PhD Innovation Challenge: Mission Accomplished!

BrainX’s very first event, the PhD Innovation Challenge, was a resounding success! On February 27th, the event brought together PhD students, researchers, and industry professionals to share insights, tackle a creative challenge, and expand their networks.

Event Kickoff & Inspirational Talks

The day began with warm greetings from Rossella Lombardozzi (ART-ER S. cons. p. a.) and Professor Giacomo Cabri (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia). Their opening remarks set the tone for an evening focused on bridging the gap between academic research and the professional world. Soon after, an inspiring interview with Fabio Ferrari of Ammagamma captured the audience’s imagination. Fabio shared his journey of transitioning from doctoral research into entrepreneurship, highlighting the real challenges posed by the misalignment between academia and industry.

The Innovation Challenge

Central to the event was the PhD Innovation Challenge. Participants were invited to develop a multidisciplinary project that leveraged their unique skills to address a concrete problem. The inventive ideas that emerged during the challenge were truly remarkable and served as a testament to the talent and creativity within the community.

Networking & Community Building

To round off the evening, we hosted a networking aperitif at the Department of Economics “Marco Biagi.” This informal setting allowed participants to connect, discuss ideas, and forge new collaborations in a relaxed atmosphere. The event was a celebration of diversity and innovation, with contributions from various departments and doctoral schools inspiring us all.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our sincere gratitude to every participant, the BrainX team, and our partners from ART-ER and UNIMORE. A special thanks goes to our project sponsor, HubinPolis, for making this event possible. Your energy and creativity have set a high standard, and we can’t wait to see what the next event will bring!

Stay tuned for our next event as we continue our mission to connect academia with industry and foster innovation across all disciplines.

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