Cities in Transit — Multicultural Stories and Perspectives

An event exploring the relationship between migration and urban transformation by bringing different experiences and viewpoints into dialogue.


February 5, 2026 — Open Incet, Piazza Teresa Noce 17
Time: 6:30 PM

What does a city look like when seen through the perspectives of people with migrant backgrounds?

Starting from the cultural and community work of the Porta Palazzo Community Foundation and the storytelling and place-discovery practices developed by Viaggi Solidali through the Migrantour project, the event will offer a multifaceted view of the city as a space where diversity takes shape.

A collective narrative that considers urban space not as a simple backdrop but as a living field of relationships, tensions, and possibilities—where migrants contribute every day to reshaping places, connections, and collective imaginaries.

Speakers

  • Rosina Chiurazzi Morales, Migrantour Coordinator — Viaggi Solidali
  • Souad Maddahi, Porta Palazzo Community Foundation

Register for free

Space microgravity: an opportunity for research and innovative businesses

The Innovative Companies Incubator of Politecnico di Torino (I3P), in collaboration with ESA BIC Turin, will host an event dedicated to the research and business opportunities offered by the access to microgravity environments, the innovative technologies developed by the innovative start-up Space Cargo Unlimited and its range of services available to other start-ups.


Space Cargo Unlimited (SCU), a European start-up based in Luxembourg and with a legal entity in Italy since 2022, is a pioneer of commercial microgravity research and production on an international level. Over the past decade, SCU has developed and flown three space missions, including two long-duration experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) and one sub-orbital research flight on Blue Origin’s New Shepard. In September 2025, Space Cargo Unlimited raised €27.5 million with Europe’s largest Series A funding round for in-space manufacturing, led by Expansion Ventures and supported by Eurazeo with participation of the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

SCU’s flagship research program, Mission WISE, was the first commercially-driven, end-to-end, in-space manufacturing initiative focusing on agriculture and biotech: with it, SCU gained deep expertise in payload development, system integration, safety certification, launch logistics and post-flight retrieval. Building on this legacy, SCU has developed BentoBox, a scalable, automated microgravity research and manufacturing platform, and the company is in the process of having its own vehicle, as well as flying with different platforms in Europe and USA.

With a team of former Airbus Defence & Space directors and engineers and national space agency project managers, SCU combines aerospace expertise with a commercially driven approach, positioning itself as a leader in high-frequency, affordable microgravity services to advance European space industrialization. The Italian entity is based in Turin, the national “capital of space”, and supported by the incubation program ESA BIC Turin, managed by I3P in collaboration with Politecnico di Torino and LINKS Foundation. The company is already working with industry leaders such as Thales Alenia Space, for the joint development of the first floating space factory REV1, and is currently planning to grow its team and collaborations in the Piedmont region in the coming months.

How to participate

The event will be held, in English language, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 16:00 (4 p.m.) to 18:00 (6 p.m.), in attendance in I3P – which is located within the Campus of Politecnico di Torino and accessible from two different pedestrian entrances at Corso Castelfidardo 30 and Via Borsellino 53/N – in Turin, Italy.

Participation is free, after registration on Eventbrite.

Agenda

  • 16:00 | Reception of the registered audience
  • 16:10 | Welcome greetings and introduction – Leo Italiano, Senior Consultant of I3P and Program Manager of ESA BIC Turin
  • 16:15 | Keynote: “From Earth to Space and back: the benefit of Space and new markets opportunity for SMEs” – Nicolas Gaume, Co-Founder & CEO of Space Cargo Unlimited
  • 17:00 | The SCU roadmap on 2026-2027 missions and upcoming opportunities for research, start-ups and industry – Mathieu Goudot, Chief Revenue Officer of Space Cargo Unlimited
  • 17:45 | Q&A session with the audience
  • 18:00 | Conclusions

European Project Design and Gender Mainstreaming: Programs and Best Practices

In 2026, the Gender equality Community of Practice continues its work with a session dedicated to “European Project Design and Gender Mainstreaming: Programs and Best Practices”.


The meeting took place at Nuova Collaborazione, a partner in the ecosystem, and was co-organized with the European Projects Hub of Torino Social Impact and Impacto Research Centre, an organization with extensive experience in European project design.

