Driving Innovation and Sustainability: UniBo Motorsport and UniBoAT: New Prototypes Unveiled at the Imola Racetrack

On Monday 16 June, UniBo Motorsport unveiled at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Racetrack in Imola the prototypes that will take part in the new season of student competitions, starting in July.

Among the new entries: Athena, an electric single-seater now gearing up for autonomous driving; Genesi, the team’s first hybrid prototype, developed with the support of Ducati and Lamborghini; and Vega, an electric motorcycle returning to the track with a brand-new battery pack after sweeping all five events at the 2023 Aragon competition. From the UniBoAT team comes Futura, a fully redesigned hydrogen-powered catamaran, ready to take on the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in early July. The event brought together students, faculty, institutional representatives, and business leaders to celebrate the results of an intense year of teamwork and innovation.

Opening the day, Rector Giovanni Molari praised the team’s remarkable progress and growing ambition, underlining how projects like these are a source of pride for the University and a testament to the strength of local support from the Emilia-Romagna region and its business community. The Rector highlighted several projects developed at the University of Bologna, describing them as a source of pride for the institution. He also acknowledged the valuable support provided by the Emilia-Romagna Region and the local business community.

Speeches followed from Manfredi Mavaro, team CFO, and Carmen Bortolini, Head of Sponsorships, who shared insights into the team's development and partnerships. Pietro Benvenuti, General Director of the Imola Circuit, spoke about the longstanding partnership with UniBo Motorsport, rooted in shared values of growth and collaboration.

Professor Nicolò Cavina, the team’s Faculty Advisor, highlighted the project's impact over the years: more than a thousand students involved, thirty prototypes built, and over 150 partner companies contributing to its success. Representatives from the industry also took the stage: Simone Di Piazza (Ducati Motor Holding), Alberto Ferrarotto (Automobili Lamborghini), and Marco Benedetti (Enginium Italia) all highlighted the importance of hands-on learning and the crucial role of university–industry collaboration in training the next generation of professionals.

To close the event, Riccardo Lutti, Team Leader of UniBo Motorsport, officially presented the prototypes that will compete in the upcoming season.

With high hopes for strong results and new achievements, the team is ready to face the challenges ahead and look to the future with even greater enthusiasm.