Inaugural Innovation LAB

Nov 4, 2024

LAMORO Development Agency hosted its inaugural Innovation LAB on October 31, taking a significant step towards advancing key initiatives in the regional Circular Food Hub.

The Food Hub’s primary objective is to devise innovative solutions that minimize food waste by integrating synergistic production processes. This “closed loop” approach aims to maximize the value of food products and by-products, benefiting both economic operators and the environment. At the Innovation LAB, a diverse group of participants from the agri-food sector, including representatives from the poultry, fruit and vegetable and wine supply chains, shared insights into their activities. Additionally, experts from the Piedmont Region’s environmental sector, the Consortium of Large Areas COVAR14 and the CGREEN (Green Chemistry and Advanced Material) Innovation Hub, contributed with their knowledge and expertise.

The Innovation LAB featured presentations on the CEFoodCycle project and the global concept of circular food hubs. A practical example of circular food initiatives, the “UOVO CIRCOLARE” project, was showcased. This collaboration between BEF Biosystems, Fantolino agricultural company, and UNISG – University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo, provided a concrete model for attendees. Following a brief questionnaire and a short break, participants engaged in a design thinking workshop. Inspired by the “Uovo Circolare” model, they simulated the creation of a Piedmontese Circular Food Hub. The event concluded with a summary of key discussions and final reflections.