The session opened with Monica Cerutti, curator of the Community of practice, highlighting that gender equality is a cross-cutting issue in European project planning. From organizational policies to project proposals for calls, fostering a culture that integrates gender and equality is central to meaningful change.

The discussion provided an overview of key tools, including Gender Equality Plans, which are often seen as a formal requirement but can become a genuine driver of cultural transformation within organizations if applied effectively. Monica Cerutti explained:

“Gender mainstreaming means ensuring that the gender perspective is not confined to a specific area but becomes a lens through which we view all policies. Gender should be at the center: in every policy, in every project.”

It emerged that gender mainstreaming can enhance scientific quality, increase the social relevance of results, and strengthen the impact of policies and solutions. It is a lever for quality and innovation, not merely a compliance requirement, capable of generating real opportunities and benefits for organizations.

Alessia Ibba, Project Manager of the European Projects Hub for Social Economy at Torino Social Impact, then led a theoretical session titled “European Project Design, Gender Dimension, and Gender Mainstreaming”. She outlined key European programs that incorporate and promote the gender dimension, including Erasmus+, CERV, and AMIF, highlighting their approaches, objectives, and opportunities:

  • CERV – Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values: Supports open, rights-based, democratic, fair, and inclusive societies under the rule of law. Gender equality is both a standalone priority and a cross-cutting theme.

  • AMIF – Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund: Promotes effective, fair, and supportive migration management, protecting the rights of migrants, asylum seekers, and beneficiaries of international protection. Gender is addressed both as a specific focus and as a transversal principle, with strong attention to intersectionality.

  • Erasmus+: Promotes learning, inclusion, and active participation of young people in Europe and beyond. Gender equality is integrated as part of the horizontal priority of inclusion and diversity and across the program’s objectives.

The session then explored practical ways to integrate gender mainstreaming into project proposals, emphasizing that it has been an EU principle since the 1990s. It serves as a tool to systematically embed gender perspectives into policies, practices, and project phases, helping dismantle discrimination and improve outcomes. Key points include:

  • Integrating gender perspectives across all policies (from design to evaluation)

  • Preventing and correcting inequalities through policy and practice

  • Understanding that gender mainstreaming is a tool, not an end in itself

  • The EU’s dual approach: mainstreaming gender in all policies + targeted measures to prevent or correct inequalities

During the practical workshop “Making a Project More Equitable: Applying Gender Mainstreaming in European Design” led by Valentina Crepaldi and Silvia Fazio of Impacto Centro Studi, participants worked on the VOICES – Migration Stories for Inclusive Policies case study (CERV Remembrance, with a migration-focused sub-call).

Through hands-on analysis, participants applied gender mainstreaming principles to project design, experimenting with methodologies, tools, and approaches. The workshop highlighted the importance of critical thinking in design and the ability to step outside local contexts to understand the broader EU policy and project landscape.

Sustainability reporting: how to address the challenges of 2026

Webinar | Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 12:00–12:40 CET | live on Zoom


In 2026, sustainability reporting is entering a period of realignment. Ongoing discussions around the Omnibus package and the simplification of the European regulatory framework have raised a recurring question: does sustainability reporting still matter, especially when there is no direct legal obligation?

Starting from this question, Amapola is hosting the webinar Sustainability reporting: how to address the challenges of 2026—a short, practical session in dialogue format, designed to clarify what will actually change in 2026 and how to set up voluntary sustainability reporting that supports relationships across value chains and with the financial sector.

For many companies, the answer does not lie in regulation alone. It lies in the market. Even when legal requirements are reduced or postponed, ESG information requests continue to flow through value chains and financial relationships. Lead customers, procurement teams, banks and providers of public or blended finance increasingly ask for reliable data, clear governance, commitments and measurable outcomes. In this context, the most relevant question is no longer “Do I have to report?”, but a more concrete one: what information do I need to be credible and reliable in the eyes of the market?

The webinar will take the form of a conversation between Giulia Devani, Head of Reporting at Amapola, and Micol Burighel, Head of Communication. In 40 minutes, the aim is to provide a pragmatic compass: an up-to-date overview of the evolving landscape and an essential pathway to building lean yet robust sustainability reporting, without overburdening internal processes.

