On 20 May 2025, I had the honour of presenting the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) programme during the final event of the 11th edition of the Contamination Lab hosted by the Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM) in Ancona. The occasion was made even more special by the opportunity to visit the very facilities where we will convene the Skillman Alliance Summit 2025 (AS2025) this coming July.
A Warm, Innovative, and Forward-Thinking Environment
The Contamination Lab, nestled within the Polo Monte Dago campus, stands out not only for its architectural modernity but also for the energy that pulses through its halls. With an atmosphere that naturally fosters creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, these spaces are perfectly aligned with the core themes of AS2025: innovation, skills development, and sustainable growth.
From the welcoming layout of the rooms to the tech-ready infrastructure and the inclusive spirit fostered by its interdisciplinary approach, everything about this venue is conducive to dynamic dialogue and transformative learning experiences. I was particularly struck by the integration of students from fields as varied as engineering, economics, medicine, and agronomy — all collaborating in an ecosystem designed to break silos and build futures.
Why AS2025 Belongs Here
Bringing AS2025 to Ancona, and specifically to the Contamination Lab, is more than a logistical decision — it’s a strategic alignment. The venue’s dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship mirrors Skillman’s mission of promoting skills for a sustainable future, especially in connection with macro-regional strategies like the EUSAIR (EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region).
We are proud to host a programme that will explore:
Digital and green skill development across the Western Balkans,
The role of entrepreneurship in regional resilience,
Cutting-edge credentialing systems via DQF.eu and EBSI blockchain,
And the cultural revitalisation enabled by the Tracks4Crafts initiative.
A Note of Gratitude
A heartfelt thank you goes to Professor Donato Iacobucci, founder of the Contamination Lab and a valued Skillman ally, for the warm welcome and for fostering such an inspiring academic and entrepreneurial environment. The entire team at UNIVPM has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to empowering the next generation of European entrepreneurs.
📌 Skillman Alliance Summit 2025
🗓️ 9–10 July 2025
📍 Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona – Contamination Lab & Faculty of Economics
