Capio Robotics, a Proof-of-Concept project developed at the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, has been selected for the FoodTech Incubator program.

Capio Robotics, a tech transfer project of the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies that is developing a flexible, easily integrable technology capable of transforming the way fresh products are harvested and processed—creating immediate and sustainable value across the entire agri-food supply chain—has been selected as one of the ten projects admitted to the international FoodTech Incubator program, promoted by the Verona Agrifood Innovation Hub. 

The initiative supports the development of emerging technologies and high-impact solutions aimed at transforming and modernizing the agri-food sector, promoting the adoption of innovation within production processes.

The FoodTech Incubator provides a structured ecosystem that includes mentoring activities, experimental spaces, industrial validation paths, access to strategic partners, and a global network of companies and investors interested in the digital and sustainable transition of the sector. The program is characterized by a strong application-oriented approach and by its ability to support technological projects from the prototyping phase through to implementation in real production environments.

Developed from the research activities of the BioRobotics Institute and made possible thanks to funding from RoboIT (Italy’s National Technology Transfer Hub for Robotics), Capio Robotics is creating a new technology capable of drastically reducing handling and harvesting damage, minimizing waste, and making the process independent of fluctuations in labor availability.

Capio Robotics’ integrated robotic platform combines intelligent soft grippers, 3D vision systems, and advanced sensors. Thanks to a design inspired by soft robotics, the grippers can adapt to products of different shapes, sizes, and textures, applying the appropriate gripping force to avoid damage and preserve quality and freshness. Admission to the FoodTech Incubator will enable the project to advance its development through dedicated mentorship, applied testing, and new opportunities for collaboration with companies and sector-specific investors.

Participation in the program represents a decisive step in accelerating the technological maturity of the robotic solutions under development, strengthening connections with the industrial world and fostering the creation of collaborations along the entire agri-food value chain.

The Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies welcomes this achievement, which confirms its ability to generate highly innovative research results and to promote technology transfer initiatives capable of having a tangible impact on emerging productive sectors.

Capio Robotics aims to position itself as a new business project capable of turning scientific research into useful, competitive solutions that meet market needs.