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- Events and special areas
- Cibus Tec Talent Academy
Today, the search for highly specialized young talent is a fundamental priority for the most dynamic, innovative, and technologically advanced companies. But how can talent, new skills, and the world of work be effectively combined in an increasingly complex economic landscape?
“Talent Academy” is a special area of Cibus Tec (October 27–30, 2026 – Fiere di Parma), created with this objective in mind, in collaboration with Cisita Parma, the training body of UPI (Unione Parmense degli Industriali) and GIA (Gruppo Imprese Artigiane), both associations belonging to the Confindustria system.
The goal of Talent Academy is to promote meaningful and productive connections between schools and specialized training institutes, on the one hand, and company representatives from the food technology sectors, on the other. The initiative aims to highlight the added value of multilevel collaboration between advanced training programs and the production sector.
Throughout the days of the fair, the Talent Academy stand will welcome visitors by presenting the opportunities offered by the represented training system, sharing useful information and details with teachers, students, parents, and company representatives. This will also take place through a series of meetings and talks where experts, managers, and young talents will discuss the most current topics related to skills, innovation, and the world of work.
FOOD FUTURE CHALLENGE
Where creativity, technology, and sustainability meet
Nearly two hundred students involved from seven Upper Secondary Schools in the Parma area and province: these are the numbers of the first edition of the contest “FOOD FUTURE CHALLENGE – Where creativity, technology, and sustainability meet.” This competition was specifically designed for 11th and 12th-grade classes (Classi III and IV) of Upper Secondary Schools by the Talent Academy of Cisita Parma, on the occasion of the 2026 edition of Cibus Tec.
The participating schools were invited to develop projects that, depending on the choice of the participants, can be focused on one of the following thematic areas:
- Food Processing – Build the food production of tomorrow;
- Food Packaging – Imagine new ways to protect, communicate, and sustain food;
- Beverage – Rethink products and strategies for the beverage world of the future.
In addition to the Regulations and instructions for participating in the contest, the participating schools were also offered support to accompany the classes (or groups of classes) involved in carrying out the projects.
The evaluation of the projects—which will focus on parameters such as innovative vision, consistency with the chosen theme, creativity, environmental impact, presentation effectiveness, and feasibility—will be entrusted to a Jury appointed jointly with the Cibus Tec exhibition. The Jury will consist of representatives from the Exhibition itself, Cisita Parma, and the companies present at the fair that are interested in joining and supporting the contest.
The award ceremony for the four winning projects selected by the Jury will take place during the meetings scheduled in the Cibus Tec Talent Academy Talk Area across the four days of the trade fair.
Cibus Tec Talent Academy – Talk Area
2026 Meeting Schedule
27/10/2026 – 12:00 PM–1:00 PM: FOOD PROCESSING THEME
Smart & Green Food Systems and new skills required by the sector
The meeting aims to present the characteristics of the most innovative production technologies in Food & Beverage. Particular reference will be made to technologies that allow a reduction in the consumption of raw materials, water, and energy, and that enable more sustainable packaging by being capable of processing recycled and/or biodegradable materials. In general, it will cover technologies that reduce the environmental impact of production processes in the food industry. The event is also aimed at exploring emerging skills in the food technology sector, presenting the new competencies required of young people entering this job market.
Speakers: Experts and representatives from food processing equipment companies, students, and graduates of Cisita Parma and ITS Maker Academy courses.
28/10/2026 – 12:00 PM–1:00 PM: FOOD PACKAGING THEME
Trends and new frontiers in Food Packaging
The meeting will explore the trends and new frontiers of food packaging, which integrates advanced digital technologies, innovative and sustainable materials, and specialized skills to revolutionize the food packaging sector. This is achieved through solutions that combine environmental sustainability, digitalization, and smart processes (e.g., the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials, IoT technologies and sensors for traceability, and collaborative robotics). The meeting aims to highlight pioneering innovations, opportunities, and challenges in food packaging, promoting a dialogue between research, industry, and young talent to build the sustainable future of the sector.
Speakers: Experts and representatives from food equipment companies specialized in packaging solutions, students, and graduates of Cisita Parma and ITS Maker Academy courses.
29/10/2026 – 12:00 PM–1:00 PM: BEVERAGE THEME
Beverage of the future: new products, smart technologies, and evolved consumers
The beverage sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by new consumer behaviors, a focus on health and well-being, the digitalization of supply chains, artificial intelligence, and sustainable packaging. With the aim of creating connections between businesses, research, and young talent, this talk intends to offer a practical and forward-looking vision of the beverage sector of the future. It will highlight both technological innovations and the skills necessary to face changes in the supply chain. Key themes to be emphasized during the talk include: What will be the most requested drinks in the future? How will the relationship between technology and nutrition evolve? Will AI replace or support product creativity? What skills will be needed in beverage companies?
Speakers: Experts and representatives from mechanical-food companies specialized in beverages, students, and graduates of Cisita Parma and ITS Maker Academy courses.
30/10/2026 – 12:00 PM–1:00 PM: INNOVATION THEME
Foodtech startups: frontier innovations and new talents
Through the voice of an innovative Foodtech startup from Emilia-Romagna, the talk aims to present an example of frontier innovation, linking it to the demand for new talent that innovation itself generates.
Speakers: Experts and representatives of innovative foodtech startups from Emilia-Romagna, students, and graduates of Cisita Parma, ITS Academy Adriano Olivetti, and ITS Maker Academy courses.
Please note that all sessions will be conducted in Italian
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Featured Exhibitors Cibus Tec 2026
Event Organizers and Institutional Partners
