Partners
Fondazione ITS Antonio Cuccovillo (project coordinator)
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The foundation’s guiding principle has always been, and remains, to bring to Italy what has long been available in other countries: a valuable alternative for young people to university courses or the immediate search for employment. This initiative was, and still is, a much-needed and long-awaited opportunity. The Foundation’s commitment has been unwavering in designing, planning, and successfully delivering courses that not only meet the real needs of the labour market but also provide students with rigorous, highly specialised technical and professional training. This is complemented by fundamental and transferable skills that enhance their appeal to businesses—even in times of economic crisis. In fact, particularly in times of crisis, there is an even greater need to focus on innovation, internationalisation, technology transfer, and human resources as key assets.
It is therefore essential to support research and advanced design with highly skilled technicians—professionals equipped with the expertise, intuition, and insight required to drive synergistic and positive action within the business world.
Campus des métiers et des qualifications Microtechniques et Systèmes Intelligents (CMQ MSI)
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The CMQ MSI offers diverse training programmes ranging from secondary education to higher education, including apprenticeships and continuous training. Its missions include providing career guidance and skill development for learners, meeting businesses’ recruitment needs, aligning educational programmes with industry demands, and contributing to regional economic growth.
The CMQ MSI prepares professionals and businesses for emerging trends such as miniaturisation, intelligent systems, and Industry 4.0 technologies (additive manufacturing, cobotics, augmented reality, etc.). By connecting education, research, and industry, it plays a vital role in shaping the workforce and supporting industrial transformation.
Comau SpA
Comau is a leading global technology company specialising in industrial automation and advanced robotics. With over 50 years of experience and a strong international presence, Comau has been headquartered in Grugliasco (Turin) since its founding.
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As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and high-level training, Comau offers its customers and partners a wide range of technologies, supported by digital solutions and artificial intelligence. These technologies are applicable across various markets, from traditional automotive manufacturing to emerging sectors such as hydrogen production and automated warehouses.
Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW)
Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg / DHBW) is the first higher education institution in Germany which combines on-the-job training and academic studies and, therefore, achieves a close integration of theory and practice, both being components of cooperative education. With around 34,000 enrolled students, over 9,000 partner companies and more than 145,000 graduates, DHBW counts as one of the largest higher education institutions in the German Federal State of Baden-Wuerttemberg.
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The university’s official seat is in Stuttgart. Based on the US State University System, the organisational structure of DHBW is unique in Germany for it comprises both the central (DHBW headquarters) and the local level (DHBW locations and campuses). Throughout its nine locations and three campuses, the university offers a broad range of undergraduate study programmes in the field of business, engineering, and social work. All degree programmes are both nationally and internationally accredited, count as intensive study programmes and are worth 210 ECTS credits. In addition, DHBW offers postgraduate degree programmes with integrated on-the-job training.
European Association for the Applied Sciences in Higher Education (EURASHE)
EURASHE is the European Association for the Applied Sciences in Higher Education, the leading voice for applied sciences and professional higher education in Europe. With over 70 members from across Europe and beyond, EURASHE advocates for the interests of more than 500 applied higher education institutions.
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Founded in 1990, EURASHE has a mission to promote the value of applied higher education at both national and European levels. It is committed to fostering international cooperation and enhancing the global engagement of its member institutions. Through these efforts, EURASHE contributes to the advancement of higher education and research, and in particular its role in meeting societal and economic challenges.
European Entrepreneurs (CEA-PME)
European Entrepreneurs (CEA-PME) is the largest confederation of voluntarily associated SMEs in Europe, established in 1992. It represents over 2.4 million enterprises employing more than 20 million people across all sectors, advocating for fair policies and economic growth.
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The confederation supports its members through political advocacy, ensuring SMEs have a strong voice in EU legislation and promoting business-friendly policies like “Think Small First” and better access to finance. It also fosters networking and business development by organising events such as MittelstandTalk and running the SME2B platform for international cooperation.
CEA-PME leads EU-funded projects on digital transformation, sustainability, and skills development. Additionally, it engages with EU institutions and stakeholders to influence policies in favour of SMEs. With 30 member associations across Europe, CEA-PME strengthens collaboration, providing strategic insights and opportunities to ensure SMEs remain competitive, innovative, and resilient in an ever-changing landscape.
German Association for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW EV)
The BVMW EV is an independent association advocating for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across all sectors in Germany. Representing around 3.3 million businesses, it plays a crucial role in driving innovation and economic growth. The BVMW offers personalised support for entrepreneurs, facilitating tailored guidance, and over 2,000 networking events annually at regional, national, and international levels. It also engages in political advocacy to secure favorable business conditions and participates in expert committees focused on SME concerns. Members receive exclusive insights through newsletters and magazines, while enjoying cost-saving benefits from around 40 national partners.
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The association aims to strengthen SMEs by providing strategic guidance, business connections, and consultancy, ensuring they remain competitive and successful in a dynamic economy. BVMW’s work fosters a positive regulatory environment for SMEs, supporting their growth at various levels.
Sunrise Valley Science and Technology Park
Sunrise Valley Science and Technology Park is a non-profit organization, founded in 2003. The Park features long-standing traditions in the development of entrepreneurship, promotion of business and science collaboration, provision of infrastructure, and other innovation support services to young, innovative enterprises as well as to other knowledge-intensive businesses.
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The Park is a perfect place for innovative technological enterprises, enterprising members of the university community, and an R&D environment, who aim to commercialise their knowledge, establish and develop businesses and expand innovative activity.
Universitat Politècnica de València
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Society presents new local and global challenges that the university addresses daily by innovating sustainably and effectively through research and technological development, including disruptive approaches. Across its three campuses in Alcoy, Gandia, and Vera, the UPV provides innovation, commitment, and excellence through hybrid teaching spaces and state-of-the-art laboratories. These resources enable students from diverse backgrounds to achieve both professional and personal success. This combination of talent and personalised support fosters a university community without limits.
With a history spanning just over 50 years, the Universitat Politècnica de València has established itself as a leader in excellence and dedication to society. True to the motto inscribed on its crest, ex technica progressio, it remains committed to advancing technology as a means of driving progress.
Contributors
Below is a list of European companies that played a role in shaping HUCO Labs’ forward-thinking competency framework. Their input was valuable in helping us identify the essential skills that technicians will need in the near future.
