and create a moment of sharing and collaboration.

The 2024 edition of the “Puliamo il Mondo” campaign will be held on Sunday, September 22, in the Aurora neighborhood, organized by the Legambiente Molecola and GreenTo clubs, with the participation of Torino Social Impact as part of the Circular Economy Community of Practice, a project funded by the Chamber of Commerce of Turin and the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation.

The Molecola and GreenTo clubs involved are mainly composed of young people under 35 active in the Turin area, committed to environmental protection and the promotion of sustainable practices. Various local organizations focusing on integration, inclusion, and public space management will also participate in the campaign, contributing to an experience of civic responsibility and engagement.

Why Aurora?

Many local associations in the Aurora neighborhood work daily to promote paths of integration and collective care of urban spaces. Organizing “Puliamo il Mondo” here provides an opportunity to make the neighborhood more livable, which is reflected in the event’s title: “WE’RE ALL HERE IF IT BELONGS TO ALL OF US.”

Program:

• Meeting point: In front of Sermig/Giardino Pellegrino, 2:30 PM
• Activities: Training and division into work groups
• What to bring: Gloves and bags will be provided by the associations. Appropriate clothing is required (sturdy, high shoes).

How to participate:

Everyone’s participation is essential for the success of this initiative. Those interested in joining are asked to register for the event and, if they wish, propose an activity for the occasion by Thursday, September 19.

The “Puliamo il Mondo” Campaign:

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people across Italy commit to cleaning up streets, squares, urban parks, riverbanks, and beaches from abandoned waste. “Puliamo il Mondo” is an initiative that, year after year, actively involves citizens and has been described by Legambiente as “the world’s largest environmental volunteer event.” It is supported by a vast network of associations that work with migrants, asylum seekers, people with disabilities, prisoners, and individuals discriminated against for their sexual orientation, with the aim of “cleaning the world of prejudices as well.”

Atex and MyType presents the first edition of the Atex AI Accelerator Program, dedicated to newsrooms and journalists worldwide. The program aims to tackle the most urgent challenges in journalism through the strategic and conscious use of Artificial Intelligence. 

The importance of this initiative for the journalism landscape 

The advent of Generative AI has profoundly transformed various industries, including content production and media. For instance, AI can now help analysing large amounts of data much faster or assist journalists in rewriting the same content in different formats, e.g. from newsletters to social networks. However, it’s not always easy to understand how to best use these tools, and not all newsrooms have the time and resources to do so. The goal of the Atex AI Challenge is to offer this opportunity by leveraging our expertise in the technology and media sector. In a long-term vision, the Atex AI Challenge aims to be the starting point for a structural change at the intersection of journalism and the advent of Artificial Intelligence. 

Who can participate? 

• Journalists, newsrooms, and publishers 

• Master’s programs and journalism schools 

• Associations and organizations active in journalism 

What kind of ideas can be submitted? 

Submit AI-based ideas and challenges that can support and improve one or more phases of the daily workflow: news gathering, news production, news distribution, and news monetization. Each candidate can present one proposal, which can range from better integration of advertising to increasing subscription rates, from identifying quality news to efficiently distributing them. 

Examples of successful implementations: 

• The New York Times: Uses a machine learning model called the Dynamic Meter to personalize paywall limits. It optimizes user engagement and subscription conversions by analyzing reader behavior. Read more here 

• The Guardian: Supports journalistic tasks with AI, such as: analyze large data sets, assist with fact-checking, and streamline content creation while emphasizing human oversight and ethical considerations (Euronews) 

• News Corp Australia: Uses generative AI to produce thousands of local stories each week on topics such as the weather, fuel prices, and traffic conditions. It helps boosting content output and it allows small teams to manage high volumes of articles at once (Euronews). 

• Schibsted: makes audience gain with AI-driven personalised audio playlists (INMA)  

• Personalized Advertising: AI creates highly targeted ads by examining vast amounts of data to predict customer interactions, improving engagement and conversion rates (Mediaboom). 

• Enhancing Fact-Checking with AI: the Spiegel Group, one of Germany’s most influential media companies, built out an AI tool to support their fact-checking process. (INMA) 

• And many more… 

Selected projects 

Atex, together with selected media experts, will choose the best ideas for development. Authors of the selected projects will receive funding (AI credits), technical and project resources to create pilots necessary to validate their ideas’ impact. The various phases will be supported by Atex, from proposal analysis and co-ideation to co-design and initial development and integration.  

Submit your idea here!

Please note, all applications must be submitted in English.

Contact Information: Write to us at challenge@atex.com 

Professor Mario Calderini, spokesperson for Torino Social Impact, internationally recognized as an expert and innovator on sustainability, social impact, and Purpose Driven Innovation, has joined the Expert Group on Social Economy and Social Enterprises of the European Commission through Social Impact Agenda for Italy, where he is a member of the Board of Directors.
This is an important milestone in supporting and promoting social economy and social enterprises in Europe, aimed at contributing to a European ecosystem oriented toward generating positive and measurable social impacts.

The GECES supports the work of the European Commission on important directives. Among its tasks are:

• Assisting the Commission in the implementation of measures outlined in the Commission’s Communication: “Building an economy that works for people: an action plan for the social economy”;
• Advising the Commission on how to best implement policy measures in the field of industrial policy for the social economy, particularly in the development of the Transition Pathway for the “Proximity and Social Economy” industrial ecosystem;
• Assisting the Commission by providing advice and expertise in the follow-up to the implementation of the Council Recommendation on the development of the framework conditions for the social economy in Member States;
• Assisting the Commission in preparing legislative proposals and policy initiatives in the field of social economy and social enterprises;
• Reflecting on how to better integrate social economy and social enterprise issues into the Commission’s policies and funding;
• Facilitating the exchange of experiences and good practices in the field of social economy and social enterprises and contributing to awareness-raising.

SIA, through its Secretariat, congratulates Professor Mario Calderini, recognizing the depth and expertise he will bring to the European working group.

———

In 2021, Mario Calderini was included by Apolitical in the list of the 100 most influential academics in the world on public policy.

He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Manchester and is a full professor at the School of Management of the Politecnico di Milano, where he teaches Impact and Sustainability Management.

He is the director of Tiresia, the Research Center for Social Impact Finance and Innovation at the Graduate School of Management of the Politecnico di Milano, which he founded in 2013.

In 2024, he was appointed by the European Commission as a member of GECES, the expert group on “Social Economy and Social Enterprises.”

During the Draghi government, he served as Cabinet Advisor to the Minister for Technological Innovation and Digital Transition and was a member of the Commission for Sustainable Infrastructure Finance, established by the Minister for Sustainable Infrastructures and Mobility. Previously, he was a scientific advisor to the Minister of Research and Innovation for four successive governments and Sherpa for the G7 Government. He was also a member of the G8 Task Force for Impact Investing. He is an advisor to the European Commission on social impact finance and entrepreneurship. He helped promote the social innovation agenda in Italy, launching the sector’s first public consultation. He was part of the government advisory group that drafted the Third Sector Reform.

He has been a member of the Advisory Board of Unicredit and the Sustainability Advisory Board of the Bolton Group. He sits on the Global Advisory Council of the Sella Group and is a board member of Fondazione De Agostini, Fondazione Cottino, Fondazione Human Age Institute, and Fondazione per il Dono.

