Taking place from September 9 to 13^th, the NanoInnovation 2024 Conference and Exhibition hosted at the Sapienza University of Rome, Italy was an event focused on advancing the frontiers of nanotechnology and an exceptional gathering of a wide range of stakeholders. With over 1500 attendees participating both in person and virtually, it served as a dynamic hub for knowledge exchange, fostering collaborations and setting the stage for future breakthroughs.

This annual event became a cornerstone for nanotechnology professionals and researchers, demonstrating the global passion and collective commitment to pushing the boundaries for cutting-edge technology in the field. It brought together experts from diverse areas of research such as materials science, biotechnology, environmental science and engineering, all united by a common goal: to harness the potential of nanotechnology for benefitting society. Whether it was the discussions on medical nanotechnology, advancements in nanomaterials for sustainable energy or the novel approaches in nanomanufacturing, the breadth and depth of knowledge exchanged were truly remarkable.

Laura Fabiani from Tor Vergata University of Rome (UNITOV) shares that one of the highlights of the conference for her was the opportunity to present the groundbreaking progress of RELIANCE Project during a dedicated workshop on Advanced Nanocoatings. The workshop allowed participants to share the latest advancements in their work on eco-friendly antimicrobial coatings, a crucial technology with vast applications in healthcare, sanitation and beyond.

Laura’s presentation introduced the core scope of RELIANCE while emphasizing UNITOV team’s exciting advancements in monitoring the effectiveness of these innovative coatings. One key innovation is the use of paper-based sensors for the electrochemical detection of essential oils, which serve as the active antimicrobial agents. These sensors provide an efficient and eco-friendly solution for ensuring the durability and functionality of the nanocoatings in real-world applications. Laura also shared their ongoing work on a sandwich-type immunosensor designed for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, using a novel paper-based origami design. This technology represents a significant leap forward in rapid, cost-effective and scalable virus detection, which could be crucial in managing future pandemics or outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Adding to the sense of excitement and collaboration at the conference were the synergies of RELIANCE with two sister projects - Miria and SUSAAN EU projects. Exchanging with fellow colleagues on topics of common scientific interest was one of the most thrilling aspects of the event. Miria Project is exploring new approaches in nanomaterials, while SUSAAN-EU is working on sustainable solutions within the European Union's framework. Together, our projects are advancing shared goals around sustainability, health, and innovation. The discussions following the presentations were not only intellectually stimulating but also a moment to reinforce the collaboration between our projects. The many ideas shared and the many challenges discusses laid the groundwork for future collaborations that would drive the field of nanotechnology even further.

Nanoinnovation 2024 was a celebration of the progress RELIANCE has been making as well as a reminder of the work that is still to be done. It showcased the collective determination and vision to apply nanotechnology in the solving of some of the world's most pressing challenges. The connections forged, the ideas exchanged, and the knowledge gained during this event will undoubtedly fuel future innovations with lasting impact on society.