On Thursday, 14th November, students from the UNIMONT Campus of the University of Milan visited Le Village by CA delle Alpi in Sondrio, where they discovered innovative startups for mountain areas, such as Digibell, Ecircular and Cryptolario. The meeting offered insights into technological and sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life in Alpine areas, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for the development and valorization of mountain valleys.
On Thursday 14 November, students of the Bachelor’s Degree Course in Development and Protection of the Mountain Environment– VALMONT – and the International Master’s Degree Course in Valorization and Sustainable Development of Mountain Areas – MOUNTAINSIDE took part in a field trip to the Villages of Crédit Agricole of Sondrio, an innovation ecosystem that accelerates the growth of startups. The day allowed students to interact with innovative companies working for the development of forward-thinking and sustainable solutions for mountain areas, with the aim of promoting the valorization and development of Alpine areas.
A selection of startups working on mountain issues were presented during the meeting. Among these, Digibell, which developed the first integrated system for the digital management of breeders’ data, allowing them to monitor animal health via PCs and smartphones; Ecircular, a project that promotes a circular economy in the mountains, with the aim of reducing the environmental impact and optimizing waste management in Alpine areas; and Cryptolario that, with the Meetland project, of which UNIMONT is a partner, is experimenting with the educational possibilities of the metaverse.
Students had the opportunity to interact directly with the founders and managers of the startups, finding out more about business models, sustainability strategies and innovative solutions aiming to improve the quality of life in Alpine valleys. They were able to discuss issues related to digitalization, environmental sustainability and the application of new technologies in the management of natural resources with technicians and researchers.
This experience offered students new ideas to explore on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for the development of mountain areas, able to ensure both the conservation of the environment and the improvement of the living conditions of local populations. Innovation and sustainability are therefore confirmed as fundamental keys for the future of the Italian mountains and for their valorization as an economic and social resource.