He is the spokesperson for Torino Social Impact.

We are sharing this interesting initiative to actively experience urban spaces.

Would you like to tell us what life is like in your neighborhood, how the services and public spaces you know and visit are?

With Voci di Quartiere, you can!
Join the second phase of the project by answering the survey and participating in events between September 24 and November 9, 2024.

The initiative is organized by Urban Lab with the City of Turin, the Rete delle Case del Quartiere, the Fondazione per la Cultura, and Turismo Torino e Provincia.
Throughout 2024, you can take part in meetings, performances, walks, and chats in public spaces, parks, neighborhood houses, markets, and some of the most beloved places in Turin.

Stay up-to-date by checking the website.

“The Sun Touches Everything“. This is the theme chosen this year by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to launch its worldwide call for the Space Apps Challenge, the largest annual hackathon on the planet dedicated to space and science.

Italian fans of the exploration of the universe and the new opportunities generated by the Space Economy will be able to take part live in Turin: on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October I3P, the Innovative Companies Incubator of Politecnico di Torino, will host the eighth edition of the local event in the city, funded by Regione Piemonte with resources from the European Social Fund Plus and organized in collaboration with the ESA BIC Turin incubation program managed by I3P.

The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is a collaborative event for programmers, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, technologists and innovators from around the world to come together at one of the hundreds of local venues hosting the initiative: everyone will be able to use the open data made available by space agencies to create solutions to the challenges – not only scientific – which humanity is facing today on Earth and in the cosmos.

The international event will take place simultaneously, globally, with free participation. The hackathon is based on the choice of a challenge to be tackled as a group to produce open source solutions that could potentially be adopted for real, or that could turn into the project behind new innovative start-ups, the kind of young companies that I3P has been accompanying and supporting for 25 years.

“We are proud to once again collaborate with one of the world’s leading space agencies to offer many young talents an opportunity for creative collaboration in the field of technological innovation,” says Giuseppe Scellato, President of I3P and Coordinator of ESA BIC Turin. “From the ideas offered by NASA’s challenges, valuable projects can emerge, with real market opportunities and the potential to evolve, one day, into start-ups: our incubator is ready to accompany the growth of the most promising entrepreneurial ideas, particularly in the space sector, thanks to the support of the ESA BIC Turin programme and the support of the innovative ecosystem of which we are a part.”

Last year’s Space Apps 2023 saw record participation of around 58,000 participants, through more than 400 local events in over 150 countries around the world, who realised more than 5,500 projects in response to challenges set by the Washington-based space agency, together with 13 other partner agencies.

As part of the 3P4SSE project – Social and Solidarity Economy – CentralEurope Network, of which LINKS is the scientific partner, a series of meetings has been organized on topics related to the social and solidarity economy.

The fourth seminar in the series, “Transformation Processes in the Social Economy,” will be held in Italian and will focus on the management of complex processes in the social economy, including territorial governance, digitalization, and innovative partnerships between social clusters and public administrations.

The event will take place on September 24th, from 2:30 PM to approximately 4:30 PM, at the LINKS Foundation – Via Pier Carlo Boggio, 61, Turin.

The program will include presentations by various public and private practitioners, who will help explore existing best practices aimed at promoting the construction of territorial networks in the social economy, illustrating their innovative dynamics.

To participate in the event, registration is required here.

WELLGRANDA | Reti di Welfare, within the Accompagnamento Progettuale axis, has launched its second training and consultancy course with experts in social innovation, social impact entrepreneurship and welfare, aimed at organisations and partnerships active in the province of Cuneo, wishing to develop innovative welfare projects.

This second call, following on from the activities launched last year, is designed for projects in the area that wish to grow through a dedicated path divided into five stages: assessment, exploration, co-design, monitoring and networking.

WELLGRANDA | Reti di Welfare is Fondazione CRC‘s system action, realised in collaboration with SocialFare | Centro per l’Innovazione Sociale, which from 2023 to December 2025 will work on three axes of action (Territorial Academy, Project Accompaniment, Modelling) in five challenge areas for welfare in the province of Cuneo (health welfare, labour welfare, community welfare, cultural welfare and landscape welfare) involving both local authorities and organisations and active citizenship.

Register by 23:59 on Sunday 15 September 2024 through the form here
For more information click here

For any questions and/or curiosity, you can contact us at info@wellgranda.org and/or visit us at the WELLGRANDA desk at the Fondazione CRC Headquarters and by appointment at 0171452780 or at the email info@wellgranda.org.

Do you have a start-up engaged in the development of innovative services, models and products in the welfare field and do you want to make it grow?

Applications are now open for the third edition of the Personae acceleration programme, which aims to promote start-ups as catalysts of social innovation in a complementary way to public welfare systems, supporting the development of projects that respond in an innovative way to the most current challenges in the welfare sphere, such as demographic imbalance, the fragmentation of family structures, the emergence of new relational models, or the strengthening of social vulnerability.

The solutions sought must have characteristics of accessibility, personalisation, flexibility, inclusion, innovation and fall within the areas of individual, family and community, work and economic well-being: offering better access to services, facilitating the balance between personal life and career, promoting inclusion and new approaches to relational and social life needs.

The selected start-ups will participate in a 4-month intensive acceleration programme, focused on growth for market access, with masterclasses and mentorship sessions with mentors and industry professionals, networking opportunities and collaboration with Italian investors. Start-ups will receive an initial investment of 100,000€ and the possibility of a ‘follow-on’ of up to 300,000€ for start-ups with the highest growth and scalability potential.

Interested start-ups can apply for the third edition of the acceleration programme from 5 July until 29 September 2024 at the website.

The programme is part of the CDP Venture Capital National Accelerator Network, a network present throughout Italy to help the growth of young companies specialising in high-potential markets. Set up on the initiative of CDP Venture Capital Sgr and realised together with SocialFare | Centro per l’Innovazione Sociale and a|cube with a total budget of  € 6.1 million, Personae sees the participation of SocialFare Seed, a|impact – Avanzi Etica SICAF EuVECA and Fondazione Italiana Accenture ETS as co-investors and benefits from the support of main partners Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Cuneo and Fondazione Social Venture Giordano dell’Amore. Accenture Italia participates as a corporate partner.

With the start of the new school year, teachers have the opportunity to engage their students in a unique adventure.

Dream Jobs 2025 is a national project designed to enhance the educational offerings of schools, providing students with the chance to explore scientific and technological applications in the world of sports.

By participating in this contest, students can develop essential practical skills and gain orientation toward new and exciting careers. It’s an unmissable opportunity to put classroom learning into practice and look to the future with fresh perspectives.

Teachers can apply with their students to participate in Dream Jobs 2025 and have the chance to win an educational experience in the stunning setting of the Torino 2025 World University Games.

For more information and to access the application form, visit here

In the park of Le Vallere, at the boundary between Turin and Moncalieri—a place rich with history and meaning—we caught up with the friends from Cooperativa Nemo.

Sitting on the Bench-Mark bench, Francesco Di Meglio and Silvia Santantonio, the President and Vice President of Nemo, explained their attempt to create a new economy, focused on social and environmental impact, that connects mountain and city territories.

Interview by Francesco Antonioli.

Watch previous episodes here.

