About us
SmartFluidPower is an innovative SME founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Our team combines academic expertise with engineering skills to drive innovation in hydraulic system design.
Companies in the hydraulic sector often face simulation software that is too complex, expensive, or poorly suited to their real needs. We decided to change the game.
We work directly with industry leaders to develop tailored products and services designed to simplify modeling, shorten development times, and improve the performance of hydraulic systems.
SmartFluidPower is a spin-off of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, founded in 2018. Our team has several years of experience in industrial hydraulics.
During our research, we have realized that many companies in the fluid power industry struggle with adopting modeling and simulation software. This is due to the lack of resources and specific skills, as well as the high cost of commercial software available in the market.
We have decided to start collaborating with companies in the sector, to help them optimize their component and hydraulic system design with dedicated products and services.
SmartFluidPower team
Massimo Borghi
Scientific Manager
Fluid Machines Professor at Unimore, he’s dedicated to research and training and has been collaborating with several hydraulic companies for the past 35 years.
Barbara Zardin
Technical Manager
PhD in Machine Engineering and Energetic Systems in 2008, researcher and Teacher at Unimore in Mechanical Engineering. She has been involved with simulation and experiments on hydraulic components and systems since 2005.
Giovanni Cillo
R&D Manager
Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2012, 2nd level Master in Fluidpower in 2014. Hydraulic researcher at Unimore, specialized in the simulation of components and systems.
Carlo Molon
Sales engineer and development advisor
Master Degree in Mechanical engineering at University of Padua in 2001. He has been working as hydraulic valves and manifold designer for various companies in Italy. He represents VEST software for hydraulics in Europe.
Marco Rizzoli
Product Development
Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2019 at Unimore. Currently he is a researcher at Enzo Ferrari Mechanical Engineering Department in Modena, where he is involved in design, analysis and modeling for the fluid power industry.
Marta Natali
Marketing
Working in digital marketing since 2014, espcially B2B. She has worked in several agencies and dealt with prestigious brands both in Italy and in the United Arab Emirates.
SmartFluidPower's Challenge
Fluid power is a quiet yet essential technology: it moves industrial machinery, lifts vehicles, and automates processes. It’s not very visible to the general public, but it has a huge impact on the world around us.
Italy is a key player in Europe, with a vibrant market dominated by highly specialized SMEs capable of producing high-performance components. However, many of these companies still rely on traditional methods based on physical prototypes and bench testing — an effective approach but costly, slow, and difficult to scale in a fast-moving market.
Integrating virtual simulation tools would be the key to improving time, cost, and competitiveness. But doing so requires investments, expertise, and time that SMEs often can’t afford.
This is where SmartFluidPower comes in.
Our challenge is to develop simulation solutions that are simple, accessible, and compatible with existing processes. In other words: tools that don’t disrupt, but empower.
The benefits are real and immediate: more informed design, faster development, reduced costs, and greater responsiveness to market demands.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission
We help companies in the fluid power sector optimize every stage of their processes by integrating innovative, customized, and accessible simulation and calculation tools at all levels.
Vision
To become the leading reference in Italy for research and engineering consulting in fluid power, supporting companies throughout the entire production process — from design to simulation and technical training.
Our vision is translated into three operational directions:
- Software: Development and commercialization of our simulation software and complementary tools
- Consulting: Tailored modeling and simulation services for clients
- Training: Courses on hydraulics, pneumatics, fluid power, and applied simulation
Values
Continuous Innovation
Not only in products but also in processes and work approach
Flexibility and Customization
Each solution is tailored to seamlessly integrate into the client’s workflows
Operational Simplicity
We simplify our clients’ work by improving timelines, costs, and design awareness
Vertical Specialization
Our team is highly qualified with exclusive focus on the fluid power industry
