The Gresmalt Group is participating in the ICARO UNIMORE project, an experimental initiative by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia dedicated to advanced training for students on innovation topics. The involvement takes place through the REDiRECT project, with the launch of two challenges focused on promoting circular economy solutions in the ceramics sector.

ICARO UNIMORE is a training program of excellence that aims to bring the academic world closer to local businesses, promoting a culture of innovation based on concrete experiences. The project involves the creation of heterogeneous and multidisciplinary teams, each composed of five students, who are called upon to work on real challenges proposed by partner companies. The goal is to stimulate analytical, design, and collaboration skills, offering students the opportunity to tackle authentic business problems.

The program lasts a total of four months and consists of training activities, direct discussions with companies, and structured project work. In this context, the companies involved take on an active role, contributing to the definition of challenges and accompanying the teams in the development of solutions.

Through REDiRECT, Gresmalt proposed two challenges with a specific focus: understanding how to effectively transfer and communicate the value of ceramic mixtures and glazes derived from circular economy processes. The theme requires students to consider not only technical and environmental aspects, but also how to communicate and promote sustainable solutions throughout the ceramic supply chain.

The challenges were tackled by two separate teams. The “Ceramici” group, composed of Giandomenico Rigato, Alberto Marano, Giovanni Anniballi, Domiziana Dattola, and Anna Spartà, and the “GRE.EN PASTI” team, formed by Martina Canazza, Susanna Munari, Stefano Sgubbi, Lisa Volpi, and Leonardo Corradini. Both groups developed innovative proposals based on the guidelines provided by the company and the relevant industrial context.

During the project, students had the opportunity to engage with company representatives and the project team, progressively refining the solutions they had developed. The work addressed challenges related to material sustainability, the promotion of circular processes, and the need to make the value of these approaches clear and understandable even to non-specialists.

The solutions developed were presented to the project team and stakeholders involved during the final event scheduled for July 2021. The meeting represents the conclusion of the project and an opportunity for discussion between universities, students, and businesses, highlighting the value of collaboration between the academic world and the local production sector.

Participation in ICARO UNIMORE confirms Gresmalt's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote applied innovation and the dissemination of circular economy models, contributing to the development of skills in young people and strengthening dialogue with the local community.