Talent Academy

Nowadays the search for highly specialized young talent is a key priority for the most dynamic, innovative, and technologically advanced companies. But how can we successfully connect talent, new skills, and the business world in an increasingly complex economic landscape?

"Talent Academy" is a special area of Cibus Tec Forum and the new Labotec trade show (October 28–29, 2025 – Fiere di Parma), created with this goal in mind, in partnership with Cisita Parma – the training organization of UPI (Unione Parmense degli Industriali) – and GIA (Gruppo Imprese Artigiane), both representing Confindustria in the Parma region.

The goal of Talent Academy is to foster meaningful and productive connections between specialized education providers and company representatives from the food, food tech, and analytical laboratory sectors (ranging from agri-food to chemicals). The initiative aims to highlight the added value of multi-level collaboration between advanced training programs and the production world.

EVENTS

28 October 2025, 12.00-13.00: Talents and New Skills – Focus on Cibus Tec Forum - Talent Academy (Area C 036)
Food Technologies 5.0: Human-Machine Collaboration and New Skills in the Food Industry of the Future

Enabling Technologies of Industry 5.0, building upon the foundations of Industry 4.0, include Artificial Intelligence (AI), collaborative robotics (cobots), Augmented Reality (AR), the Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, and technologies for energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The Industry 5.0 paradigm promotes innovation through a human-centric approach, where digital technologies support the creation of more humane, sustainable, and environmentally friendly work environments. In this model, human-machine collaboration becomes a key element. Industry 5.0 embraces the principles of the circular economy, aiming to reduce waste, optimize resource usage, and encourage the use of recyclable materials.

In this context, the event aims to highlight the 5.0 characteristics of new food technologies, illustrating the emerging industrial ecosystem in the food manufacturing sector proposed by this paradigm, as well as the new skills required by the workforce.
Technological innovation thus becomes not only a tool for improving efficiency, but also a driver for a more ethical, resilient, and human-oriented industry, one that serves the common good.

The talk will encourage a reflection on the future of the agri-food sector as an ecosystem where technological progress and human values coexist and mutually reinforce one another. The discussion will bring together technical experts, industry representatives, and young talents from regional ITS Academies.

29 October 2025, 12.00-13.00: Talents and New Skills – Focus on Labotec – Talent Academy (Area C 036)
The Intelligent Laboratory: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and the New Skills Required

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Advanced Data Analysis in Analytical Laboratories.

AI and machine learning are increasingly used to analyze data from imaging instruments — such as microscopes — and to predict analysis outcomes and support diagnostics through automated learning. These algorithms can identify patterns and anomalies that are difficult to detect manually, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of laboratory analyses. The analysis of large datasets (Big Data), when combined with AI, enables the identification of trends, prediction of future outcomes, and personalization of analytical processes.

Against this backdrop, the event aims to showcase the innovative potential of advanced data analysis in food testing laboratories, examining real-world applications and the new skill sets required for professionals in the sector. In food testing labs, image processing and analysis can help identify and classify food products more accurately, as well as detect contamination or quality issues more effectively. Microbiological quality control, which traditionally involves a high degree of repetitive manual tasks, is poised for major advancements in productivity, data integrity, and reliability through full automation of test execution and data management. Machine learning-based diagnostics can reduce human error and significantly improve the efficiency of laboratory operations.

These perspectives form the foundation of a talk designed to stimulate reflection and exchange, bringing together technical experts, industry representatives, and young talents from regional ITS Academies.