Agenda

The first part will offer a concise update on the 2026 landscape, helping participants distinguish between changes that may genuinely affect business decisions and more superficial readings of the regulatory debate.

The second part will focus on market expectations, value chains and the role of the financial sector. Particular attention will be given to the growing relevance of ESG information in bank–company dialogue.

The third part will be practical and dedicated to the fundamentals of voluntary sustainability reporting, with a focus on the VSME standard as a practical reference for building proportionate, credible reporting aligned with market expectations. The discussion will highlight both best practices and common pitfalls, with the aim of developing a report that remains useful over time and truly embedded in business strategy.

Practical information

When: Thursday, February 5, 2026, 12:00–12:40 CET
Where: Zoom (live webinar)
Attendance: free of charge, registration required

Register here

February 20, 2026 – Turin hosts Global Leaders of the Social Economy

On February 20, 2026, Turin will host Business, Social, One Vision, a public forum dedicated to the strategic role of the social economy as a lever capable of integrating economic competitiveness and social justice.


The event is promoted by the Turin Chamber of Commerce, Torino Social Impact, and the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITCILO) and will be held at the Aula Magna Cavallerizza Reale of the University of Turin, on the occasion of World Social Justice Day.

Key speakers

The forum will bring together some of the most authoritative institutional, European, and academic voices on the future of the social economy.

  • Lucia Albano, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance
  • Irene Tinagli, Member of the European Parliament, Chair of the Intergroup on the Social Economy and Services of General Interest (remote)
  • Juan Antonio Pedreño, President of Social Economy Europe
  • Mario Nava, Director-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission
  • Silvia Roggiani, Member of the of the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Parliament
  • Lamia Kamal-Chaoui, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, OECD
  • Olivier De Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights
  • Simel Esim, Head of the Cooperative, Social and Solidarity Economy Unit, International Labour Organization and Chair of the United Nations Inter Agency Task Force on Social and Solidarity Economy
  • Aicha Belassir, Director-General for Social Economy and Corporate Social Responsibility Ministry of Labour and Social Economy, Government of Spain
  • Stefano Granata, President Social Impact Agenda per l’Italia
  • Mario Calderini, Professor at Politecnico di Milano and Spokesperson for Torino Social Impact
  • Gianluca Salvatori, Secretary General of EURICSE
  • Sarah de Heusch, Director of Social Economy Europe
  • Paola Babos, Deputy Director of the ITCILO

Alongside them, numerous experts and key stakeholders from the sector will contribute to the discussion.

Download the programme
Register for free

A pivotal moment for Italy and global policies

The initiative takes place at a crucial time for the development of the social economy in Italy. The sector has been strengthened by the drafting of the National Action Plan for the Social Economy and by the consolidation of European and global policies, while also facing new uncertainties linked to shifts in the European Union’s strategic and geopolitical agenda.

At the heart of the debate will be the contribution of social enterprises and impact-driven models in promoting a just transition toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economy.

The event will deepen understanding of the role of the social economy as a strategic driver for integrating competitiveness, and will highlight the recent work of the Global Coalition for Social Justice on the role of the social and solidarity economy in advancing a human-rights-based economy. It will also explore how, at a time when democratic identity and core values are under pressure and political systems are increasingly polarized by the dominance of power over cooperative approaches, the social economy offers principles and models that serve as pillars for strengthening, practicing, and promoting civic and democratic values.

Turin as a social economy laboratory

Turin hosts the event with the conviction that local territories play a fundamental role in unlocking the potential of impact-driven entrepreneurship. The city stands out for its dynamic and innovative social economy ecosystem, supported by impact-oriented financial institutions and public policies focused on urban regeneration and sustainable development.

Within this context operates Torino Social Impact, an open platform launched in 2017 and now comprising over 400 partners across public and private actors, for-profit and non-profit organizations, finance, philanthropy, and research. This ecosystem has generated innovative projects such as the Social Impact Exchange and has contributed to the adoption of the Metropolitan Plan for the Social Economy Turin 2030.

