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CiaoTech-Gruppo PNO  specializes in delivering cutting-edge innovation and exploitation services across the EU.

With a strong focus on food innovation and sustainable solutions, CiaoTech is excited to contribute its expertise to the transformative MICROORC project.

The objective of the team, composed of Patrizia Circelli, Simona Mincione, and Manuela Guiducci, is to drive impactful change in reducing food waste and advancing sustainability within the food processing chain, in alignment with the European Commission’s Farm-to-Fork agenda.

Want to know more about how CiaoTech is making a difference? Read on!

Can you present yourself and your company?  

CIAOTECH is a leading EU consultancy company and part of the PNO Group. CIAOTECH specializes in innovation and exploitation services for R&D. The company has developed unique methodology for exploitation within EU projects, with a strong focus on the food innovation and sustainable solutions. Our expertise will play a pivotal role in maximizing the impact of the MICROORC project. 

How and why did you join the MICROORC adventure?

At CIAOTECH, we have always been driven by a commitment to leading innovation in sectors critical to the future of our planet. From the moment we were introduced to the MICROORC initiative, we recognized a unique opportunity to apply our expertise to a transformative initiative impacting food SMEs and consumers. MICROORC’s focus on microbiomes innovation in food and food processing chain to reduce food loss and waste aligns perfectly with our core values and strategic objectives. 

We joined the MICROORC initiative because we strongly believe in its potential to transform food systems and drive sustainability across Europe and beyond. Leveraging our proven expertise and collaborating with visionary partners, we aim to accelerate the market adoption of innovative solutions that will shape the future of sustainable food systems and drive meaningful change. 

For us, MICROORC is not just a project; it’s a relevant step to push the boundaries of innovation within the European Commission’s Farm-to-Fork agenda. 

Can you explain the work that will be carried out in your Work Package?

In Work Package 7, our primary goal is to lead the successful exploitation, dissemination, and communication of the MICROORC project, ensuring its visibility, impact, and long-term sustainability. Our efforts focus on positioning the project’s innovations for market adoption and food industry transformation. 

We began by establishing a comprehensive exploitation strategy to bring MICROORC’s technologies and solutions to market, targeting key stakeholders within the food value chain. This will also include the development of tailored business models that align with market needs, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability goals. 

In parallel, we have been leading an extensive dissemination and communication campaign to raise awareness among industry players, academia, policymakers, and the general public. This includes the design of strategic communication materials, participation in international conferences, and the use of digital platforms to showcase the project’s key results. 

Additionally, we are utilizing our proprietary Wheesbee platform (https://www.wheesbee.eu/) to map the innovation ecosystem around MICROORC. Wheesbee is an advanced search solution that supports innovation processes by providing real-time insights. It extracts data from over 250 million patents, scientific publications, and more than 5 million research and innovation projects across the web and internal repositories.  This allows us to ensure that MICROORC remains at the forefront of cutting-edge innovation and maximizes its impact on the global food industry. 

 What is your vision on reducing food waste for the next 10 years?

Our vision for reducing food waste over the next decade is one that blends technologies, sustainability, and collaboration across the entire food value chain. We believe that by coupling innovations in microbiomes in food and the food processing chain, smart packaging, and data-driven insights, we can significantly cut down food spoilage and loss at every stage—from production to consumption. 

What is your ambitions for MICROORC?

Our primary ambition is to ensure that MICROORC not only achieves its scientific and technological goals but also creates a lasting impact in reducing food waste and promoting innovations across Europe and beyond. 

And most importantly, we aim to see MICROORC innovations widely adopted by industry, including small and medium enterprises, enabling businesses to leverage these advancements to create more sustainable processes. We want to significantly extend the shelf life of food products, enhance food safety, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable food system.