Science
28.06.2019
NOI Techpark “espouses” research and busines
The Bolzano-based technological park inspired by nature
A structure with no environmental impact boasting one of the best examples of sustainability in the world. The NOI Techpark (short for Nature of Innovation) is the first technological park to take its cue from the innovative force of nature. This it does from a strategic position: the South Tyrol, Italy’s green, bilingual region (where both Italian and German are spoken), situated precisely at the centre of Europe, along the continent’s north-south axis. With 70 innovative enterprises, four research institutes (Eurac, Laimburg, Fraunhofer Italia, Agenzia CasaClima), four faculties of the University of Bolzano, 30 laboratories, and 500 highly skilled workers speaking 15 languages and originating from 70 different countries, NOI Techpark is an outstanding example of the challenging economy of innovation.
New lease of life to a former metallurgical hub
Inaugurated on 20 October 2017 as a result of significant public investments, with over 120 million Euro allocated by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano paired with a growth model rooted in collaboration with private entities, NOI Techpark was designed to offer Italy a centre of research and exchange for the business world, and all in the pursuit of environmental sustainability. Particular emphasis was placed on urban regeneration, through the redevelopment of 12 hectares of land home to a former and now abandoned metallurgical hub. The park follows in the wake of other such projects, such as the former d’Orsay station in Paris, now a famous museum, or London’s Tate Modern Gallery, situated in an ex coal-fired power station.
The concept of caring for the planet has always guided the project since its inception. Indeed, it was the first project in Europe and the second in the world to receive the LEED ND v4 Plan GOLD certification for its zero impact on the surrounding nature. Those working at this highly sustainable centre, powered by renewable energy, study, design and build green technologies aimed at reducing the impact of human activity on nature, in every walk of life.
Four research areas: Green, Food, Digital and Automation
Boasting peaks of excellence in the four sectors lying at the heart of the technological park – Green, Food, Digital, Automation – NOI Techpark has already been chosen by important companies such as Leitner, Maccaferri and Microtec, who have established their research centres here. The park features many unique laboratories, such as Eurac Research’s terraXcube: a climatic chamber that simulates the planet’s most extreme weather conditions to study their influence on man, on ecological processes and on technology.
Work in the district continues, and the next steps have already been established: 28 March 2019 saw the inauguration of D1, the first expansion module – comprising 22,000 cubic meters – entirely dedicated to businesses, while in 2021 NOI Techpark will be joined by EURAC Research’s Institute of Biomedicine and the following year by Unibz’s new Faculty of Engineering.