The city has also been home, since 1964, to the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO). As an integral part of the International Labour Organization, the Centre is committed to promoting decent work and to redefining the future of learning and skills development in the service of social justice and sustainable development.

In 2025, Torino Social Impact launched the communication campaign Business, Social, One Vision to promote the social economy—also lending its title to the February 20 event. The campaign expresses TSI’s vision of impact and economy as a synergistic action that brings together the for-profit and non-profit worlds, building a bridge between the two. The creative concept is based on the portrait of a person of “tomorrow,” ideally a potential entrepreneur of a future that is already present. One eye is styled in a more classic, “business” way; the other evokes diversity and “social” commitment. Both dimensions can coexist, harmoniously reflected in a single face.

Vol.To promotes and explores the use of Artificial Intelligence in the Third Sector

The ISAIA – Innovation and Development for Associations through Artificial Intelligence project is currently underway, dedicated to promoting digital culture and the adoption of Artificial Intelligence within the Third Sector.


The project is implemented by Volontariato Torino ETS and funded by the Turin Chamber of Commerce, and will conclude on September 30, 2026. During these first months of activity, an initial collaboration has been established with the Department of Computer Science of the University of Turin, in particular with MagIA, the Artificial Intelligence magazine promoted by the department.

The project will strengthen collaboration among local stakeholders and enhance the capacity of the Third Sector to address digital challenges, fostering a culture of ethical and inclusive innovation.

At this stage, a fact-finding survey is being carried out with the aim of collecting information on skills, needs, and potential applications of Artificial Intelligence in the Third Sector, in order to jointly design the next phases of the project.

To take part to the survey, please complete this form

Technology changes music

The Incubator for Innovative Enterprises of the Politecnico di Torino (I3P) is organizing a thematic event on the evening of February 19, 2026, titled “Technology Changes Music”, bringing together experts from the sector. The meeting will take place in the Agorà Hall of the incubator.


Technology profoundly influences human daily life, and its ongoing evolution drives increasingly significant changes across industries, professional roles, and everyday habits. Music, too, has continuously transformed alongside human progress and technological advancements: not only instruments and styles have evolved, but also the ways and methods by which music is composed, performed, distributed, and experienced.

Among the innovations that have radically transformed the music world, discoveries in electricity and the invention of sound recording gave rise to new professions and economic activities, enabling many people to make a living from music in ways previously unimaginable. The arrival of the internet and digital platforms further revolutionized the industry. In recent years, artificial intelligence has become the technological frontier, opening new possibilities while raising questions: what does it mean to “make” music today compared to a few decades ago, and which skills will be necessary to produce, sell, or promote it in the future?

To explore this topic—at the intersection of art and industry, with a focus on both present trends and future developments, I3P has organized the event Technology Changes Music, featuring three industry experts:

  • Davide “Boosta” Dileo, co-founder and keyboardist of Subsonica, will share his experiences and reflections as a composer, producer, and sound explorer.
  • Bruno Ruffilli, Editorial Coordinator of Italian Tech and Senior Editor at La Stampa and Repubblica, will provide insights on trends observed during his thirty years of technology journalism.
  • Adriano Marconetto, entrepreneur, former music collector, and author of Vitamine (Cicles Edizioni), will reflect on the evolving business models within the music market.

How to Participate

The event will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6:30 PM in person at the Agorà Hall of I3P, located within the Politecnico di Torino Campus and accessible via two pedestrian entrances: Corso Castelfidardo 30/A and Via Borsellino 53/N.

Participation is free, with registration required via Eventbrite.

Program

  • 6:30 PM | Welcome of registered participants

  • 6:40 PM | Opening remarks and introduction

  • 6:45 PM | Three-way conversation with:

    • Davide “Boosta” Dileo, co-founder and keyboardist of Subsonica, composer and music producer

    • Bruno Ruffilli, Editorial Coordinator of Italian Tech and Senior Editor of La Stampa and Repubblica

    • Adriano Marconetto, Entrepreneur In Residence at I3P and author of Vitamine

  • 7:45 PM | Q&A session with the audience

  • 8:00 PM | Closing remarks

SMART COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE – INTELLIGENZE IN COMUNE Technologies, Data and Impact for the Communities of the Future

The Smart Communities Conference 2026 is a forum for dialogue and co-design promoted by the National Technological Cluster on Smart Communities. The event is dedicated to all those working towards the innovative, sustainable and inclusive development of territories.

