The future at Mind (Milano Innovation District) is taking shape, with significant developments aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for young people. On April 1, 2025, the event titled "Campus Mind: the First Step for Students" marked the laying of the first stone for the inaugural student residence at Mind. This initiative, promoted by Lendlease, the Università degli Studi di Milano, and Ream Sgr, is set to transform the area into a vibrant hub for education and innovation.
The new campus, which is part of a broader plan to construct two student residences accommodating a total of 1,152 beds by 2027, is expected to attract a youthful demographic. By the completion of these projects, over 50% of the Mind community will comprise individuals under 30 years of age. This demographic shift is crucial for the district, positioning it as a key player in international higher education and scientific research.
During the event, prominent figures including Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy Region; Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan; Andrea Orlandi, Mayor of Rho; and Marina Brambilla, Rector of the Università Statale, gathered to discuss the implications of these developments. The meeting highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in creating infrastructure that meets the needs of students and researchers.
“Today marks an important evolution for Mind and the Università degli Studi di Milano, an institution that has contributed to the development of the city and Lombardy for centuries,” commented Fontana. He emphasized the significance of investing in young students and the scientific community, stating, “Mind was born as a virtuous model of public-private collaboration, effectively responding to new urban and social needs.”
Mayor Sala echoed these sentiments, noting that the two student residences will not only provide affordable housing solutions but also enhance the overall functionality and vibrancy of the innovative neighborhood. “The presence of these residences will create a meeting point for the new academic community that will grow within the campus and Mind,” he said. “The over 1,000 beds planned are essential not only for housing but also for fostering a lively environment for students and researchers from various regions of Italy and around the world.”
Brambilla highlighted the university's commitment to increasing housing availability for students. She noted, “We have significantly increased our bed availability from 764 in 2018 to 1,286 in the 2022/2023 academic year, and we will reach almost 1,700 with the new 400 beds at Mind.” She emphasized that housing is a critical social issue that impacts access to higher education, which is vital for maintaining Milan's status as an international metropolis.
Fabrizio Zichichi, Executive Project Director at Lendlease, emphasized the significance of the new student residence in fostering a supportive academic environment. “Students and researchers are the lifeblood of Mind. This residence will not only be a place to live but a hub for the academic and local community,” he said. He also highlighted the project's role in attracting talent from around the globe, positioning Mind as an international hub for innovation and education.
The two new student residences will be strategically located: one in the eastern area of Mind, near the Università Statale campus, offering 646 beds, and another in the western area, across from Galeazzi Hospital, with 506 beds. These residences will be built to high environmental sustainability standards and will be certified LEED Gold.
The financing for this ambitious project amounts to €215 million, a testament to the robust collaboration between public and private sectors. Francesco Mandruzzato, CEO of Academo and Commercial Director at Lendlease, noted that this partnership is crucial for the timely completion of the campus. “Thanks to this synergy, the project is proceeding according to schedule, contributing to making Mind an international reference point for research and education,” he stated.
As the construction of the campus progresses, the first building is expected to be completed by December 2026, ahead of schedule. The campus will feature five main buildings, covering a total area of 210,000 square meters and accommodating approximately 23,000 students, faculty, and researchers.
The East Gate area of Mind is set to become a dynamic space, enriched with services and infrastructure designed to enhance the quality of life for students, researchers, and citizens alike. A new train stop, Mind-Merlata, will provide quick access to central Milan and the metropolitan area. Additionally, a dedicated entertainment area will span approximately 15,000 square meters, with 80% of its facilities expected to be operational by summer 2025.
This comprehensive development plan not only aims to meet the housing needs of students but also to create a vibrant community that fosters collaboration and innovation. “We are committed to ensuring that this integration occurs smoothly, creating synergies between the academic world and the surrounding territory,” said Orlandi.
In summary, the developments at Mind represent a significant step toward creating an inclusive and innovative educational environment that will benefit both the local community and the broader academic landscape. With the promise of affordable housing and a vibrant campus life, Mind is poised to become a beacon of opportunity for the next generation of students and researchers.
