Call for solvers of IOIP-International Open Innovation Program

IOIP is the International Open Innovation Programme based in Emilia-Romagna region, that aims at supporting companies to address specific business challenges by creating strategic matches with other actors of the international innovation ecosystem.

The program involves two types of actors: 21 selected companies from the Emilia-Romagna Region and Italian and international Solvers coming from both the Business and Research world, in particular micro-enterprises, SMEs, scale-ups, start-ups, spin-offs, laboratories, research groups and researchers.

The business challenges addressed by the first edition of the program regard Resources Innovation, in particular Circular Economy and Water Nexus, and are grouped into three thematic clusters:

1.  Waste recovery and reutilization

2. Automation and process efficiency 

3. New materials and resources optimization

The program consists of two main components:

The Long-Term Matchmaking phase is dedicated to the 21 selected companies based in Emilia-Romagna and the admitted Solvers, who will work together to address the companies’ challenges. Both companies and Solvers have 3 months to connect, match, and explore opportunities to co-create solutions around shared business needs.

The Final Event marks the conclusion of IOIP, providing an opportunity for additional matches and networking with the national and international innovation community. The event is open to innovation stakeholders from around the world who are interested in joining the Emilia-Romagna Ecosystem, a region known for its culture, innovation, and globally leading companies.

Why participate?

A unique chance for micro-enterprises, SMEs, scale-ups, start-ups, spin-offs, laboratories, research groups and individual researchers from all over the world to meet with Corporate partners and create a win-win business relationship. The goal is to co-develop solutions around shared business needs.

You can encounter many top companies in the international innovation ecosystem, expanding your network building useful connections and new relationships.

Moreover, IOIP is an extraordinary opportunity to enter the Italian market.