Politecnico di Torino and the Italian Association of Refrigeration Technicians (ATF) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, training, and innovation in the HVAC/R sector.
The agreement was signed on September 15, 2025, at the Rectorate of Politecnico di Torino by the Rector, Prof. Stefano Paolo Corgnati, and ATF Secretary General, Eng. Marco Buoni, who is also International Affairs and Past President of the European association AREA.
The partnership will promote cooperation between academia and professionals in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pumps. Politecnico di Torino, which trains around 35,000 students annually in engineering, architecture, design, and planning, will contribute its scientific and technological expertise. ATF, representing over 9,000 professionals and 1,000 companies in Italy, will support the collaboration with its national and international network, including ties with the European Commission, United Nations, and AREA.
Planned activities include joint research projects, advanced training programs, innovation initiatives, student support programs, sector-specific PhD research, internships with ATF member companies, and conferences and seminars in Italy and abroad.
“With this agreement, we formally reinforce a longstanding relationship,” said Marco Buoni, Secretary General of ATF. “It is essential to connect academia and the professional world to help technicians and engineers become more skilled and ready to lead the energy transition. Italy is already a European leader in refrigeration technologies and indoor comfort systems. This collaboration with Politecnico di Torino will provide companies with the scientific and educational support to further develop some of the world’s most advanced technologies, with a focus on energy efficiency and environmental protection.”
“Our region has a globally recognized refrigeration culture,” said Prof. Corgnati. “We are at the forefront of experimentation and industrial prospects, and it's vital to expand collaboration between stakeholders. Refrigeration increasingly requires specialized knowledge—academic, technical, and technological—to train up-to-date students and transform prototypes into new market opportunities.”
The initial duration of the agreement is two years and aims to strengthen the HVAC/R innovation ecosystem in Italy, improving quality standards, advancing sustainability, and training highly qualified professionals.
