Starting from April 24, 2025, a patented technology developed at the University of Pisa will be among the highlights of the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka. The device, named ATMOSMART, was selected as one of the eleven winning technologies of the Intellectual Property Award (IPA) 2023, promoted by the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy to enhance innovation emerging from public research institutions.
ATMOSMART, designed by Professor Giovanni Rallo, head of scientific and educational activities at the AgrHySMo laboratory of Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science, is based on a biomimetic principle: it uses smart membranes to simulate the stomatal behaviour of plants and directly measure transpiration. This represents an innovative solution for monitoring crop water status, with advanced applications in precision agriculture and sustainable resource management.
The team at AgrHySMo Lab (L to R: Giovanni Rallo, Àngela Puig-Sirera and Andrea Sbrana) follow six integrated research lines aimed to develop smart systems and innovative protocols for irrigation water resource management at the micro- and mesoscale.
In addition to the prestigious award, the project received dedicated funding for the exploitation and valorization of the patent. As part of the Italy Pavilion’s official program, the technology will be presented on April 24 during an international pitch session featuring the eleven IPA2023 winners. Angela Puig-Sirera, who is actively involved in applied research and technology transfer for the ATMOSMART system, will deliver the pitch. Participation in Expo 2025 offers a major international showcase for the University of Pisa, further highlighting the strategic role of public research in driving sustainable innovation and the remarkable impact of the University Technology Transfer Office in driving such innovation.
More information: Expo Osaka 2025.