Pre-registrations for the second edition of the CUAP Social Impact Finance are now officially open!

Following the success of the first edition, which saw over 20 Third Sector organizations participate as students, we are excited to once again offer a unique educational program designed for those who wish to deepen their knowledge in sustainable finance and impact investing.

When: The fully online courses will start on October 14th, so don’t miss the chance to reserve your spot!
Why participate: Learn how finance can be a powerful tool to generate positive and sustainable change in society.
Pre-register now to ensure you don’t miss this opportunity—registrations will close on September 23rd!

For more information and to register, contact: socialimpact.management@unito.it

The CUAP Social Impact Finance program, coordinated by Professor Paolo Biancone, is hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Turin as part of the Torino Social Impact Strategic Plan and is implemented by the School of Management and Economics of the University of Turin in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Turin (members of the Committee for Social Entrepreneurship), the Order of Chartered Accountants and Accounting Experts of Turin, the Piccatti Milanese Foundation, Cottino Social Impact Campus, Tiresia, the training bodies of the Cooperative Centrals (Consorzio Il Nodo for Confcooperative Piemonte Nord and Inforcoop Ecipa Piemonte for LegacoopPiemonte), and the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation.

We are happy to announce the Escape Room co-creation workshops for the European project ‘The Food Odyssey’.

There will be 4 workshops in total: 3 online from 5 pm to 6.15 pm CEST on the following days: 24th September, 1st October, and 8th October through the ZOOM platform and a final event to be held on 17th October 2024, from 9 until 5.30 pm at Open Incet in Piazza Teresa Noce 17, Turin.

‘The Food Odyssey’ is an innovative project funded by the Erasmus+ Programme that brings together NGOs, private sector organisations and vocational training schools from Slovenia, Italy, Serbia and Spain to revolutionise European agri-food vocational education.

The aim of the workshops is to jointly create a educational tool that can educate students on the crucial link between food systems and climate change.

During the meetings, you will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge on innovative educational tools and in particular on the methodology of escape rooms, getting in touch with experts in non-formal education and game designers. In addition, the workshops will be an excellent opportunity to network at the European level with different stakeholders in the agri-food sector and to share your knowledge and good practices.

Feel like challenging yourself through brainstorming sessions and the creation of engaging puzzles? This is a unique opportunity to share your knowledge and be an agent of change.

Why participate?

• You can be a key player in the creation of an innovative educational tool on crucial issues for the future of our planet;
• The workshops will enable you to connect with NGOs and agribusiness professionals from all over Europe, expanding your professional network;
• You will be able to express your creativity and collaborate with a group of people motivated to develop innovative and engaging solutions;
• You will contribute concretely to creating an educational tool with a high social impact;
• You will enjoy a unique experience of collaboration and sharing and a delicious lunch offered at the final event.

What are you waiting for? To confirm your participation, please fill in the registration form by clicking here.

We look forward to meeting you in person and sharing this unique experience with you!

If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Valentina Crepaldi valentina.crepaldi@escape4change.com

Elisabetta Bottero elisabetta.bottero@escape4change.com

Amapola, a benefit corporation specializing in sustainability consulting and communication, announces a new cycle of “Amapola Café” webinars focused on developments and challenges in the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) sector. The first webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, at 12 PM on Zoom, titled “Reporting to the test”.

Registrations are open HERE.

Reporting and the CSRD

In recent years, sustainability reporting has experienced a true explosion, transitioning from a practice of a few virtuous organizations to a widely adopted standard. After addressing the topic in 2023 with a first webinar, Amapola returns to the subject of reporting after a year of intense work, ongoing regulatory developments, and preparation for the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), the latest European regulation. This past year has brought new challenges and processes for organizations, ranging from updated data collection to double materiality.

It is now clear that institutions have charted a precise path for sustainability reporting, elevating it to a new level of maturity and granting this process the same dignity and importance as financial reporting. The Amapola webinar offers an opportunity to take stock of the situation, exchange views, and understand how to best prepare for this new, more operational phase.

The Amapola Café Program

During this webinar, Giulia Devani, Head of the Reporting Area at Amapola, will discuss with Micol Burighel, Head of Communication, how the CSRD is transforming business processes and organizational approaches, how to prepare, and the central role that stakeholder engagement plays in this phase. The meeting will be an opportunity to delve into useful insights on making reporting not only compliant with regulations but also effective, integrating business strategies and policies with stakeholder dialogue.

How can one pursue a career in sustainability? What does it mean to work in this sector? Returning this year to the “Salone della CSR e dell’Innovazione Sociale” (to be held at Bocconi University from October 9 to 11, 2024) is the “Meet the CSR Leaders” project, which facilitates dialogue between new generations and sustainability professionals. This initiative is born from a partnership between the Salone and Amapola Società Benefit, a company specialized in sustainability and communication. This year marks the third edition of the event, enriched by a new format that includes both online and in-person meetings and collaboration with CSRnatives, the first and only network in Italy that brings together young professionals and students united by their passion for CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility).

“Meet the CSR Leaders” is a space dedicated to university students and recent graduates who wish to explore career opportunities in sustainability by engaging directly with those who work in this field daily. The meetings offer a one-to-one orientation session lasting approximately 30 minutes with an expert present at the Salone. In this stimulating environment, participants will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of hard and soft skills, educational and professional experiences, and receive advice on how to shape their career paths toward sustainability themes.

To encourage the participation of students from across Italy, the 2024 edition will also feature remote meetings scheduled for the last day of the Salone, exclusively for those from universities outside Milan.

Meeting Schedule:

• Wednesday, October 9: In-person from 2 PM to 5 PM
• Thursday, October 10: In-person from 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM
• Friday, October 11: Online from 10 AM to 12:30 PM and 2 PM to 3:30 PM

You can reserve your session at the following link: link to registration by Monday, October 7, 2024.

“‘Meet the CSR Leaders’ is a concrete opportunity for dialogue between the new generations and professionals who drive the sustainable transition daily”, says Rossella Sobrero, a member of the Promoting Group of the Salone della CSR. “Beyond educational offerings and skills updates, it is essential to create spaces for sharing, discussion, and mutual exchange of experiences. This is the goal of the Salone, which is increasingly open to the participation of young people, intergenerational dialogue, and reflection on the future, as evidenced by recent editions. This year, our cultural program will also feature meetings and roundtables on education, the labor market, evolving skills, and the role of new generations in change, always exploring the contradictions and solutions that characterize the sustainability dimension”.

This year marks the third edition of the project. In 2023, the initiative spanned three days, offered 10 hours of one-to-one orientation, and involved 50 young participants who met with 23 Sustainability Managers. Interviews with some of the key players can be viewed on YouTube here. “Supporting young generations interested in sustainability to find a career path in this field is one of our goals as a Benefit Company”, comments Elena Mancino, partner at Amapola. “From Greta Thunberg to eco-activist movements, young people are loudly demanding involvement, participation, and tools to change the world around us: it is our moral duty to facilitate this request. That is why we are very pleased to have the CSRnatives network by our side this year, which will help us expand the project’s impact thanks to their extensive network and shared commitment to spreading a culture of sustainability”.

