EIT Manufacturing South joins Apulian Human Innovation Hub
25 February 2026
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A new strategic hub has been established to support companies in their innovation processes, training activities and access to finance.
On 23 February, AHI_Hub – Apulian Human Innovation Hub was officially founded as a Temporary Association of Purpose, with the ambition of becoming a reference point for the future of manufacturing in the Apulia region, Italy.
The initiative was promoted by U.P.S.A. Confartigianato Imprese Bari–BAT–Brindisi, which will act as lead organisation and implementing body, confirming its role as a territorial infrastructure for the competitive development of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Alongside Confartigianato, the new Hub brings together high-profile national and pan-European partners:
- EIT Manufacturing South S.r.l.
- PNO Innovation S.r.l.
- Artigianfidi Puglia Società Cooperativa a r.l.
- Confartigianato Imprese Puglia
- Cooperform Puglia – Regional training institute for entrepreneurs, managers and technical professionals in the cooperative sector
The Hub’s partners at signing event at Confartigianato’s office – Bari, Italy
A new model of cooperation for companies in the Apulia region
AHI_Hub aims to serve as an integrated operational platform, connecting technological expertise, human capital and financial instruments through an approach that places people back at the centre of production processes and innovation.
Its main objectives include the dissemination of innovative best practices, the strengthening of high-quality manufacturing and the design of concrete measures to support the technological and organisational transformation of businesses.
Areas of intervention range from technological assessment and business intelligence to matchmaking and open innovation, as well as education, training, coaching and innovation finance, with particular attention to digital transition, sustainability and international competitiveness.
In the coming months, AHI_Hub will define a programme of initiatives and opportunities for member companies and the wider regional production system, with the aim of providing tangible support to SMEs in the Apulia region in their growth and transformation journeys.
The project aims to position the Apulia region as an advanced laboratory for manufacturing innovation, starting from people, territories and businesses.
“With AHI_Hub, we are launching, together with highly qualified strategic partners, an operational platform capable of connecting technological innovation, human capital and financial instruments. We are pooling high-level expertise to support companies in Apulia in addressing the challenges of growth and change.”
Francesco Sgherza, President of Confartigianato Imprese Bari–BAT–Brindisi,
For further information
Confartigianato Imprese Bari–BAT–Brindisi
Via V. N. De Nicolò, 20 – Bari, Italy
www.confartigianatobari.it