Until September 20, 2026, startups, researchers, and students can apply to V.I.T.A. – Vision and Innovation for Technological Agriculture, the new open innovation program promoted by the Campus Bio-Medico of Rome and Mercedes-Benz Italy.
The initiative aims to identify and develop concrete projects in the fields of agritech, novel food, environmental sustainability, and technologies applied to agriculture. We are facing a structured co-design process that will accompany the selected teams in the implementation of pilot projects within the Agri Research & Teaching Center, the new agro-biotech hub of the Campus Bio-Medico inaugurated last May.
The center represents one of the most advanced spaces in Italy for applied research in the agricultural field: high-tech greenhouses, aquaponic and hydroponic systems, phytotrons, experimental laboratories, and plants for sustainable energy production. Everything has been conceived according to the One Health approach, which integrates human health, environment, innovation, and territory into a single ecosystem.
A collaboration path, not just a competition
V.I.T.A. was born precisely to overcome the traditional model of idea competitions. The selected teams – composed of two or three people among researchers, university students, and startup founders – will work on concrete and current challenges: the production of nutraceutical compounds and medicinal plants in a controlled environment, the use of artificial intelligence and computer vision for environmental monitoring, energy systems integrated with photovoltaics, and the development of innovative high value-added productions for the agri-food sector.
The program includes two intensive working days in autumn 2026, dedicated to technical onboarding and getting to know the center’s infrastructure, followed by a project development phase and a final event during which the teams will present their proposals before a jury composed of experts from Campus Bio-Medico, Mercedes-Benz Italy, and the research world.
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Concrete contributions for the most promising ideas
To support the most valid projects, a total contribution of 10,000 euros is provided for research and development, in addition to mentoring paths and the possibility of starting collaborations with the Campus Bio-Medico for the implementation of pilot projects. The finalist teams will also have visibility through the institutional channels of the two partners.
The initiative is part of Mercedes-Benz’s broader commitment to young innovators, within the global beVisioneers program, dedicated to supporting changemakers committed to generating a positive impact in their communities.
The voices of the promoters
«With V.I.T.A., our Agri Research & Teaching Center is preparing to welcome young talents, researchers, startup founders, and entrepreneurs, creating an ecosystem where scientific skills, innovation, and high technology can meet and generate value – says Domenico Mastrolitto, General Manager of Campus Bio-Medico SpA. The goal is to accelerate the birth of innovative projects capable of responding to the great contemporary challenges related to food security, sustainability, and the agriculture of the future».
«For 140 years Mercedes-Benz has interpreted innovation as the ability to imagine the future and transform it into reality – emphasizes Marc Langenbrinck, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Italy. With V.I.T.A. we want to put this vision at the service of new generations, creating an ecosystem where young innovators, researchers, and companies can develop concrete solutions for more sustainable, efficient, and resilient agriculture». VB
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