“One of the main goals of our network is to generate interest around sustainability issues by encouraging younger generations to engage in this field”, explains Vincenzo Baccari, coordinator of CSRnatives. “The theme guiding our activities this year is precisely the promotion of young people and professions related to sustainability: ‘Meet the CSR Leaders’ is an event we couldn’t miss.”

ABOUT THE SALONE DELLA CSR E DELL’INNOVAZIONE SOCIALE

Promoted by Bocconi University, Sustainability Makers, Global Compact Network Italy, ASviS, Fondazione Sodalitas, Unioncamere, and Koinètica, the Salone aims to keep the focus on sustainability high throughout the year, sharing positive experiences and creating opportunities for dialogue among various social actors.

Key figures from the 11th edition include: 284 participating organizations, 115 events (available on the Salone’s YouTube channel), 549 speakers, 4,600 attendees over three days, 9,000 remote connections, over 2,800 media appearances, 10 stages of the “Giro d’Italia della CSR,” and 1 publication by Egea. The Salone has a significant online presence: its website; a weekly newsletter sent to over 16,000 contacts; and profiles on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, as well as a YouTube channel.

Since 2015, the Salone has been ISO 20121 certified: Bureau Veritas Italia has certified the last six editions of the Salone as “Sustainable Event” in both planning and management phases.

THE 2024 EDITION
The theme for the 12th edition is “Challenging Contradictions.” Sustainability is complexity: in the current context, it is necessary not only to learn to navigate change but also to see problems from new perspectives. Every vision, statement, or choice contains the seed of contradiction; however, the coexistence of opposites opens up interesting opportunities for reflection, encouraging organizations and individuals to view reality from a different perspective. The path towards sustainable development remains steep, but it is important to remember that in moments of greatest challenge, innovative solutions are born. The commitment of all is needed—a collective action and continuous dialogue among stakeholders.

For more information: Monica Cesana 392 2169204 m.cesana@koinetica.it

ABOUT CSRnatives

CSRnatives is the first and only network in Italy of students and young professionals dedicated to CSR. Founded in 2015, it now has over 600 members and aims to spread the culture of sustainability. The network is divided into working groups that coordinate activities in publishing (blogs and eBooks), event organization (on specific sustainability topics), training (webinars, podcasts, generative workshops), communication, and external relations (social media activities and partnerships with other organizations).
For information: Vincenzo Baccari, coordinator, 333 8559165, csrnatives@gmail.com

ABOUT Amapola Srl Società Benefit

Amapola Srl Società Benefit is a consulting firm specializing in sustainability with a particular focus on communication. Founded in 2009, it helps companies and organizations develop sustainability projects and make them meaningful and shared with all stakeholders. To this end, it offers structured listening and stakeholder engagement services, institutional and environmental communication, sustainability reporting, media relations, content production, video production, event organization, conflict management consulting, and CSR project creation. Amapola has offices in Milan, Turin, and Alessandria, as well as a network of correspondents throughout Italy.
For information: Micol Burighel, Amapola Press Office, 380 4384930, micol.burighel@amapola.it

We’re coming to the city to discuss work, mental health, and Gen Z. We’ll explore concrete solutions to make the working world more sustainable.

We’ll come together to talk about the changes happening in the world of work, the younger generation’s need to prioritize mental well-being and work-life balance, and what companies can do to create truly human-centered environments.

Why? Here are some useful stats:

• 50% of Italian workers report feeling stressed because of work
• 1 in 5 reports experiencing work-related stress daily
• 67% say that psychological distress has impacted their work performance
• About 38% say that their company shows complete disinterest in the issue of psychological well-being at work.

Source: People at work: a global workforce view – ADP

Moreover, according to data collected by EU-OSHA, over 9 million people in Italy suffer or have suffered from work-related stress, and about 46% of workers surveyed across Europe feel under significant pressure in the workplace.

So, what are the most urgent issues concerning the emotional well-being of workers, and how can we encourage companies to listen to the needs of young workers, and vice versa?

We’ll bring together new generations with senior professionals and host inspiring speakers who are transforming the world of work.

Turin, are you ready?! We’ll be in the beautiful spaces of Toolbox – at Via Agostino da Montefeltro, 2 in Turin (TO), and we’re proud to present some remarkable speakers, including:

• Marwan Chaibi: President of Associazione Culturale NoSignal ETS
• Lidia Di Vece: President of the Federation for the Economy of the Common Good in Italy
• Simone Martinelli: Partner and COO of Hi!Founders

We’ll also discuss the fear of the future and financial stress with FunniFin (main partner) and concrete ways to focus on people development in companies with Ollipay (main partner).

• Community partners: Joinrs Italia, GRLS, GeCo Italia APS, and Hi!Founders.
• Media partners: Gli Stati Generali, FortuneUP, and smarTalks.

Turin, September 10, 2024
5:30 PM

Get your free ticket here

It’s going to be a great moment.

From September 12 to 14, the Summer School “DEIverse Futures” will be held at Open Incet. It is designed and promoted by the Master in Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDM) of the Giacomo Brodolini Foundation in collaboration with Forwardto – Studies and Skills for Future Scenarios.

This will be a 16-hour training program spread over three days, aiming to address key challenges and develop visions and proposals for a more equitable and inclusive future.

The course is intended for individuals working in environments where they perform roles related to Diversity and Inclusion.

Regional scholarship: how to apply

At Open Incet, we are pleased to announce that a full-coverage regional scholarship is available for one person who can demonstrate an active connection with District 6 of Turin (residence, domicile, work) through an official document (residence/domicile certificate, employment contract, housing contract, utilities).

The application for the regional scholarship must be submitted by Sunday, September 1, 2024, by completing the appropriate form.

For more information, write to master@fondazionebrodolini.eu.

If Turin Social Impact were a journey, it would have a map of places and buildings that have made the history of the city. From Palazzo Birago, created by Filippo Juvarra, to the trading floor in the former Stock Exchange building, and up to the Politecnico Citadel. Spaces that tell the story of a Turin with an unstoppable vocation for social impact.

A reportage that narrates the history of Turin Social Impact, starting from the Social Entrepreneurship Committee of the Chamber of Commerce and reaching the Center for Social Impact Assessment – CeVis, at the Cottino Social Impact Campus.

Read the article on Vita.it

Is it possible to concretely change the reality around us by interpreting impact economics?

Stratosferica, near the Einaudi campus, has successfully applied these principles to give a second life to a neglected area, offering a model of scalability for cities and territories. We talked about it with Luca Ballarini, founder and director of Stratosferica, who sat with us on the Bench-Mark bench.

Learn more in the interview by Francesco Antonioli.

Watch previous episodes here.

The first Italian eyewear company to measure the impacts of its glasses demonstrates through numbers that Made in Italy is better. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) quantifies the CO2 emissions

Manufacturing in Italy pays off, not only for the superior quality of the eyewear but also for the environmental sustainability of the products. This is proven by the numbers VANNI obtained through the Life Cycle Assessment of cellulose acetate eyeglasses, representative of VANNI’s collection designs.

The study, commissioned to the University of Bicocca in Milan, in collaboration with Liito, highlighted unequivocal figures: the CO2 impact (a principal cause of climate change) of the V1632 model is 2.35 KG, a weight below the industry reference values, achieved thanks to the use of Italian raw materials and the decision to produce everything domestically.

