Open Innovation for New Materials in Professional Audio
Ideofarm, Powersoft’s Innovation Garage dedicated to applied research, has launched the Call4Innovation for Deep Tech & New Materials, an international program aimed at startups, researchers, and spin-offs working in the fields of new materials and metamaterials, electroacoustics, and wireless power transmission.
We spoke with Lorenzo Lastrucci, Project Manager at Ideofarm. In this interview, he explains why a company that is already a leader in its sector chooses to embrace external innovation, the industrial challenges this call aims to address, and where the most urgent technological gaps lie today. He also discusses the role of the Circular Economy Lab in scouting and supporting startups, the expected level of technological maturity (TRL) for applicants, and offers practical advice for submitting an effective application.
Ideofarm was established as Powersoft’s Innovation Garage. Why does a company that is already a leader in its sector choose to systematically open itself up to external innovation through an international call?
Innovation has always been part of Powersoft’s DNA. Opening up to external innovation through an international call means multiplying perspectives and connecting with talents and ideas we might never have imagined on our own. Ideofarm was born from this belief: major transformations happen when industrial expertise meets pioneering vision. Remaining a leader means having the courage to challenge yourself every day.
CALL4INNOVATION: OBJECTIVES AND TECHNOLOGICAL FOCUS AREAS
The call focuses on three areas—new materials and metamaterials, electroacoustics, and wireless power transmission. What is the common thread that connects them, and what concrete industrial challenges are you looking to solve?
The common thread is power: how to generate it, transform it, and transmit it more efficiently, sustainably, and innovatively. New materials and metamaterials, electroacoustics, and wireless power transmission are three different paths toward the same goal: redefining the physical limits of what professional audio can achieve. We aim to address tangible challenges, such as developing lighter, more efficient devices capable of enabling applications that are currently unimaginable.
Among these three areas, is there one where you currently perceive the most urgent technological gap?
Each area has significant potential, but new materials are often the key that unlocks everything else: a transducer is fundamentally shaped by the materials it is made from. This is where we see the most exciting frontier, because a breakthrough in materials can simultaneously improve weight, efficiency, and performance. That said, we are not looking for a single winner—we are looking for ideas that can surprise us in each of the three focus areas.
THE ROLE OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY LAB
The Circular Economy Lab is involved not only in international scouting but throughout the entire project journey. What role does it play in each phase—from defining the call to Demo Day—and what value does it add compared to a process managed entirely in-house by Ideofarm?
The Circular Economy Lab helps us structure the scouting and selection process. It begins with an initial screening across a broad international pool, followed by a joint effort to identify the most relevant and promising startups. This leads to one-to-one meetings and ultimately to a shortlist of around ten selected ventures. The added value lies in its methodology and network: it enables us to look further and make better choices than we could on our own.
WHAT KIND OF SOLUTIONS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
What types of solutions are you seeking: technologies already validated and ready for industrial deployment, advanced prototypes, or projects at an earlier stage? What level of technological maturity do you expect from applicants?
We are looking for tangible ideas on which to build the future. Our benchmark is around TRL 4, meaning a prototype that has already been tested at least in a laboratory environment. A finished product is not required, but a solid foundation is essential for collaborative development. We are interested in technologies that have demonstrated their potential—something that works and can grow significantly when combined with our industrial expertise.
Are there specific industrial use cases within Powersoft—or more broadly within the professional audio sector—where you would like to see the proposed technologies applied?
Powersoft was founded on power amplifiers and now develops innovative transducers and much more. The professional audio sector is so broad that almost any innovation can find a place within it. We envision technologies applied to more efficient transducers, new ways of powering devices, and solutions that make sound more immersive and sustainable. Thanks to our global sales network, a validated idea can also reach the market quickly.
PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR APPLICANTS
What should an application absolutely include in order to capture Ideofarm’s attention?
A compelling application tells the story of a real technology and a clear vision: what you have built, what results you have already demonstrated in the lab, and where the technology could go next. Be transparent about your maturity level, but ambitious about the impact. What truly captures our attention is the combination of technical robustness and passion. Show us that behind the prototype there is a team ready to take innovation all the way.