Lecco Aims to Become Lombardy’s Hrl Valley for Healthcare and Longevity
Lecco and its surrounding province are positioning themselves as Lombardy’s designated healthcare, rehabilitation, and longevity cluster, adopting the regional acronym Hrl Valley, Il Giorno reported on October 21, 2026. The territory aims to transform beyond its landscape of lake, mountains, and hills into a recognized capital for medical research, healthcare, and extended youth.
The initiative has successfully cleared its initial milestone, advancing as the second area admitted to phase two to become a Zis, or Innovation and Development Zone (Zona di innovazione e sviluppo). Regional economic development assessor Guido Guidesi noted that the designation uses local strengths to connect research with enterprises and create qualified jobs for younger generations.
Key Research Institutions Driving the Cluster
The project is spearheaded by researchers and specialists from La Nostra Famiglia based in Bosisio Parini, a recognized Italian center for treating and rehabilitating young patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. Collaborating institutions include the Lecco campus of the Politecnico di Milano, which contributes expertise in applied neuro-rehabilitation engineering and biomedical technology, alongside Villa Beretta, the Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, and other localized cutting-edge rehabilitation research centers.
Industry entrepreneurs will gain access to specialized research infrastructure and support services focused on product development. Operations will use advanced competencies in movement analysis, robotics, sensor technology, and virtual and augmented reality. Direct involvement from patients, healthcare professionals, and everyday users will ensure that all developed solutions match practical, concrete needs.
Institutional Representatives Present Project at Politecnico Di Milano
The project presentation took place at the Lecco Territorial Pole of the Politecnico di Milano. Speakers and institutional representatives at the event included regional economic development assessor Guido Guidesi, PoliMi Lecco pro-rector Marco Tarabini, La Nostra Famiglia president Luisa Minoli, Villa Beretta clinical director Franco Molteni, Confindustria Lecco and Sondrio president Marco Campanari, Confcommercio Lecco president Fabio Dadati, and Univerlecco president Vico Valassi.