In November 2002, Polo Sant'Anna Valdera (PSV) was opened in Pontedera. It was established to fully enhance the research activities of Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, University of the Pisan University System, by housing some of its laboratories, which carry out scientific and technological research of excellence in different sectors, among which the biomedical, microengineering, robotics, mechatronics, virtual reality, information technology, and biotechnology sectors.

Polo Sant'Anna Valdera is a creation of Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna through a “Plan to Strengthen Territory Development and Research Networks”. It was created with the grants by MIUR (according to Law No. 488/92), European Union, the Region Tuscany and the Municipality of Pontedera. The establishment of a cutting-edge facility was thus made possible. Research activities in high technological content sectors and processes of enhancement of entrepreneurial ideas and innovative technologies – fruit of the research carried out at its laboratories in order to stimulate the creation of new companies – are carried out here.

Polo Sant'Anna Valdera is, therefore, a consistent and integrated system aimed at technological transfer, and that works to create new innovative companies in high technology sectors, having recourse to a young, qualified and creative, human capital trained in its research laboratories. Moreover, Polo Sant'Anna Valdera works in collaboration with Pont-Tech, a company dealing with technological transfer and acting as a linking element between Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna and the territory. Pont-Tech manages an incubator of newly established companies in Pontedera, whereas PSV provides technological advice and start-up support services, as well as the possibility of establishing new partnerships to these companies.

Persons in charge
Director
Prof. Paolo Dario
Full Professor in "Industrial Bioengineering", Industrial and Information Engineering