February 3, 2026 – online
Time: 9:45 am – 1:00 pm

The morning will open with institutional greetings and the presentation of the Cluster’s vision and 2026 action plan, followed by a keynote speech outlining the emerging challenges for the communities of the future.

At the heart of the event will be a series of thematic working groups, conceived as practical spaces for discussion between businesses, research organisations, public administrations and stakeholders. These sessions will focus on sharing experiences, priorities and common development trajectories.

Agenda

09:45 – 10:00 | Participant access and welcome

10:00 – 10:10 | Opening remarks – Claudia Porchietto, President, National Technological Cluster on Smart Communities Technologies

10:10 – 10:25 | Smart Communities: Vision and 2026 Action Plan – Laura Morgagni, Secretary General, Cluster

10:25 – 10:45 | Keynote speech – to be announced

10:45 – 11:00 | Presentation of the working groups – Gianmarco Piola, Cluster Manager

11:00 – 12:15 | Thematic working groups

12:15 – 12:35 | Final plenary: feedback from the working groups – Gianmarco Piola, Cluster Manager

12:35 – 12:45 | Smart Communities: conclusions

Thematic Working Groups

AI for mobility and local public transport
An overview of the state of the art and future perspectives on the use of artificial intelligence to improve data quality and management for mobility and local public transport systems.

Tools and technologies for air quality
A discussion between public administrations and companies on solutions that deliver tangible improvements in air quality. The session will explore shared innovations and priorities to support healthier cities.

Use cases and pilot projects for new smart and sustainable urban mobility scenarios
Sharing of use cases and pilot initiatives in urban mobility, within an integrated ecosystem of infrastructure, data and services, where technology plays a key role in innovating transport systems and enabling tailored solutions that connect the needs of users and cities.

Small municipalities as laboratories of innovation
Exchange of experiences, technological solutions and development pathways to transform small municipalities into Smart Villages.

Challenges and development interests in Net-Zero Technologies
A discussion on challenges and opportunities for companies and cities related to solar energy, energy storage, batteries, hydrogen, biogas/biomethane and CO₂ capture, with the aim of identifying priority applications and development areas to guide calls, innovation projects and support schemes for European SMEs.

Smart longevity: technologies and collaborative models for active ageing
Sharing interests, initiatives and smart solutions to enhance quality of life in the Silver Age, with a focus on wellbeing, health, recreation, autonomy and safety in the daily lives of people aged 65 and over.

Put Your Talent into Play: the Faber 2025/2026 Call Is Now Open

Applications are officially open for the seventh edition of Faber, the national competition dedicated to young creatives under 35 working in the fields of digital creativity, with the goal of bringing them to the Fabermeeting 2026 in Turin.


“Faber – When Creativity Meets Business” is an initiative involving over 60 companies from the sector in support of young people, innovation, and digital creativity in Piedmont.

It is the main meeting point between emerging talents and companies that believe in the value of creativity and in the potential of new generations.

One of the initiative’s distinctive features is the active role played by partner companies, which contribute skills, vision, and time to identify new languages, talents, and potential collaborators, helping to grow a dynamic and open creative ecosystem.
Faber was born from the awareness that creative enterprises represent a strategic driver of innovation and digital transition.

Not surprisingly, more than 90% of participants in recent editions consider Faber a key milestone in their professional journey.

The challenge unfolds in two stages:

The national competition, open from December 1, 2025 to March 13, 2026, dedicated to young creatives active in the most innovative fields: animation, design, gaming, augmented reality, web, apps, IoT, and other fast-growing areas. This is the first point of contact with partner companies, which evaluate projects, portfolios, and career paths.

The award, culminating at the Fabermeeting, scheduled for May 22 and 23, 2026: two days during which winners meet large and small companies directly, take part in partner-led workshops, and access high-value prizes such as internships and paid collaborations, free access to events and memberships, as well as services and real professional opportunities.

