Insubria as Italian lead partner of the SUST-STAM project: cross-border innovation in stem cells for regenerative medicine

On Friday 10 April, the Università degli Studi dell'Insubria hosts in Varese the kick-off meeting for the launch of the project "Cross-border Insubrian ecosystem for start-ups and excellence enterprises in the field of stem cells for regenerative medicine (SUST-STAM)", funded under the Interreg Italy-Switzerland Programme, a cross-border cooperation initiative aimed at supporting and strengthening innovation ecosystems between the two countries.

The event, scheduled to take place in the Aula Magna of the Collegio Cattaneo, via Dunant 7, Varese, will begin at 11 am with institutional greetings from Insubria's Acting Pro-Rector Umberto Piarulli, from Elena Recchia on behalf of the Programme Management Authority, from Fiorenza Ratti, the Canton of Ticino representative, and from Flavia Marinelli, Director of the University's Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences. These will be followed by a presentation of the project and its partners, and a round table discussion. The event is also open to interested members of the public.

The project partnership comprises the Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, the Fondazione Istituto Insubrico di Ricerca per la Vita (FIIRV), the Swiss Stem Cell Foundation, the Università del Piemonte Orientale, and Heta Res Srl.

The meeting represents a significant milestone in the launch of the project and the sharing of its strategic objectives, as well as an opportunity for dialogue with local businesses interested in seizing opportunities in innovation, research, and technology transfer in the field of regenerative medicine. The global market for stem cell therapies (the most relevant segment for regenerative medicine) is currently valued at between 4 and 20 billion US dollars (of which approximately 8 billion in Europe), with very high growth rates (CAGR 13–25%).

The University of Insubria is the Italian lead partner of the project and participates with researchers in the biotechnological, engineering, and economic fields, under the supervision of Professor Loredano Pollegioni, the Rector's Delegate for Research and Innovation. "We are proud that the stem cell sector is also being approached with a sustainability-focused vision," highlights Professor Pollegioni, "both from an environmental standpoint, through the use of alternative biomasses and green processes in the production of components required for cell growth, and from an economic perspective, in order to make these innovative therapies increasingly accessible. It is also of strategic importance to develop the production of the necessary compounds in Italy, reducing dependence on foreign supply in the pharmaceutical sector."

(In the photograph, Professor Loredano Pollegioni)