I3-EPIC Consortium Meeting held in Bologna, Italy, on 27–28 May 2025.

Over two enriching days, we achieved important milestones in reviewing our project progress, aligning on next steps, and strengthening our shared vision for impactful innovation.

🔹 Day 1 Highlights – 27 May | Sala Rossa @ ART-ER c/o IFAB
Our meeting began with a warm welcome from Clusters MECH and HEALTH, followed by insightful updates across all work packages:
• WP6 Management (NanoProgress)
• WP1 Progress (INEGI)
• WP2 Progress (MECH)
• WP3 Capacity Building (PACK Cluster)
• WP4 Progress (DBH)
• WP5 Progress (BIC)

We wrapped up the morning with an open discussion, leading into a dynamic workshop on the Emilia-Romagna Regional Innovation Ecosystem, featuring expert speakers:
 Francesco Tutino (Emilia-Romagna Region)
 Valeria Bandini (ART-ER)
 Lucia Cortelli (ART-ER)

The afternoon continued with a guided visit to Tecnopolo Bologna CNR, where we explored cutting-edge research facilities and technology transfer initiatives. We closed the day with a cultural walking tour and a networking dinner at Osteria Broccaindosso.

🔹 Day 2 Highlights – 28 May | CDE Room @ ART-ER
The second day was dedicated to strategic dialogue and forward planning:
• WP1 insights for business case inspiration (INEGI)
• A collaborative T3.3 brainstorming session on use cases (DBH)
• A concluding discussion to align on next steps for the coming months

In the afternoon, we proudly participated in the Sustainable Packaging Innovation Showcase at Museo del Patrimonio Industriale. This event brought together the EPIC Consortium, the Catalan APC delegation, and members of MECH, HEALTH, and AGRIFOOD clusters to explore trends, European synergies, and start-up innovation in the packaging sector.

We sincerely thank Clusters MECH and HEALTH for the warm welcome in Italy and excellent organisation of the outstanding consortium meeting.