CLEAN TECH, FOOD SYSTEMS AND BIOECONOMY

Course introduction: programme, objectives, assessment method, and project work guidelines.

The Global Food Systems: functioning, key concepts, challenges, and transformations. Case study: soybeans and coffee Screening and class discussion: -Soyalism (2018), documentary, Amazon Prime -Omnivore (2024), documentary, episode “Coffee”. Apple TV

Cleantech Challenge-Based Learning/1: Tackling Real-World Problems. Energy and Power: Focusing on long-duration energy storage, smart grids, and green hydrogen to ensure reliability in a net-zero future. Industrial Efficiency: carbon capture, circular construction techniques, and advanced waste-to-energy solutions (such as turning waste into biochar). Smart Agriculture: Using technology to reduce environmental impacts, such as "wearable" technology for crops to inform farmers on health and reduce water or chemical use. Materials & Resources: Advancing circular economy principles by developing materials that replace fossil fuel products and recycling critical materials

Methodology lecture: challenge-based learning approach, group work structure and assignment guidelines. Group assignment: finalisation of group topics and selection of the challenge.

Digital Traceability in Food Supply Chains: benefits, standards, key technologies, and scaling. In an era marked by globalization and rapid technological advancements, the agri-food sector confronts both unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Among these, digital traceability systems have emerged as pivotal in enhancing operational efficiencies, ensuring food safety, and promoting transparency throughout the supply chain. Case Study and Guest Lectures : -Antares Vision Group SpA -Wiseside Srl

Cleantech Challenge-Based Learning/2 Business Model Validation: learning to assess the commercial viability of green technologies. Assessing the commercial viability of clean tech challenges Business models in long development cycles, high capital intensity, and regulatory dependence, Students will be encouraged to tackle the main business model challenges: massive investment cycle, bridging the gap between initial R&D and market adoption, and strategies for technological validation and financial sustainability.

The Earth Observation Techniques for the Food Systems: Earth Observation (EO) techniques for food systems utilise satellite imagery, drones, and sensors to monitor crop health, soil conditions, and land use for enhanced productivity and food security. Key techniques include multispectral imaging (NDVI), synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and thermal sensing to optimise irrigation, forecast yields, detect pests, and track agricultural sustainability at both regional and individual field levels. Case study: -Demetra by Coldiretti

Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Planning and Novel Farming Systems: They are innovative, technology-driven methods—such as vertical farming, hydroponics, aquaponics, and insect farming—designed to produce food more sustainably, using fewer natural resources and reducing environmental impact compared to traditional agriculture. These systems focus on resource efficiency, climate change adaptation, and reducing the footprint of food production. Guest Lecture: Ferrari Farm

Group presentations: presentation and discussion of group assignments. Individual assignment: explanation of the individual project work and expected outputs.

Protein transition: The protein transition is a global shift in food systems toward producing and consuming more plant-based, fermented, and cultivated proteins while reducing reliance on conventional animal-based proteins. It aims to improve sustainability, enhance food security, and improve public health, often aiming for a 60% plant-based and 40% animal-based ratio. Key Aspects of the Transition: Consumer Shift: Increasing uptake of plant-based products, though consumer behavior often lags behind market supply. Policy Support: Initiatives like the EU's Farm to Fork Strategy and the Healthy China 2030 Plan promote this shift. Innovation: Developing second-generation plant-based products for better taste and nutrition; Diverse Sources: Exploring new protein sources, including algae, seaweed, and insects. New genetic techniques (NGTs), often termed precision breeding, are innovative methods developed after 2001 that alter the genetic material of organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) faster and more precisely than conventional breeding. Key methods like CRISPR-Cas9 allow for targeted changes, such as adding, removing, or substituting DNA, often without introducing foreign DNA. These techniques are crucial for developing climate-resilient, disease-resistant, and more nutritious crops while reducing reliance on pesticides and fertilisers. Guest lecture: Agricoltura Cellulare

Individual assignment: project work guidelines and in-class development. Cleantech Challenge-Based Learning/3 Networking: how to access to grants scheme, investors, and potential co-founders. The technology landscape is competitive, focusing on capital efficiency, deep tech, and AI integration and funding opportunities are centered around EU initiatives EIC Accelerator (Flagship EU): up to €2.5M in grants and up to €10M+ in equity for high-risk, high-potential deep tech startups (TRL 6-8). The 2026 budget exceeds €1.4 billion. EIC Pathfinder (2026): early-stage research (TRL 1-4) with grants up to €4M+. Eurostars: €300k–€500k per partner for cross-border collaborative R&D projects. EIC ACCESS+: up to 50% co-funding for deep-tech startups to access specialized business services from the EIC Service Catalogue until May 31, 2026. Regional Funding: In Italy, Invitalia is managing regional grants for start-ups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs)

Cleantech Challenge-Based Learning/4 Pitch Competitions: presenting cleantech startup ideas or prototypes for funding Students will be coached to successful cleantech pitching , requiring balancing technical innovation with clear environmental impact, scalability, and, often needing to demonstrate regulatory advantages. The lectures will also deal with how to quantify data, such as carbon footprint reduction, and target specialized impact investors to navigate the capital-intensive nature of the cleantech sector. Equipping students with both the technological expertise and business acumen to launch cleantech startups and convert early-stage ideas into viable businesses. Wrap-up: key takeaways, future implications and submission of the final project work.