A model that connects companies and startups to reduce time, cost and risk in innovation projects
In Italian manufacturing, the need for fast, effective and sustainable innovation grows every year. Companies must increase competitiveness while embracing digitalisation and the ecological transition.
Recent industry reports highlight a clear trend: adopting open innovation — collaboration between companies, startups, research centres and technology partners — can cut product development time by 30–50% and reduce experimentation and validation costs by up to 40% compared to traditional closed R&D
(sources: Open Innovation Market 2024, Innova Research Institute; Osservatori Politecnico di Milano).
In this scenario, e-Novia acts as a strategic partner for industrial companies. It does not offer only consultancy. It provides an entrepreneurial platform that shares risks, investments and market opportunities with its partners.
Through an integrated Venture Studio and Innovation Consulting model, e-Novia has launched more than 500 projects, 80 industrial prototypes and 20 startups since 2012. The company positions itself as a bridge between academia and industry.
Located in Milan, e-Novia transforms high-potential ideas into scalable products and new ventures, while limiting technological and financial risks for its partners.
Physical AI: when intelligence becomes part of matter
A key strength of e-Novia is its expertise in Physical AI: the integration of artificial intelligence into physical products and processes.
With this approach, machines can perceive, analyse and act autonomously in real-world environments. Manufacturers gain new levels of efficiency, safety and value in industrial applications.
Tokbo: the smart bolt that talks to the factory
A concrete example is Tokbo, the monitoring system created by Agrati and e-Novia. Tokbo transforms standard fastening systems into smart, connected components.
The project shows how embedded sensors and digital platforms can turn a traditional bolt into a performance-tracking device. This shift unlocks new markets and data-driven business models for industry.
Tokbo tracks vibration and torque through on-board sensors. Linked to a proprietary digital platform, it enables large-scale predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and operational costs.
e-Novia guided the entire development path:
- Market identification and validation
- “Talking bolt” concept design
- Business and technology roadmap
- User experience design
- Cloud platform development
- Creation of a dedicated newco
- Full system development and transition to production
This end-to-end method brought Tokbo to market as a new player in intelligent fastening systems for construction and advanced manufacturing.
Towards a measurable and sustainable innovation model
Market data and real cases tell a clear story: Open Innovation helps Italian companies build structured, measurable and sustainable innovation. It reduces risks, time and costs compared to traditional approaches.
Here, e-Novia plays a strategic role. It supports companies through every step: analysing the problem, choosing the best innovation path (consulting or a joint-venture startup), developing the technology and delivering an industrial-scale product ready for the market.
By combining engineering skills, entrepreneurial expertise and deep technological know-how, e-Novia turns research into concrete value. It offers a complete ecosystem for companies that want to transform ideas into scalable solutions.
A real “factory of innovation”, boosting the competitiveness of Italian industry. It connects research, business and technology to build the manufacturing of the future.
“Innovation is not an event, but an ecosystem. With e-Novia we bring ‘intelligence into the physical world’, creating a bridge between research and industry.”
— Massimiliano Benci | CEO
