INFN and CDP begin working together under the InvestEU Programme

INFN and CDP begin working together under the InvestEU Programme

Cassa Depositi e Prestiti has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN) under which it will advise the institute on promoting a research culture in industry and building skills in the scientific community.


The Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN) and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that aims to drive industrial growth by boosting research in Italian firms and supporting innovative projects that benefit the scientific community.

The partnership, lasting until the end of 2024, will allow INFN – including through its Research for Innovation (R4I) programme – to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the InvestEU programme, with CDP's help as an Advisory Partner to the European Commission within the EU’s investment advisory hub.

The INFN actively advances scientific research in fundamental physics, focusing on nuclear, subnuclear and astroparticle physics, and develops related technologies. It undertakes significant technology projects in partnership with companies, promoting research in the business sector and enhancing expertise through training the scientific community.

CDP's advisory activities in favour of the Institute focus on four macro-areas: analysing the technologies and processes developed by the INFN that are part of the project, as well as the prioritisation of the most advanced scientific Proof of Concepts (POC)1, for potential development at a business level according to feasibility analyses; assessing the competencies of the selected POC project teams and elaboration of a gap analysis for their implementation against industry benchmarks; performing strategic evaluation of the market potential of the scientific research carried out by the individual groups active on the projects; and promoting and developing partnerships aimed at spreading the developed technologies in specific industrial sectors.

“The agreement with CDP marks a significant step in INFN's ongoing journey to promote and enhance its innovation capabilities,”says Mariangela Cestelli Guidi, coordinator of the INFN Technology Transfer Committee. “The Proof of Concept R4I programme is a key strategy where the INFN, via its National Technology Transfer Committee, invests to enhance its top technologies and promote their use in society and industry. A core aim is to boost the specialised and leadership skills of researchers in R4I projects to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. The INFN therefore sees training as vital for its objectives, with CDP being the perfect partner in this field. “We hope the signing of this agreement marks the start of a long and successful partnership,” concludes Cestelli Guidi.
Simone Aibino, Head of Innovation, Digitalisation and Special Projects at CDP, says: “Supporting the National Institute of Nuclear Physics to bridge the gap between research and innovation gives us a great opportunity to bolster Cassa Depositi e Prestiti's role as a National Promotional Institution. Italy faces a stark divide between its top-notch scientific research and turning this wealth of knowledge into innovative, competitive products and services. Through this partnership, drawing on our role as an Advisory Partner of the InvestEU Programme, we aim to offer our expertise in innovation, tech transfer, and venture capital to the INFN, offering support that maximises the influence of INFN and the wider R&D community on society and industry in Italy.”

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1The term “Proof of Concept” (POC) refers to a test model designed to show that a product, service, or workflow can be successfully implemented.