The same eyeglasses, if produced in Asia, would have generated 4.45 kg of CO2, approximately 89% more emissions, due to the high environmental impact of intercontinental transportation.

In addition to this assessment, there is the incalculable “social impact,” which relates to the working conditions of workers in factories far from our sight, where it’s impossible to verify the standards of protection and decent work.

Unlike many fashion and accessory brands that assess the impact of their “green” products, specific to limited production capsule collections, the results of the LCA study of VANNI’s products were calculated based on a representative eyewear model of the entire acetate eyewear production. The VANNI collection includes other models, different from the sample taken but comparable in the production process and materials used.

This data is highlighted in the second impact report that VANNI has published, documenting the results achieved in 2023 on environmental and social sustainability topics, filed with the Chamber of Commerce and available on the vanniocchiali.com website. This document is mandatory by law, but for VANNI, it’s truly an opportunity to focus on where it has come and where it is going.

“Made in Italy, for sure is our signature. We have always maintained that producing in Italy is a choice that makes a difference, and today we wanted to demonstrate – also in numerical and analytical terms – that it is the right choice for our environment, which we must seriously take care of, to preserve it and pass it on to future generations.

We value the Italian culture of the sector and demonstrate that reducing product transportation and harmful emissions to the environment – by rewarding the territory – decreases our footprint on nature. At VANNI, we make every phase of manufacturing transparent. In a period of growing claims on sustainability issues, we are keen to show where and how our glasses are born.

The positive data on our CO2 emissions is not an endpoint but a starting point, because we can improve it, finally knowing where to act. This is our commitment for the years to come, as we emphasized in our recently published report”, say Giovanni Vitaloni and Alessandra Girardi, owners of the company.

VANNI, the Turin-based design eyewear company founded in 1987, with distribution in over 50 countries worldwide, and 100% Made in Italy, has been a Benefit Corporation since 2021, the first in Italy in the sector. For the company, this choice means setting evaluation and measurement standards regarding the commitment to people, the planet, the territory, and the creation of shared wealth. The report monitors all the effects generated by its activities in every field, an accurate and measured radiography.

MyOrango has been selected among the 100 finalist startups that will participate in the ninth edition of DigithON, the prestigious digital marathon to be held from September 5th to 7th, 2024, at the Vecchie Segherie Mastrototaro in Bisceglie (BT) – PUGLIA.

DigithON represents a key event for the Italian startup ecosystem and will be a unique opportunity for MyOrango to present its project to a select audience of national and international investors.

The event will culminate on the evening of September 7th in Piazza Castello with the announcement and awarding of the winning startups, offering a unique and suggestive setting to celebrate innovation.

DigithON is an unmissable opportunity to showcase our commitment to innovation and digital transformation. We are excited to engage with other brilliant startups and seize the opportunity to meet important figures in the sector. We invite anyone interested in digital innovation to follow the event and support MyOrango in this exciting adventure.

For more information about the event click here.

The story of “Synergies in Canavese,” a project for the revitalization of the mountains built around the PNRR and the Turin Chamber of Commerce‘s initiative to create a business-driven energy community.

When they decided two years ago to establish a green community in Canavese to access PNRR funds, they aimed for an ecological and energy transition involving the 27 municipalities and five mountain unions in the area, partnering with the Piedmont side of the Gran Paradiso Park. The goal: to promote the growth and sustainable development of the area by integrating and enhancing local resources. Marco Bussone, national president of Uncem, the Union of Mountain Municipalities and councilor of the Valli di Lanzo Mountain Union – among the promoters of the green community – has repeated this many times: “We need impactful actions to ensure a future for the mountains. But on one condition: local communities must be involved, as they are the true driving force behind the revival. Without the territories, the transition and crisis cannot be addressed.” In fact, the “Green Community Synergies in Canavese” – led by Marco Bonatto Marchello, president of the Valli Orco and Soana Union – represents a fine example of impact economy. It places communities at the center, thus laying the foundations for an energy transition that takes into account the social dimension, without which it is now clear that a deeply sustainable and lasting environmental transition cannot take place. This is not a given in a context where even private investments must contemplate an additional approach, considering interventions in more challenging areas from a market profitability dynamics perspective. In this context, the significant contribution of public funds – over four million guaranteed by PNRR funds – is an important lever for a catalyst process of new initiatives. The funds are designed to create value for people and the territory. Some examples? The construction of six rainwater collection tanks to ensure water reserves in several strategic points of Canavese to draw upon in case of forest fires and to face drought periods in agriculture. Or the conversion of an industrial site into a wood processing plant, ensuring jobs and saving on land consumption. The impact is included in all nineteen interventions that the green community will implement within the next two years, as required by the PNRR: the investment, beyond risk and return, primarily considers the benefits of these territory regeneration models, in line with the principles of intentionality and additionality at the core of the impact economy. Moreover, the return, not only economic, that these interventions will have for the Canavese community is measured. “This is the vision of a mountain that thinks about the future,” insists Bussone. “After all, the highlands can indeed be the right field to experiment with investments that produce both social and environmental impact. The development of the wood supply chain is perhaps the most virtuous example: it ensures forest care and jobs in the mountains, also allowing another good practice: the circular economy.”

“Moreover, from the outset, our project aimed to include all nine thematic areas that underpin the development of Green Communities in a strategy from North to South: renewable energy, water and forest resources, building efficiency, sustainable development of tourism, mobility, and local production chains,” explain those from “Synergies in Canavese.” The green community’s projects also include a CER, an energy community to locally produce and share energy generated from renewable sources.

The Turin Chamber of Commerce is also interested in CERs. Guido Bolatto, the general secretary, explains: “It all started from the energy crisis two years ago, with skyrocketing electricity and gas prices and our members struggling with increasingly complex cost management. We ruled out the idea of blanket contributions because it wouldn’t have solved the problem; we focused on CERs. With a clear starting point: they had to be business-driven energy communities. We conducted a survey. In the end, we identified two primary substations: one in Turin, in the Aurora district, the other in the hinterland in Strambino. We aim to involve many retailers among consumers and some hotels among producers who can use their roofs to install photovoltaic systems.”

Professional orders were also involved in the project, particularly in the startup phase, with lawyers and notaries drafting the CER statute. The final goal of the Chamber of Commerce is to develop a replicable model. “Essentially, a turnkey CER model that includes a business plan, statute, and governance,” adds Bolatto. “In other words, a CER prototype that can then be adapted but initially solves some of the most complicated issues because there are indeed many unknowns, starting with understanding the tax issue. That’s why it’s important to rely on a team of professionals who know how to interpret the regulations correctly.”  The call, open to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises of any sector in the province of Turin, is open until autumn. The chamber council has allocated over 220 thousand euros under the “Energy Transition Call – CER 2024,” providing contributions in the form of vouchers. Other calls (and contributions) are expected by the end of the year from the Piedmont Region (through Finpiemonte, for any company) and the Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo (for already established CERs).

Presented today, July 18, 2024, at the Turin Chamber of Commerce, an agreement signed between the Chamber and the Metropolitan City for the drafting of a Plan dedicated to the social economy in the Turin area.

