Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Unimore) has awarded its University Seal to Giancarlo Ferrari, founder of the TecnoFerrari Group and a leading figure in the development of industrial automation. His entrepreneurial journey has accompanied the technological transformation of the ceramics district and helped strengthen its position in international markets.

The ceremony took place at the Modena Technopole, in the presence of Rector Rita Cucchiara, Deputy Rector for the Third Mission Marcello Pinti, Head of the Department of Engineering “Enzo Ferrari” Francesco Leali, and Head of the Department of Sciences and Methods for Engineering Elena Degoli. The award, approved by the Academic Senate on 9 June following a proposal from the two Departments, recognises Ferrari's entrepreneurial excellence, his contribution to the area's economic and social development, and his support for the University's research and educational activities.

Giancarlo Ferrari's professional career has its roots in mechanical engineering applied to the ceramics industry. In 1961, following his first experiences in the sector, he set up a small workshop with a business partner, specialising in the manufacture and maintenance of tile moulds. This initial venture laid the foundations for a business that would go on to expand through the development of automatic machinery, patented solutions, and systems for handling and managing production processes. Over the decades, TecnoFerrari gradually broadened its activities, moving from mechanical engineering into industrial logistics, from digital decoration to warehouse automation, eventually becoming an international group employing more than 200 people.

Throughout this journey, technological innovation has gone hand in hand with the development of expertise and the building of long-standing relationships with the research community. TecnoFerrari works with Unimore's Engineering Departments, supporting student education and developing industrial research projects, particularly in the fields of automated guided vehicles, control systems and the optimisation of logistics processes. Alongside these activities, Ferrari has also demonstrated a strong commitment to social and cultural initiatives, supporting charitable causes and contributing, among other projects, to the restoration of the Teatro Carani and its return to the city of Sassuolo.

"Giancarlo Ferrari's story reminds us that the most important innovations often stem from the ability to identify a problem and imagine a different solution," said Rector Rita Cucchiara. "From his first workshop to a business with a global presence, his journey illustrates the value of technical knowledge that evolves, is passed on and creates new opportunities. For our University, it is particularly meaningful to honour someone who has been able to turn this approach into an entrepreneurial success story and a fruitful relationship with research, education and the local community."

"Perhaps Giancarlo Ferrari's greatest achievement – and one we would like to highlight for the benefit of the young aspiring engineers in our Departments – lies in his determination to pursue his natural curiosity and passion for mechanics, and in his ability to make the most of his rare gift as a mechanical designer: the ability to see things in terms of how they might evolve, to envisage their potential development, and to bring together complementary disciplines within mechatronic engineering and ICT," said Professor Francesco Leali, Head of the Department of Engineering “Enzo Ferrari” in Modena.

"Giancarlo Ferrari has not simply built an industrial success story with a global reach; over the years, he has also created a genuine 'breeding ground' for talent, demonstrating a rare ability to understand and nurture human capital," said Professor Elena Degoli, Head of the Department of Sciences and Methods for Engineering. "His forward-looking vision is reflected today in the company's smooth generational transition, culminating in the establishment of the TF Academy for continuing professional development, as well as in his deep commitment to the community, demonstrated by his consistent and generous support for charitable and socially significant initiatives. It is this profound sense of ethical, civic and human responsibility that makes him a role model for our students."

During the ceremony, following the Rector's institutional address, Deputy Rector Marcello Pinti outlined the significance of the University Seal, while Department Heads Francesco Leali and Elena Degoli read out the reasons for the award. The presentation of the distinction was followed by an address from Giancarlo Ferrari.

The Unimore University Seal is an award established by the University to honour individuals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding achievements and who have made a significant contribution to the development of society or to the University's reputation and activities.