Collaboration and learning from other innovative projects are key to creating real change and lasting impact. That’s why we actively seek out opportunities to connect with other projects and initiatives to explore synergies and exchange ideas.
In December 2024, Jonas and Lina, our communication partners from Alerce, had the chance to visit the Station for Transformation. Station for Transformation is an EU-funded project under the umbrella of a consortium led by the Municipality of Rovereto breathing new life into the unused spaces of the Rovereto Railway station in Trentino, Italy. We visited the project partner, a community organisation La Foresta, specifically Carlo Betinelli, who showed us around the premises and told us the story of the project.
A Vision for Sustainable Community Innovation
The goal of the Station for Transformation is to transform these abandoned spaces into a community innovation hub that supports the ecological transition of the Vallagarina region. At its core, the project addresses some of today’s most pressing challenges: climate change and biodiversity loss. With a focus on agri-food, social inclusion, green cities, and sustainable tourism, the project aims to make a lasting impact on both the local community and the environment.
Visiting the Station for Transformation project and meeting Carlo, one of the project initiators was a great opportunity to get inspired by a vision that combines sustainability and community innovation. Although the project is still in its early stages, we see its vision and great potential. From the future Biodiversity Kiosk to the Climate Canteen, we see how each space is thoughtfully designed—not only to address critical environmental challenges but also to meet the needs of the community, much like Phito’s approach of putting farmers and their needs at the heart of technological innovation.
As we walked through the spaces of the train station, listening to Carlo outline the project’s vision, it became clear that the Station for Transformation is dedicated to connecting people to their local environment, sustainable food systems, and each other to build strong, resilient communities.
At Phito, we share this vision too and that’s why we got so excited about exploring synergies. We’re focused on providing farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to create a more sustainable and resilient food system. An integral part of the Phito app is its community feature, which goes beyond just connecting farmers—it fosters direct links between local farmers, consumers, and other stakeholders, strengthening and supporting local communities. It was inspiring to see another project that shares these values, reminding us that we’re part of a larger movement toward a more sustainable future.
Driving community innovation of the future together
The visit to the Station for Transformation reinforced the importance of collaboration and learning from each other. As our projects continue to evolve, we’re excited to see how we will transform local communities and contribute to a more sustainable future for all of us. We hope that, in the future, the Phito App could play a role in supporting the community also in Rovereto by connecting local farmers, consumers, and stakeholders, fostering stronger community ties and a more sustainable food system. We’re looking forward to any future collaborations.
Are you involved in a project or know of a community innovation project that we should visit? Get in touch!
Check out the Station for Transformation website and their social media to learn more about the project