As explained by Guido Bolatto, Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce: “Once again, Turin is a pioneer in implementing an important initiative strongly desired by European institutions. Our experience, which led to the birth and development of the Torino Social Impact ecosystem involving more than 300 entities, and our extensive network of contacts are fundamental for drafting the local Plan, but also for increasingly accrediting us as strategic interlocutors both nationally, at the working table with the Ministry and the national chamber system, and at the European level, where we have been repeatedly invited to present our activity model”.

According to Sonia Cambursano, Councilor of the Metropolitan City of Turin: “The Metropolitan City of Turin is working to integrate the Action Plan for the social economy with the metropolitan strategic plan, aware that social innovation practices are perfectly aligned with the already identified axes ‘Digitization, innovation, competitiveness, and culture’ and ‘Social inclusion,’ where it is already planned to enhance the business potential of personal and family service economies, community and territorial services, qualifying work, processes, techniques, and skills of the third sector and social enterprises. Moreover, the Metropolitan City of Turin is already investing in the InnoSocialMetro program to increase the capacity of the territory’s micro and small enterprises to generate socially desirable impacts through their for-profit activities: we have made financial support available, consisting of an interest subsidy and a non-repayable grant, for a total investment of 1.3 million euros”.

According to Mario Calderini, professor at the Polytechnic University of Milan and spokesperson for Torino Social Impact: “The background of this initiative is drawn by community documents that assign social enterprises a role not only in welfare and redistribution but also in industrial and economic development, considering the social and impact economy within the perimeter of industrial policies for more equitable and inclusive growth. The path outlined by Turin and some other territories moving similarly requires this paradigm shift, combined with rediscovering the value of bottom-up transformative processes, choosing local ecosystems as units of political action, within the framework of a national design. A new paradigm also for impact investing, so that it finally attributes a political dimension, defining a different relationship between public and private and a meeting point between technology transfer and the third sector”.

The context

In the Turin area, there are over 4,200 entities, including associations, social enterprises, volunteer organizations, and other entities registered in the National Register of the Third Sector: 576 of these are Turin social enterprises, accounting for 2.4% of Italian social enterprises. The Plan drafted by the Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan City, with the collaboration of Torino Social Impact, will be completed by the end of the year.

Employment, skills, and poverty reduction by 2030: already in 2017, the European Parliament, Council, and Commission included these principles in the European Pillar of Social Rights. Subsequently, in 2021, the Commission adopted an Action Plan for the Social Economy, with concrete measures to be implemented at both national and European levels, leading to the approval of the EU Council’s Recommendation to Member States in November 2023 for developing the framework conditions for the social economy.

Both the Plan and the Recommendation highlight the strategic role of local levels, as social economy entities are strongly rooted in the territory, serve the community they are in, and generally operate with a bottom-up approach.

In May 2024, a “Social Economy” working group coordinated by Undersecretary Honorable Lucia Albano was also launched at the Ministry of Economy and Finance with the aim of following up on the EU Council’s Recommendation.

Turin

Our territory boasts a leading position thanks to the Turin Chamber of Commerce, which already in 2016 established the Social Entrepreneurship Committee, which in turn promoted the Torino Social Impact platform, born in 2017 with the initial involvement of 12 partners and today a virtuous model aggregating over 300 entities including businesses, institutions, financial operators, and third sector entities.

The Plan: Content and Implementation Timeline

Starting tomorrow, extensive work will begin to survey and involve already active entities in the Turin social economy to compile a list of objectives, tools, and actions in the program.

The specific objectives of the Agreement are:

• To promote a new economic growth model throughout the Metropolitan City, further supporting the development of the social economy.
• To foster public-private collaboration for social impact.
• To support a socially sustainable environmental transition.
• To make the best use of all national and European opportunities for the social economy.
• To collect data on the social ecosystem and measure social impact.
• To position Turin and the metropolitan area as one of the best places in the world for social enterprise.

The plan will take into account the work underway at the Ministry of Economy and Finance and will be structured based on the EU Recommendation, focusing on promoting access to the labor market and social inclusion through the social economy and developing favorable frameworks for it.

It is expected that the plan will be completed by the end of 2024, following an extensive consultation process with all stakeholders.

Data on the Turin Social Economy

The Metropolitan City of Turin has over 4,200 entities, including associations, social enterprises, volunteer organizations, and other entities, that make up the Third Sector and are therefore registered with the RUNTS (data as of May 2024). This represents 3.4% of the national presence and over 46% of the 9,111 organizations in Piedmont.

44% are social promotion associations, and 32.3% are volunteer organizations.

Following are social enterprises, with 576 entities registered in the National Register of the Third Sector (13.6%): almost one in two social enterprises in Piedmont is based in the province of Turin. Turin hosts 2.4% of Italian social enterprises.

(Source: RUNTS National Register of the Third Sector at the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies).

To this pool, we can also add benefit corporations, for-profit organizational forms that pursue common benefit objectives according to responsibility and sustainability criteria: at the end of the first quarter of 2024, there are 201 benefit corporations registered in the Turin chamber registry, with a trend that has seen numbers almost decuple over the last five years. These are almost entirely corporations employing just under 4,400 people.

(Source: Observatory on benefit corporations, Chamber of Commerce of Brindisi-Taranto – Infocamere).

From June 27 to 30, the first “Circular Fashion Days” took place in Turin at Green Pea, a festival dedicated to circular fashion, created in collaboration with the startup Atelier Riforma.

Coinciding with Turin Fashion Week (which this year was held at Green Pea), the event offered four days of immersion in the fashion world, exploring what responsible consumption and a circular economy mean up close.

As circular fashion consultants for Green Pea, the Atelier Riforma team developed a packed schedule of activities to inspire and engage people on these topics:

• 7 Workshops: Participants had the opportunity to learn practical techniques in embroidery and painting on used clothing, fabric printing, customization of deadstock garments, eco-printing with flowers and leaves, plastic waste recovery, upcycling, and mending. These workshops not only provided practical skills but also emphasized the importance of reuse and creativity in a sustainable lifestyle.
• 1 Photo Exhibition: Showcasing the stories of 20 circular fashion artisans, celebrating their talent and commitment to greener fashion.
• 2 Art Installations: Offering reflections on the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the fashion sector, encouraging critical and conscious dialogue among visitors.
• 2 Fashion Shows: Presenting unique upcycled collections: one created from used clothing with the help of a social tailoring workshop and another from deadstock items, with proceeds going to fund a charitable project. These events demonstrated how creativity can transform waste into fashionable items while promoting social causes.
• Upcycling Contest: Aimed at fashion students to encourage future professionals to develop new ideas for material reuse, promoting circular innovation.
• Market: Featuring exhibitors from all over Italy, showcasing a variety of circular fashion and craft products, allowing visitors to discover and purchase unique items.
• Talks: Experts in the sector discussed sustainable fashion and how technological innovation can make the used clothing supply chain more efficient.
• 2 Swap Parties: One for children and one for adults, promoting reuse and sharing, reducing excessive consumption and waste.

