Euroflora 2025: "A showcase of innovation and technology"

Euroflora 2025 marks an event where traditional floral displays meet cutting-edge technological advancements, specifically tailored for the horticultural industry. This year's exhibition features notable innovations, including a collaboration with Franco Malerba, Italy's© Euroflora first astronaut, who will unveil a prototype of his space greenhouse. Developed by SpaceV, a University of Genoa spin-off, this greenhouse is designed to fit within the International Space Station and aims to facilitate plant cultivation in space. It offers a glimpse into the future of vegetable food production on space platforms, whether in Earth's orbit or on the lunar surface. SpaceV's Adaptive Vertical Farm (AVF), a patented multi-story greenhouse with adjustable shelf geometry, promises to double production yields compared to traditional models. The space greenhouse technology holds potential for terrestrial applications, especially in challenging environments like offshore platforms and submarines. SpaceV's presentation, "Space technology for the sustainable production of vegetable food," will be held on April 24 and May 1.

The 13th edition of this international plant and flower exhibition also features the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), showcasing innovations related to sustainability, the circular economy, and smart agriculture. The event kicks off on April 24 at the Roverella Arena, where visitors can witness a robot designed for precision vineyard pruning. Developed by IIT's Dynamic Legged Systems research unit, in collaboration with the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, this robot uses a joystick-operated arm equipped with cameras and shears to perform precise vine pruning, adhering to expert agronomic guidelines. The demonstration will be repeated on April 27.

On April 28, IIT will focus on bioplastics derived from vegetable waste. Developed by IIT's Smart Materials research unit, these bioplastics mimic the mechanical properties of traditional plastics but are fully biodegradable. They offer a sustainable alternative for short-lived plastic items, such as packaging. Additionally, IIT will present research on new materials for water purification and desalination, providing potential solutions for global freshwater scarcity.

© Euroflora

On May 3, IIT's Smart Bio-Interfaces unit will reveal research on natural extracts, including those from the Cinque Terre wine industry, to combat oxidative stress in various physiological and pathological scenarios. This research holds promise for conditions like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Multiple Sclerosis, and addresses oxidative stress issues faced by space travelers.

A highlight of Euroflora is Nemo's Garden, an underwater biosphere project that applies© Euroflora advanced technology to grow terrestrial plants underwater. Visitors can explore a full-scale reproduction of the biosphere, which uses a closed-loop hydroponic system to cultivate plants like herbs and strawberries. This system generates fresh water through condensation and maintains a stable microclimate, creating a sustainable ecosystem with no environmental impact. Nemo's Garden offers a vision for the future of agriculture, particularly in areas with limited freshwater access.

Euroflora 2025 is a celebration of beauty and sustainability, featuring 154 gardens from around the world across 85,000 square meters of exhibition space by the Ligurian Sea. Organized by Porto Antico di Genova, this event is recognized by the AIPH International Association of Horticultural Producers. From April 24 to May 4, the transformed Waterfront di Levante, designed by Renzo Piano, will host Italian and international floriculturists, landscape architecture projects, and cutting-edge research technologies, with contributions from the Italian Institute of Technology, Space V, and Nemo's Garden.

Visitors will embark on a 4-kilometer journey through gardens adorned with 10-meter-high origami inspired by unfurled sails. The itinerary includes the new Sports Palace, Piazzale Mare, and the floating exhibition path in Marina, culminating in the Jean Nouvel pavilion. Four arenas will host shows, concerts, floral design performances, and discussions with experts. The event includes 254 competitions judged by over 100 industry experts, showcasing Italy's finest floricultural productions, with significant participation from regions like Liguria, Piedmont, Tuscany, and more.

Among the highlights, the Egyptian Museum of Turin will present the Garden of Pleasure. International participants include Floralies de France, Nirp, the Exotic Garden of Monaco, Spain's Murcia, and newcomers like Thailand and Bhutan. Bonsai enthusiasts can attend lessons by Japanese master Naoko Maeoka from April 26 to 29. Euroflora will also feature a section dedicated to major hybridizers in the Liguria Region's spaces. Over 150 events are scheduled during the 11-day exhibition, including conferences, workshops, and musical performances.