Research & Development

Research
has no
single industry

Since 2002, we have conducted research far beyond our core business: from
to art, from the environment to civil works, we bring innovation wherever
can make a difference.
FIRST R&D MILESTONE
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RESEARCH PROJECTS
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REGISTERED PATENT
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SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS
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01 — The reason we research

Innovation & Research

We began our R&D journey in 2002 with a clear conviction: to stay at the forefront, it is not enough to look only at one’s own sector. One must look further.

This is why our research does not stop at the industry we know best. We experiment, prototype, and collaborate in fields far from our core — from healthcare to art, from the environment to civil works — Because we believe every small effort counts — and research is the most effective way to make a difference.

Over the years, we have built a method that combines technical rigor with an open mind: advanced market analysis, rapid prototyping, and partnerships with Italian Universities and Research Centers. Every project stems from a real-world question and aims to create tangible value — for our clients, the communities we serve, and the environment we share.

But there is more. We believe that conducting research is also an act of responsibility: toward the planet and toward those who will come after us. For this reason, every technological choice we make considers its long-term impact — because true innovation is not measured only in patents and publications, but in how much it improves life for future generations.

“For us, R&D is not a department — It’s the way we think, act and shape what comes next.”

PILLAR 01

MARKET AWARENESS & ANTICIPATION

We closely observe technological and market developments to identify emerging challenges early and guide our research decisions with awareness.
PILLAR 02

PHASED RESEARCH & VERIFICATION

Every project unfolds through progressive, verifiable phases, with defined and measurable objectives that ensure scientific rigour and concrete results.
PILLAR 03

STRATEGIC COLLABORATIONS

We work side by side with Italian Universities, research institutions and industrial partners, because sharing diverse expertise is the foundation from which the most solid solutions are built.
PILLAR 04

SUSTAINABILITY & IMPACT

Every project begins with one more question: what impact will it have over time? On people, on the environment, on society. Because for us, innovating also means taking care of what we build.

OUR RESEARCH TIMELINE — 2002 TO PRESENT

2002 – 2006

SIDART

2011 – 2015

IT@CHA

2021 – 2023

Se.N.SO

2024 – 2025

SAMOTHRACE

SmartSense
2025 – 2028

LESS GAS

In Progress
2006 – 2011

BLU ARCHEOSYS

2020 – 2023

WATER 4.0

2022 – 2026

PATCHES

In Progress
2025 – 2027

CONGENIA

In Progress

OUR RESEARCH TIMELINE — 2002 TO PRESENT

2002 – 2006

SIDART

2011 – 2015

IT@CHA

2021 – 2023

Se.N.SO

2022 – 2026

PATCHES

In Progress
2025 – 2028

LESS GAS

In Progress
2006 – 2011

BLU ARCHEOSYS

2020 – 2023

WATER 4.0

2024 – 2025

SAMOTHRACE

SmartSense
2025 – 2027

CONGENIA

In Progress

02 — Applied Research

R&D Portfolio

Completed

S.I.D.ART

Integrated System for the Diagnostics of ARTistic heritage
Cultural Heritage Diagnostics PON ERDF Portable Technologies Heritage Tech
2002 – 2006
Through S.I.D.ART, we developed an integrated system for the diagnostics of cultural heritage, capable of acquiring, processing, and aggregating measurements to plan targeted interventions with maximum effectiveness, minimum cost, and minimum risk to the integrity of the works. The system involved the development of new portable technologies, the integration of established diagnostic methods into networks, and the exportation of data to vertical information systems for industry operators.
✓ Results
An integrated diagnostic system and a specialized training program for researchers and technicians in cultural heritage monitoring. Project co-funded by the European Union (ERDF) and the Italian State — total budget €16,569,950.
  • PARTNER
  • · CETMA
  • · ISUFI
  • · INOA
  • · EL.EN. Group
  • · Polytechnic University of Milan
  • · Polytechnic University of Bari

Completed

BLU Archeosys

Innovative technologies and advanced systems supporting underwater archaeology
Underwater Archaeology RAMAN Spectroscopy Multi-parametric Sensors ATR Microscopy
2006 – 2011
With BLU Archeosys, we developed advanced technologies for the analysis and conservation of underwater artifacts: an underwater probe for multi-parametric chemical analysis, relevant integration interfaces for onboard analysis devices, and an integrated ATR infrared microscopy and RAMAN microscopy system capable of analyzing underwater finds with high spatial resolution.
✓ Results
Realized a multi-parametric underwater probe and an integrated ATR+RAMAN system for high spatial resolution analysis of submerged artifacts, with dedicated data acquisition interfaces. Initial demonstrative applications on Mediterranean underwater archaeology sites. MIUR funding — FAR Fund.
  • PARTNER
  • · CETMA
  • · CNR
  • · ENEA
  • · University of Bologna
  • · University of Salento
  • · University of Urbino
  • · INOA
  • · REMED
  • · AGEOTEC