Many professionals and entities in the fields of circularity, fashion art, and crafts from all over Italy were involved in the event, including: Laboratorio POI, photographer Chiara Agostinetto, the benefit corporation Mercato Circolare, the brand Italia90, the Batik collective, the association IB-Artemide, the brand Barone Ostu, eco-printer Laudisia Colonnelli, the brand Divergente, the social tailoring Kechic, various fashion institutes, the Belt Bag project, mender Natasha Goetz, Costanza vintage, Emporio Margherita, the brand CEA, Jukebox couture, the upcycling brand Eleven Daisies, the artisanal jewelry brand Manibargé, One Up Reuse, Cloré Handmade, Nobody is 100%, Poppi.lab, the artisanal brand Deda…

This rich initiative was born from the collaboration between Green Pea (the first large physical space in Italy dedicated to 360° sustainable living) and Atelier Riforma (an innovative social startup promoting circular fashion, also part of Turin Social Impact).

“We sincerely thank all the participants, exhibitors, speakers, and professionals who made this event possible, and especially Green Pea, for this valuable opportunity to leverage our expertise in circular fashion. The change that Atelier Riforma wants to bring to the fashion world also involves spreading awareness and educating consumers… and there’s no better way to do that than through fun and creativity!” – Elena Ferrero (CEO of Atelier Riforma)

This is the first edition of what is hoped to become a long-term collaboration, giving citizens a regular event and space to enjoy while exploring such a relevant topic as circularity.

A few days ago, while sitting on a bench in Piazza Paravia, we had the pleasure of meeting Diego Coriasco, legal representative of Patchanka, a type B social cooperative founded in 2012 with the goal of creating a more inclusive and humane work culture.

During our conversation, Diego shared their vision of social economy, which is centered on the concepts of community and person.To learn more, watch the new episode of Bench-Mark.

The interview is by Francesco Antonioli.

Watch previous episodes here.

From April to July in Turin, two different strategies have been tested to reduce the use of single-use plastic in packaging when shopping.
The Reusable Packaging Revolution project has involved citizens in using reusable containers at participating CRAI supermarkets, at the Crocetta market stalls, and in some local shops.

The first phase of the experiment will conclude in July, so it’s time to celebrate together!

We will do this on Tuesday, July 23, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the University of Management and Economics (Corso Unione Sovietica, 220) with a Midsummer Aperitif.

It will be an opportunity to talk about what we have done and how it went, meet the participants of the experiment, partners, and institutions, and share thoughts and ideas to imagine future prospects in the spaces of the SME Garden at the University.

Entry is free, and reservations are appreciated at this link to help us with the organization!
Bring a friend and your glass to toast together!

A collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan City for drafting a Plan dedicated to the social economy in the Turin area: this is the content of the agreement that will be presented on Thursday, July 18th at the Chamber of Commerce in the presence of Guido Bolatto, Secretary General of the Turin Chamber of Commerce, and Sonia Cambursano, Councilor of the Metropolitan City of Turin with a mandate for tourism, productive activities, economic development, and strategic planning.

In December 2021, the European Commission adopted an Action Plan for the Social Economy, presenting concrete measures to be implemented at both the national and Union levels.
In November 2023, the Council of the EU approved a Recommendation on developing the framework conditions for the social economy, inviting member states to promote a strategy that facilitates its development through favorable initiatives, measures, and legal frameworks, collaborating with stakeholders at all levels in building it. The Recommendation also includes establishing national, local, or regional contact points for the social economy, aimed at promoting social innovation, supporting the development of the social economy, and enhancing its potential for economic and social transformation.
The Turin area is at the forefront of elaborating a local implementation of these principles and action plans. For years, Turin has stood out for its attention to the social economy, thanks to initiatives promoted by a variety of actors: public, private, philanthropic, and third sector entities, united in the Torino Social Impact ecosystem.

The press conference will also be an opportunity to present the latest data on the social economy in the territory.

On July 9th, Mario Calderini, spokesperson for Torino Social Impact and full professor at the School of Management of the Politecnico di Milano, spoke during the hearings at the Senate of the Republic regarding bill no. 1049: a proposal for the promotion of social impact projects in the territory.

Prof. Calderini presented his vision of enhancing and supporting projects with a social impact that is intentional, additional, and measurable: true impact and not just positive externalities. This vision has been the foundation of Torino Social Impact since 2017 and currently drives an ecosystem of over 320 partners.

To listen to the hearing
Finance and Treasury Commission – Office of the Presidency
Promotion of social impact projects in the territory

As part of the 12th edition of the CSR and Social Innovation Fair, the third edition of the Impact Award returns. This award is dedicated to measuring the economic, social, and environmental impact generated by sustainability projects. The goal is to emphasize the importance of impact evaluation and the need to involve stakeholders in the process.

The award is open to all profit, non-profit, and public administration organizations based in Italy, which have implemented and evaluated a project between 2020 and 2023, with impacts also on Italian territory. Organizations must have communicated the impact of their initiatives through various channels such as events, workshops, websites, newsletters, or reports.

Participation Procedure

Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2024, using the project presentation form, differentiated by categories of businesses, non-profits, and public administration. It is possible to participate with multiple projects, each with a dedicated form. Each application must include information about the organization, a description of the project and methodology used, impact results, details on stakeholder involvement, and dissemination actions of the initiative.

Read the regulations
Application form for businesses
Application form for non-profits
Application form for public administrations

For more information: premioimpatto@koinetica.it

Presented on July 10 in Rome at the Chamber of Deputies, the National Center of Excellence for Social Innovation will be based in Turin, the only Italian city chosen by the EU, in the ex-Incet premises. This new institution aims to link public policies with innovative social practices. This is an important recognition for the City of Turin first and foremost, and for the entire social innovation ecosystem that the territory has fostered for years, also through Torino Social Impact.

The Italian Center of Excellence for Social Innovation was born in collaboration with similar centers across the European Union, thanks to an initiative supported by the EaSI program and funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). The Center will serve as a support platform for public administrations, businesses, and civil society, tackling complex social challenges with innovative approaches.

Among the partners involved are the Polytechnic University of Turin, the Polytechnic University of Milan, the University of Bologna, Euricse, and the Giacomo Brodolini Foundation. This collaboration aims to create an inclusive and collaborative ecosystem, facilitating the exchange of skills between public and private actors. The City of Turin is a founding partner of Torino Social Impact, as is the Polytechnic University of Turin. The Giacomo Brodolini Foundation is also an active partner in the territorial ecosystem, confirming the importance of networking on innovation and social economy issues.

The SEED (Social Innovation Ecosystem Development) project, coordinated by the Municipality of Turin, won the ESFA call for proposals to strengthen national centers and promote transnational collaboration. The main objectives of the Center are to disseminate knowledge about social innovation, be a reference point for public policy design, and create a bridge between Italy and other European competence centers.

The Center will offer various services, including strategy definition, consulting and training for public bodies, the third sector, and businesses, support for accessing European funding, and promoting cooperation among stakeholders for public-private partnerships.

For more information, click here and here.

Futura Law Firm starl SB, with the support of ICC Italia, has organized a roundtable on July 17 featuring experts from the platform world, with various backgrounds (compliance, software development, entrepreneurship, marketing).

The event will be followed by a networking aperitif.

We believe this will be a great opportunity for the digital community of Turin to meet, especially for operators involved in different stages of the supply chain.

Register here.

The Movimento Consumatori APS, in collaboration with Sloweb, has launched the Observatorio Consumo Digitale Responsabile (OCDR), an initiative aimed at promoting awareness and responsibility in the consumption of digital technologies. This initiative is part of the “AgEnDa: Assistere, Educare, Diffondere” project, funded by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, with the goal of fostering digital transition.

