Federated Innovation @MIND operates within the Milano Innovation District as a pioneering model of collaborative innovation. Its primary activities revolve around fostering partnerships between private and public entities to propel advancements in two main thematic areas: Future of Health and City of the Future. These initiatives are developed through a structured ecosystem comprising 39 leading companies, over 170 startups and small and medium-sized enterprises, and ecosystem support players. The focus on open and federated innovation facilitates the co-design, prototyping, and scaling of transformative solutions.

The alignment with the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) lies in its emphasis on sustainability and circular economy, urban innovation, and decarbonisation, meeting EU mandates for zero fossil fuels on site. Federated Innovation’s projects aim to address global challenges such as climate resilience, digitalisation, and sustainable urban development. Key sectors include energy transition and mobility, life sciences & wellbeing, smart places and building innovation, urban digitisation and new services.

By leveraging cross-sector synergies and an inclusive governance structure, Federated Innovation enhances the economic and social value chains critical for future-ready cities and resilient healthcare systems.

Local authorities have greatly benefitted from Federated Innovation’s ability to unite public and private entities to drive sustainable innovation, particularly in healthcare and urban development. A notable collaboration involves the Galeazzi Hospital, which has become a focal point for groundbreaking initiatives that integrate innovation and sustainability. In particular:

• Material Flow Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment of the Radiology Unit

This initiative, led by Bracco and Stevanato Group, leverages advanced methodologies such as Material Flow Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment to analyse the hospital's radiology unit. The project identifies environmental hotspots and recommends interventions to reduce environmental impact, optimise resource usage, and minimise waste management costs.

Implementation Steps: the initiative involves setting up processes, conducting detailed data inventory, analysing material flows, assessing life cycles, and providing actionable recommendations to mitigate environmental impacts.

• Circular Water Resource Management in Healthcare Facilities

Proposed by Bracco, Synlab Italia, and IRCCS Galeazzi Hospital, this project aims to implement a circular approach to water resource management in hospitals and related facilities. The initiative focuses on wastewater separation, purification, and recycling, alongside the recovery of valuable materials.

Implementation: the project includes comprehensive analysis of current processes and international best practices, technology scouting through open calls, and a Demo Day to showcase selected solutions.

Finally, key projects involving the Human Technopole and Cascina Triulza demonstrate Federated Innovation’s efforts not only support local infrastructure but also attract investment and expertise, benefiting the broader region.

This integrated approach highlights how Federated Innovation empowers local authorities to achieve strategic goals while fostering long-term socio-economic benefits.

While Federated Innovation @MIND primarily operates in Italy, we are fully committed to foster international collaborations with similar realities, which have a like-minded vision.

As such, we have recently signed a partnership with SHIFT, the catalyst for innovators in east London. They work with startups, businesses, innovators and academics to improve local outcomes and set the standard for sustainable cities worldwide.

• The Federated Innovation model serves as a best practice for European cities through its emphasis on:
• Federated governance that aligns public and private interests, fostering co-investment in shared challenges.
• Open innovation ecosystems that encourage cross-sector collaboration, driving economic revitalisation.
• Sustainability-first agendas that prioritise de-carbonisation and circular economy principles.

By integrating diverse actors, leveraging a shared digital platform, and promoting inclusive growth, Federated Innovation can inspire similar initiatives across Europe to address urban, economic, and environmental challenges in a cohesive manner.