The kick-off meeting for the two new Open Innovation projects took place in Rome attended by Leonardo’s CTIO Franco Ongaro. The proceedings focused on two fascinating topics: Brain Computer Interface and Structural Batteries for the Aerospace Industry.

The first challenge was to identify new solutions that could process a human operator’s thoughts and, on remote human command and without using any motor process, start to perform simple actions viewable on a computer screen. 

The second was to evaluate multifunctional materials or coupled systems that could act as structural elements and, at the same time, provide energy storage in the aerospace industry.

 Leonardo selected two of the many projects received: 

• ‘BCI USER CONTEXT MACHINE TUNER’ created by the innovative SME Brainy Solutions Enterprise comprising Roberto Isabella, Angela Meloni, Pier Luigi Marconi and Stefano Tiburzi.
• ‘IBAT’ created by the Federico II University of Naples team comprising Prof. Michele Guida, Gennaro Di Mauro, Pietro Russo, Gabriella Santagata, Salvatore Mallardo and Domenico Zannini.

Leonardo awarded the winners a partnership contract to implement their solutions. They will be able to join the ‘Leonardo team for Innovation’ network, adding the network’s trademark to their logo. The day’s events saw the presentation of the respective solutions and planning for the next 12 months’ activities.

Other presentations included new developments in Solvers Wanted, including the new co-challenges section inaugurated with Leonardo’s first call alongside the COTEC Foundation (Enel and Eni) on the issue of safety at work, and the Leonardo and Open Italy 2023 call4Solution, where over 180 Innovation needs were published.

 To grow Leonardo’s innovation ecosystem, new, increasingly demanding challenges will soon be open for participation. To stay up-to-date, visit the dedicated Solvers Wanted page at solverswanted.leonardo.com.