OCDR mission

The OCDR aims to become the first national platform and network dedicated to responsible digital consumption, enabling citizens to discover and utilize digital products and services that have a positive economic, social, and environmental impact. The mission is to make digital consumption more inclusive, sustainable, and conscious, in line with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.

The Observatory is committed to identifying and giving visibility to profit and non-profit entities engaged in responsible digital consumption. By distributing a questionnaire, it collects data on products and services that promote sustainable technological consumption. The gathered data will be used to inform and raise awareness among citizens, as well as to produce position papers and an annual report on the topic.

The OCDR particularly addresses the most vulnerable consumers, helping them to identify and consciously use the technological services and products that best meet their needs. The Observatory does not judge the entities it monitors but provides a space for reporting unresolved consumer issues and can intervene in cases of unfair commercial practices.

How to join?

To join the OCDR, interested entities must complete a membership application form, available here. Membership is reviewed by Movimento Consumatori APS and Sloweb, which approve the publication of information sheets on responsible digital services.

For more information and to participate in the initiative, visit the OCDR website or contact info@ocdr.it.

With this initiative, Movimento Consumatori APS and Sloweb aim to create a more aware and responsible community in the use of digital technologies, contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future.

The coexistence of differences is an essential ingredient for fostering well-being, competitiveness, and value within organizations. With this conviction, Amapola is launching an internal division dedicated to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), further consolidating its commitment to social issues. Since its founding in 2009, the Benefit Corporation has specialized in sustainability consulting and communication. Senior consultant Emilia Blanchetti joins Amapola’s team to lead this initiative, bringing with her thirty years of experience in the field.

The New DEI Division: A Strategic Commitment

Amapola’s approach is based on a deep understanding of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues and solid experience in sustainability consulting and communication. The new DEI consultancy areas include:

• Assessment
• Policy design
• Goals and strategy development
• Communication of the DEI journey
• Reporting on DEI metrics
• Support for certifications, including the gender equality certification UNI PdR 125:2022

Emilia Blanchetti has a long career in sustainability, with extensive experience in consulting, organizing, and managing events and stakeholder engagement projects. She has collaborated with public and private companies, public administrations, governments, and non-profit organizations both nationally and internationally. Among her achievements are complex communication and dissemination projects, as well as coordinating significant national festivals like the Verde e Blu Festival and the WE – Women’s Equality Festival.

Amapola’s Vision and DEI Networking

DEI policies are crucial for organizational growth: they represent a significant social commitment to people and communities, clearly define the company’s values, enhance credibility with stakeholders and the market, and have a tangible impact on results and competitiveness, as numerous studies have shown. Moreover, amid strong regulatory pushes on human rights issues – consider the latest European directives on reporting or due diligence – it is essential to raise awareness by reviewing business processes and extending it to the supply chain. Key application areas include gender equality, support for parenting and caregiving, creating an inclusive work environment, and valuing differences within and outside companies.

“Promoting diversity and inclusion has long been proven to generate competitive advantages. However, in Italy, the topic is still in the process of being fully adopted by many companies”, comments Emilia Blanchetti, the new team leader of Amapola’s division. “We face a multi-speed scenario where each organization must be guided according to its maturity level: some need help setting up a DEI policy, while others need a partner to highlight and enhance existing initiatives. Our proposal starts from an in-depth analysis of real needs using innovative tools and is always results-oriented and focused on improving competitiveness”.

The proposed methodology is based on stakeholder relationships, active listening, facilitation, and co-designing DEI strategies with the participation and involvement of all key interlocutors. This approach helps stabilize and solidify the process because it is based on shared values, projects, and objectives. Furthermore, thanks to a vast network of relationships at the national level, Amapola can activate synergies on DEI projects with accredited and institutional partners, creating profitable collaborations with businesses, associations, NGOs, and public administrations.

A New Milestone

“We embrace the words of activist Fabrizio Acanfora, who suggests talking about the coexistence of differences rather than inclusion: a horizontal and egalitarian perspective on the subject that convinces us”, explains Elena Mancino, Amapola partner. “For Amapola, this new division is not just a business goal but a new milestone in a journey. Emilia brings with her a wealth of valuable experience and passion for our reality.”

Amapola Srl Benefit Corporation specializes in sustainability consulting with a particular focus on communication. Founded in 2009, it accompanies companies and organizations in building sustainability pathways and projects, making them alive and shared with all stakeholders. To this end, it offers structured listening and stakeholder engagement services, institutional and environmental communication, sustainability reporting, media relations, content production, video production, and event organization, along with consultancy in conflict management and the creation of CSR projects. Amapola has operational offices in Milan, Turin, and Alessandria, as well as a network of correspondents throughout Italy.

On the occasion of the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024, on September 28th and 29th, Giardino Forbito confirms its collaboration with Slow Food with a dedicated program. As always, this will take place within the context of the Googreen Biodiversity Market, which, for this event, will be held over two days and will host local farmers and artisans, as well as national excellence.

Saturday, September 28

• Interviews with producers conducted by Alice Poli and Antonella Giani
• Presentation of the book “Fail or You’re Dead” by Acquario Editions
• Environmental workshops by Metropolitan Pollinators, Beesù, and Erbabrusca
• Presentation of the “Googreen Immersive Walks,” in collaboration with Art Site Land, Andrate Nordic Walking, and Orchestra Terra Madre

Sunday, September 29

• Stand-up comedy by Serena Bongiovanni
• Talk Conversas: Recycling
• “Man Reads Nature.” In collaboration with Book Silent Torino
• Environmental workshops by Metropolitan Pollinators, Beesù, and Erbabrusca
• Lesson on the “Seed Planter” and presentation of the immersive walk at Palazzo Traversa and the Bra vegetable gardens, in collaboration with Aregoladarte and the Bra Civic Museums
• Photo and video reportage by Greta Stella

The first webinar for the European Week for Waste Reduction took place on Friday 21 June, entitled: “Let’s do it! Business strategy for reduce food waste“.

2024 will be the year dedicated to food waste and the environmental, social and economic consequences it entails. Precisely for this reason the webinar focuses on the solutions and strategies that companies can undertake or have already undertaken to solve this problem.

Here are the invited companies and their actions:

How to recover food and promote conscious consumption, with Matteo Guidi of LAST MINUTE MARKET – IMPRESA SOCIALE S.R.L.
Concrete food sharing solutions for charity in the profit and non-profit sector with Marco Raspati from Regusto – Recuperiamo Società Benefit
The impact of food waste and how large retailers can minimize it thanks to the first digital assistant against waste, with Andrea Albert Maria Gasco of iThanks
How to create a culture of regeneration, from systems to good daily practices with Fiorenza Genovese of the Iren Group
How does the European Week For Waste Reduction plays a fundamental role in guiding businesses to take action to reduce food waste, with Bernardo Piccioli Fioroni of Utilitalia

Since 2015, Progesia has been guiding companies on a journey of growth and awareness towards sustainability and social impact.

Today, with Antonella Moira Zabarino, Sole Administrator of Progesia, we discover how this organization is working to create a more conscious and committed work environment and community in promoting sustainable and inclusive practices.

The interview is conducted by Francesco Antonioli.

Watch previous episodes here.