The final event is a major opportunity for connection and collaboration: a place where companies and young talents build ideas, prototypes, and new possibilities together. The objective is to expand the digital market by involving SMEs, artisans, startups, and social innovation organisations, generating demand for new creative services.

As Director Carlo Boccazzi Varotto explains:

“The Fabermeeting is first and foremost a great celebration of digital talent. An event that experiments, anticipates trends, and speaks the languages of today, placing the value of creative enterprises at the centre of the digital transition. It is no coincidence that more and more companies choose to participate actively, sharing skills and offering concrete support to young talents, edition after edition, to help the project grow and improve.”

Since 2007, Faber has involved over 1,200 young people, collaborated with 250 companies, and awarded 180 projects. Across seven editions, it has collected 561 works by 732 creatives and hosted 136 events, including workshops, talks, and roundtables. Partners have grown from 14 in 2008 to over 60 today, forming a community committed to investing in the future of digital creativity.

What’s New in 2026

On the occasion of its twentieth anniversary, the special programme “Faber – Back to the Skill | Discovery Pathways” is launched. This initiative is designed to strengthen dialogue between education, talent, and the future, further enhancing the role of the Fabermeeting as a space for innovation, participation, and the promotion of emerging talent.

The programme is aimed at young people aged 16 to 29, selected through the Unlock Call for Action by Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, within the Città dell’Educazione 16+ programme.

The involvement of these young participants represents significant added value for the Fabermeeting: their active participation will help create a dynamic space for exchange, dialogue, and inspiration. Through direct interaction with competition winners, the programme will offer new orientation opportunities, allowing participants to explore skills, professional visions, and possible future pathways.

The full list of special prizes is available at the following link.

The initiative is promoted by SocialTech, with the contribution of the Turin Chamber of Commerce, Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation, and Torino Social Impact, and with technical support from Weco Impresa Sociale.

How to Participate

Individual or group works created within the last 24 months can be submitted in the following fields:

  • Live action and animation
  • Visual and graphic design
  • Gaming
  • Augmented reality and virtual reality
  • Web, app, and social media communication

Projects will be evaluated by partner companies, which will select participants admitted to the Fabermeeting, taking place on May 22 and 23, 2026 at Toolbox Coworking.

All information on how to apply is available here.

During the Fabermeeting, participants will be able to:

  • Present their work to professionals and companies

  • Take part free of charge in over 30 workshops, seminars, and roundtables

  • Meet partner companies directly

  • Access special prizes offered by partners

Partner Companies

2I3T, 3×1010, Accademia Albertina, Animatò, Armando Testa Factory, Associazione Pangramma, Bianco Tangerine, Bomberos Design, Buns, Circolo Del Design, Confcooperative Piemonte Nord, Creative Mornings Turin, CSI Piemonte, DANT, Domino, Eggers, Enanimation, Fablab Torino, Fondazione CSC – Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia, Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini, Fondazione ITS ICT Piemonte, Fondazione Piemonte Innova, Forestae, Giorgio Risi Srl, Graphic Days, Hackability, IAAD, Ibrido Studio, ICCI Hub – Italian Cultural Content Industry, IED, Impact Hub, Impactskills, Imperfect, Latte Creative, Libera Brand Building, Libre SC, Limo Comunicazione, Makpi – Making Piemonte, Mamazen, Master in Journalism “Giorgio Bocca”, No Real Interactive, Nova APS, Nova Coop, Novajo, Open Incet, Pandora Studio, Print Club Torino, Quotidiano Piemontese, RedAbissi, Sixeleven, SocialFare, Synesthesia, Talent Garden, The Spiritual Machine, Tiny Bull Studio, Toolbox, Top-ix, Triplesense Reply, Zandegù.

For more information: www.fabermeeting.it
Press Office: Fabrizio Vespa +39 338 7606183

Bench-Mark | Ep. 101 – LUCAS

Impact economy is a team effort: creating change requires reliable partners along the way.

Within the Torino Social Impact ecosystem, LUCAS stands out as a guide: since 2002, it has supported local businesses, organizations, and projects, helping them design development strategies that contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive city.

Interview by Francesco Antonioli.

Watch all past episodes of Bench-Mark here.