Avantea, a leader in assisted reproduction and biotechnology, is proud to announce the launch of an industrial PhD program in collaboration with the University of Milan and the Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (ReDBioLab) within the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, led by Prof. Alberto Maria Luciano. This initiative, part of the Intersectoral Innovation PhD program, marks another milestone in Avantea’s partnership with academia, reinforcing a long-standing synergy aimed at developing innovative solutions in reproductive biotechnology.
“We are delighted to continue our collaboration with ReDBioLab and the University of Milan through an initiative that combines academic excellence with applied innovation. Research is the heart of Avantea, and this project represents an important step forward for the future of the field,” said Silvio Audisio, CEO of Avantea.
Innovation and Training: At the Core of the Industrial PhD
The industrial PhD program is a three-year training path that integrates academic research with practical experience in the company. It addresses real-world challenges in reproductive technologies, blending advanced theoretical knowledge with direct laboratory applications.
The project has been entrusted to Dr. Marco Scaglia, whose work focuses on a cutting-edge topic:
“ARTs as avant-garde tools to improve the efficiency of livestock breeding: investigation of equine embryo morphokinetics using time-lapse monitoring systems and artificial intelligence.”
The project’s primary goal is to enhance the selection process of embryos produced in vitro via Ovum Pick Up – Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (OPU-ICSI) in equines, using advanced monitoring systems and AI algorithms specifically developed for this species.
By leveraging technologies such as time-lapse monitoring (TLM) and artificial intelligence (AI), the project aims to identify new markers for selecting embryos with the highest potential for success. These tools provide detailed insights into the early stages of embryonic development, improving decision-making quality and contributing to sustainable breeding practices.
ReDBioLab: A Strategic Partner for Advanced Research
For years, Avantea has collaborated with ReDBioLab, a center of excellence within the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences at the University of Milan’s Lodi campus. Under the leadership of Prof. Alberto Luciano, ReDBioLab is an international reference point in reproductive and developmental biology.
The partnership between Avantea and ReDBioLab has recently been strengthened through joint projects, such as research on the preservation of the Varzese cattle breed within the INNOVA Project. This initiative will see the birth of the first Varzese calves in December, underscoring the value of collaboration between academia and industry in biodiversity conservation and promoting sustainable practices.
“The collaboration with the University of Milan and ReDBioLab allows us to explore new frontiers in embryo selection and biodiversity protection. We are proud to contribute to the birth of the first Varzese calves, expected in December, and to create value through research and innovation by integrating academic and entrepreneurial expertise to continue exploring new frontiers in biotechnology,” said Giovanna Lazzari, co-founder and COO of Avantea.
A Concrete Commitment to the Future
With the industrial PhD program, Avantea reaffirms its role as a promoter of innovation by investing in the training of young talent and the development of advanced technologies for assisted reproduction. This project not only fosters technology transfer between universities and businesses but also contributes to creating a more sustainable, ethical, and technologically advanced ecosystem.
“The success of this initiative demonstrates how strategic it is to strengthen ties between academia and industry. Innovation cannot exist without synergy between these two realms,” concluded Audisio.
Through this initiative, Avantea aims not only to enhance its activities but also to contribute to scientific and technological progress on a global scale.
For more information, learn more about the industrial PhD program at the University of Milan and visit the ReDBioLab website.