MUNER at Expo 2025 Osaka: innovation, collaboration, and new opportunities

From September 20 to 25, MUNER took part in the Emilia-Romagna Week at Expo 2025 Osaka, joining the regional delegation coordinated by Regione Emilia-Romagna and ART-ER.

This international mission was an opportunity to showcase the excellence of Emilia-Romagna’s ecosystem and to strengthen ties with Japanese institutions, universities, and businesses.

Opening of Emilia-Romagna Week – September 21

The week officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Italian Pavilion, in the presence of President Michele De Pascale, Vice President Vincenzo Colla, and Commissioner Vattani.

The event included a press conference with speeches by President De Pascale, Vice President Colla, Francesco Bianchi (President Europe Middle East & Africa at Ferrari), and Mats Lindstrom (President & Representative Director at Ducati Japan Ltd). Cultural activities and performances followed throughout the day.

In the afternoon, the regional delegation — including MUNER — visited Expo and explored several international pavilions.

The Automotive Value Chain of Emilia-Romagna – September 22

Autopromotec, MUNER and AICA hosted a press conference focused on Emilia-Romagna as a model of integration between public and private sectors across the entire automotive supply chain.

Speakers included:

• Paola Zaccheroni, Public Affairs Manager, Autopromotec
• Alberto Bianchi, Vice President Gruppo Componenti ANFIA & CEO, ASK Industries
• Francesco Leali, Delegate of the MUNER Board of Directors
• Angelo Pucci, President, Clust-ER Mech
• Koji Hirai, President & CEO, Revive and Design, Inc.
• Toru Tsurukawa, General Affairs Manager, Iyasaka

Opening remarks were given by Vice President Vincenzo Colla, with moderation by Paola Zaccheroni, Public Affairs Manager at AICA/Autopromotec.

Professor Francesco Leali presented MUNER as a concrete example of the Region’s strategy, underlining its role in building networks and fostering synergies across the territory.

The delegation also took part in a networking evening with Japanese companies and institutions.

With the participation of regional clusters, enterprises, universities, and MUNER, the event was a valuable occasion to establish new contacts and reinforce Emilia-Romagna’s collaborative spirit.

Visit to Osaka University – September 24

MUNER visited the Departments of Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronic Engineering at Osaka University.

The meeting offered the chance to explore opportunities for collaboration in research and education, opening the path to future exchanges and joint initiatives between the two institutions.

A united regional system

MUNER’s presence at Expo 2025 Osaka was part of a broader mission that showcased the strength of Emilia-Romagna’s system: institutions, clusters, companies, and universities working together for innovation and international growth.

This collective effort reflects the Region’s vision of building strong global partnerships while highlighting the excellence of its academic and industrial ecosystem.