Completed

It@cha

Italian Technologies for Advanced Applications in Cultural Heritage — Atmospheric Pressure LDI-MS
Cultural Heritage Mass Spectrometry LDI-MS Diagnostics PON R&C 2007-2013
2011 – 2015
With IT@CHA, we contributed to the development of an innovative system for the micro-destructive analytical diagnostics of Cultural Heritage: a portable organic analysis demonstrator based on laser/plasma desorption mass spectrometry (LDI-MS), designed to operate directly at atmospheric pressure. This system opens unprecedented scenarios for the conservation and authentication of Italian cultural heritage, combining analytical precision with respect for the works' integrity.
✓ Results
Portable LDI-MS demonstrator operational at atmospheric pressure, validated for non-invasive organic analysis of precious materials on-site. Total value: €19,978,803 — Dipietro Group share: €1,907,000.
  • PARTNER
  • · CETMA
  • · Calabria Cultural Heritage Technological District
  • · CNR-INO-ISTM-IC
  • · ENEA
  • · University of Salento
  • · University of Palermo
  • · University of Calabria

Completed

SAMOTHRACE SmartSense

SmartSense — Intelligent device for respiratory disease self-testing via nanostructured biosensors
Biosensors Voltammetry H₂O₂ Personalized Medicine PNRR SAMOTHRACE
2024 – 2025
With SmartSense, we developed an intelligent device for self-testing respiratory diseases, designed for use even outside specialized laboratories. At the heart of the system is a concrete diagnostic challenge: precisely measuring the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in biological samples — a key marker for various respiratory pathologies, whose detection is technically complex due to its very low levels in the body. The device solves this through an electrochemical biosensor with nanostructured electrodes, capable of detecting minimal concentrations with high accuracy, paired with a fully programmable reading system and a wireless module for real-time data transmission to workstations or mobile devices.
✓ Results
Validated SmartSense prototype: electrochemical biosensor with nanostructured electrodes for real-time H2O2 measurement in biological samples, featuring a programmable PWM potentiostat and integrated wireless module.. Advantage over traditional colorimetric systems: real-time, non-invasive, and miniaturized analysis. Value: € 162,650, PNRR contribution: € 94,687.50.
  • PARTNER
  • · CNR (Ecosistema SAMOTHRACE, Spoke 4 Health — ECS00000022)

Completed

Water 4.0

Quali-quantitative Water Monitoring and Control in Aqueduct Systems — Innovative Leak Identification in Water Networks
IoT Machine Learning Sensor Technology Cloud Water Management SAR REACT-EU PON
2020 – 2023
With Water 4.0, we developed an advanced technological system for intelligent water network management, aiming to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and safety of aqueduct infrastructures. Activities integrated innovative sensing, IoT technologies, cloud platforms, and AI algorithms to monitor water quantity and quality parameters in real-time, promptly identifying leaks and preventing contamination.
✓ Results
Developed a complete architecture based on advanced sensing, SAR techniques, and electromagnetic surveys for leak detection. Acquired the patent for the nanostructured sensor — Certificate No. 102023000014385, MIMIT protocol AOO Official Register U.0128040 dated 08-08-2025. The project, with Dipietro Group SRL as lead partner (€ 1,036,306.60 share), was co-funded by the Sustainable Growth Fund — PON Enterprises and Competitiveness 2014-2020, with REACT-EU resources. Total cost: € 3,754,370.44.
  • PARTNER
  • · 2F Water Venture Srl
  • · INGV
  • Tortonesi M. et al. (2022) Water 4.0: enabling Smart Water and Environmental Data Metering, IEEE/IFIP — 978-1-6654-0601-7
Patent Certificate for Industrial Invention No. 102023000014385 - WATER 4.0
Water 4.0 Pubblicazione Scientifica 2024

