29th and 30th January 2026 – Bolzano, Italy – Fraunhofer Italy EIC headquarters
SiToLub Bolzano Consortium Meeting
There is a unique synergy that happens when you take complex digital modeling out of the virtual space and into a room filled with experts. Last week, the SITOLUB consortium gathered at the NOI Techpark in Bolzano, hosted by Fraunhofer Italia – IEC, to do exactly that.
While our project lives at the cutting edge of AI-aided lubricant formulation, the meeting reminded us that innovation is inherently human.
Over two intensive days, we transitioned from the “how” of technical execution to the “why” of industry transformation.
Key Takeaways and Highlights
Foundation of Digital Trust: A highlight was exploring data ownership and management with Elena Pasquali. In an era of AI, we aren’t just building models; we are building a framework of trust that allows for secure, cross-industry innovation.
Seeing is Believing: Stepping into the Smart Mini Factory Lab and the ARENA lab grounded our digital goals. Seeing where the “magic happens” provided a physical context for our toxicity and performance prediction models.
Navigating the green horizon: With new EU regulations (ESPR) on the horizon, our discussions on biodegradability and sustainability were more than just academic—they are the roadmap for the next generation of lubricants.
The Path Forward
The Path Forward We left Bolzano with more than just a task list; we left with a shared vision. As we integrate AI frontiers with real-world use cases, SITOLUB is proving that the digitalization of tribology isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of sustainable engineering.
