From 8 to 11 April 2026, Pavia becomes the capital of dialogue between science, technology, culture and society with the first edition of the Pavia Innovation Week.

The initiative is conceived and promoted by the Camera di Commercio di Cremona-Mantova-Pavia, Assolombarda, the Comune di Pavia, the Università degli Studi di Pavia, and Principia SpA.
It is an international, annual and free event dedicated to scientific, technological and cultural innovation, directed by Massimo Sideri, journalist and columnist for the Corriere della Sera.

This new annual event is designed to engage students, families, citizens, businesses, startups and the academic community, transforming the city into a large laboratory of ideas and knowledge.

During the four days of the event, the program will feature more than 40 events hosted across various venues in the city, with the participation of over 80 Italian and international speakers. Talks, interviews, panels, workshops, performances and urban experiences will create a widespread program that will involve the entire city.

Presenting the project, Massimo Sideri emphasized that innovation should return to the center of everyday life: not only technology and specialized research, but also culture, information, vision of the future and social responsibility. Pavia has an extraordinary scientific tradition linked to figures such as Alessandro Volta, who taught physics at the university, and Camillo Golgi, the first Nobel Prize winner in Medicine in 1906, whose important anniversaries will be celebrated in 2026.
The Pavia Innovation Week aims to enhance this cultural and scientific heritage, fostering dialogue between universities, the productive sector and civil society.

Eight thematic tracks to explore innovation

The program of the Pavia Innovation Week is structured around eight thematic tracks, designed as different languages to present innovation in an accessible and multidisciplinary way.

Signature Talks

Major live interviews with international figures from science, research and culture. These events represent the most prominent moments of the festival and offer authoritative insights into the major transformations of our time.

Stories of Innovation

An original format that combines journalism, storytelling and theatre to recount stories, personalities and discoveries that have shaped the history of innovation, highlighting both their human and emotional dimensions.

Science for Everyone

Science communication events designed for a wide audience, using clear and engaging language. The goal is to make major scientific and technological topics understandable and stimulate curiosity and awareness.

Conversations

Panels, talks and roundtables bringing together voices from science, journalism, business and culture, creating a space for dialogue on the most relevant topics of innovation.

Science on Stage

Theatrical performances that bring science communication to the stage, transforming research and discoveries into engaging stories through the language of theatre.

Bookstore

A space dedicated to books and authors, featuring presentations, talks and book signings. The bookstore represents one of the festival’s meeting points, where visitors can explore innovation topics through reading and direct dialogue with authors.

Family Lab

An area designed for families, children and students, featuring interactive installations and hands-on experiences. Here science and technology become practical activities, encouraging learning through play and experimentation.

Guided Tours

Bookable thematic tours presenting Pavia as a city of knowledge. These tours connect history, science and urban heritage, guiding participants through the symbolic places of culture and research.

A distinguished scientific committee

The Pavia Innovation Week relies on a scientific committee composed of leading figures from the academic and research world. Alongside President Massimo Sideri, the committee includes Valentina Sumini, Alessandro Reali, Maria Chiara Carrozza, Roberto Battiston, Massimiano Bucchi and Giorgio Metta.

Thanks to this network of expertise and the participation of numerous international guests, the Pavia Innovation Week aims to become a key event for dialogue between science, technology and society.

For information and updates on the program, visit the official website:
www.paviainnovationweek.it.

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