Completed

Se.N.SO

Nanostructured Sensor for Oxidative Stress — PO FESR Sicily 2014-2020 Action 1.1.5
Nanotechnology Biomedical Electrochemistry BPCO / COPD Oxidative Stress PO FESR Sicily
2021 – 2023
With Se.N.SO, we developed an innovative sensor capable of measuring the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in real-time directly in the cell growth medium — without touching, collecting, or interrupting their growth. This is a decisive advantage over traditional commercial systems that require cell sampling, which alters behavior and prevents continuous monitoring. H2O2 is a biological indicator of inflammation and oxidative stress: its concentration reveals how much cells are "suffering" under a pathology. The device was optimized and validated on experimental models of COPD and other chronic inflammatory airway diseases.
✓ Results
Defined an innovative method for measuring H2O2 concentration in cellular systems using an electrochemical sensor with nanostructured surfaces.The sensor allows real-time measurement without disturbing cell growth — a decisive advantage over traditional colorimetric/fluorimetric systems (expensive, off-line, and time-consuming). Total cost: € 3,467,224.38 — Lead partner Dipietro Group SRL share: € 1,331,333.70 (PO FESR Sicily 2014-2020).
  • PARTNER
  • · University of Palermo
  • · CNR-IFT-IRIB
  • · Fondazione RI.MED.
  • · Certyceq
  • · Microsystems
  • · Ruletech
  • Patella B. et al. (2024) Gold nanowires-based sensor for quantification of H2O2, Talanta 272 — 125772
  • Patella B. et al. (2022) Electrochemical Quantification of H2O2 Released by Airway Cells, Micromachines 2022, 13, 1762

03 — Shaping the Future

Current Projects

In Progress

PATCHES

Patient-Centered Healthcare System for neurodegenerative diseases
2024 – 2026
FUNDING
Sustainable Growth Fund — "Life Sciences" Innovation Agreements 30/07/2024
PARTNERS
Dipietro Group · DELISA · University of Catanzaro · University of Palermo · Techinnova
ESTIMATED PROGRESS
~20% completato 20%
SECTOR
Healthcare / Life Sciences
TARGET
Hospitals, nursing homes, and home care.
EXPECTED OUTPUT
Reducing hospital falls — the second leading cause of critical adverse events during hospitalization.

With PATCHES, we are developing an integrated system to protect vulnerable hospital patients: those with dementia or psychomotor agitation at risk of falling from bed. Hospital falls are the second leading cause of critical adverse events during hospitalization. The system combines position and vital parameter sensors integrated into the bed, adaptive protection bars, and a telemedicine platform with augmented reality allowing staff to monitor patients remotely — even via smart glasses — without interrupting other activities.

  • → Prevention of bed falls in hospital and home environments
  • → Continuous vital parameter monitoring for patients with dementia
  • → AR telemedicine platform for medical staff
  • → Technologies for active ageing and home care
MedTech Augmented Reality Telemedicine Dementia Smart Sensors Active Ageing

In Progress

CONGENIA

Integrated solutions for highly specialized global markets
2025 – 2027
STATUS
Strategic planning in progress
ESTIMATED PROGRESS
Fase Iniziale 10%
SECTOR
AI / Knowledge Management / Innovazione di Processo
APPROACH
Human in the loop — in linea con AI Act europeo
RESEARCH PARTNERS
Dipietro Group · University of Messina (DICAM Dept.)

With CONGENIA, we are building the intelligent memory of Dipietro Group. Over 80% of corporate knowledge is often scattered in unstructured documents (reports, emails, offers); when experts leave, this heritage is hard to transfer. CONGENIA uses NLP to learn from historical data, extracting and organizing knowledge to make it searchable in natural language for everyone, from new hires to top management. It supports the Group during a generational transition. Following the European AI Act, the approach is “Human in the loop” — AI supports decisions but does not replace them.

  • → Automated acquisition and structuring of knowledge from corporate archives
  • → AI system searchable in natural language for all company levels
  • → Support for generational transition and skill transfer
  • → "Human in the loop" approach — humans always maintain control
NLP / AI Knowledge Management Human in the Loop Generational Transition Digital Transformation

In Progress

LESS GAS

ML system for decision support in industrial gas plant operation
JULY 2024 – JULY 2026
FUNDING
Innovation Agreements — Second Window D.D.G. Business Incentives 14.11.2022
PARTNERS
Dipietro Group · University of Ferrara
ESTIMATED PROGRESS
~35% completato 35%
SECTOR
Energy / Industry / Oil & Gas
EXPECTED OUTPUT
Functioning LessGas prototype tested on small, medium, and large-scale plants.
PROJECT STRUCTURE
11 ORs: diagnostic/prognostic ML, digital twin, data acquisition, case study validation, knowledge domain management (NLP).

With LessGas, we are teaching industrial plants to consume less gas — automatically and continuously. The project addresses a concrete issue: plants transforming gas into other energy forms (electricity, steam) rarely run at peak efficiency, with waste margins often invisible to operators. LessGas installs a sensor network and utilizes AI to analyze operations in real-time, anticipate anomalies, and optimize input parameters — reducing gas consumption by up to 10% per plant. It includes a natural language interface: operators can query it like an expert colleague.

  • → Gas consumption reduction up to 10% per plant
  • → Digital Twin of plants (OR7) for early ML startup
  • → Automated real-time diagnostics and prognosis
  • → NLP interface for field operators
Machine Learning Digital Twin NLP IoT Sensors Energy Saving REACT-EU Industry 4.0

Research and Development

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