In the landscape of philanthropic initiatives linked to the business world, the Tortora Family Foundation stands out for its contribution in support of scientific research and people’s well-being through high-impact projects capable of generating innovation and offering new therapeutic perspectives. Within this framework comes the support provided to the Romagna Cancer Institute (IOR) and IRST IRCCS, aimed at making possible an innovative cellular therapy program based on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), an approach that uses the patient’s own immune cells to directly fight cancer.

What are the values that guide the work of the Tortora Family Foundation?
Our Foundation was established in 2019 from the vision of the Tortora family and PLT Holding Group, which have always promoted a model of growth based on the creation of sustainable economic and social value. The principles that guide our work are solidarity, responsibility toward the community, and a strong focus on people. We firmly believe in inclusion and in the need to create concrete opportunities for those living in vulnerable situations. These principles translate into very practical activities: we support social assistance projects, organizations working in the fields of disability and healthcare, and targeted local initiatives. At the same time, we invest in young people through scholarships and educational programs, convinced that education is a fundamental tool for building the future. We also dedicate attention to culture and sports, which are key elements in strengthening the social fabric and creating shared value.

Supporting scientific research is one of the pillars of your mission.
Our support for scientific research stems from the belief that without research there can be no growth, and without growth there can be no progress. We believe this is the foundation for developing innovative solutions, especially in the medical field, to find treatments that do not yet exist and make them increasingly accessible. This vision is also deeply connected to our entrepreneurial history. By definition, we are an innovative group: over 25 years ago, thanks to the vision of my father, founder and Chairman of PLT Group, we began operating in the renewable energy sector at a time when the topic was still pioneering. It is only natural that this same approach is reflected in the Foundation’s activities. Supporting scientific research today also means making a concrete contribution to the national system and transforming the commitment and professionalism of so many researchers into something tangible for the wider community.

How did the collaboration with IOR begin?
The collaboration with the Romagna Cancer Institute came about very naturally, starting from our desire to identify a partner representing excellence within the Emilia-Romagna region and sharing our values. IOR has always been a point of reference not only for the quality of its care, but also for its ability to remain close to the community through a practical yet innovative approach. As a Foundation, we were looking for an organization with which to build a medium- to long-term partnership, one that would not end with a single intervention but could grow over time. In this sense, the collaboration represents an important first step: a project that may also become the starting point for further shared initiatives.

You decided to support a highly innovative project at IRST: what were the main reasons behind this choice?
The decision to support the TIL cellular therapy project arose from extensive discussions with IOR. On the one hand, it was important for us to support a highly innovative project with the potential to make a concrete impact on patients’ lives; on the other hand, IOR needed to identify a partner capable of supporting the development of the therapy through a structured pathway, rather than through a one-time contribution. The choice therefore fell on TILs precisely because they represent a very advanced frontier in oncology research and fully embody the concept of innovation applied to treatment. The hope is to offer patients an additional therapeutic option, especially in cases where currently available treatments have not proven effective. We would be very proud if this therapy were eventually to reach, as we expect, a patenting stage: this would not only enhance the work of researchers, but also further strengthen IRST’s excellence as a leading center for treatment and research.

What characteristics must a project have in order to be supported by the Foundation?
First and foremost, projects must be rooted in the Emilia-Romagna region, which is our home region and the context in which the Foundation operates. Secondly, they must fall within our main areas of intervention, in order to remain consistent with our mission and focus resources where we can generate real impact. Another essential element for us is practicality, so that projects produce a tangible and measurable contribution: for example, donating a pulmonary ventilator to a healthcare facility, providing transportation vehicles for vulnerable individuals, or supporting restoration projects. Finally, the objectives must be clear and transparent, with well-defined, traceable interventions capable of generating a lasting impact. This also includes the significant investment the Foundation has made in supporting the growth of the Cesena Campus for the many students who attend it. Our intention is to continue along this path with even greater determination: we believe in the importance of giving back to the community part of the value generated, helping to create a virtuous cycle in which the economy is not limited to producing income, but also becomes a tool for shared growth. In this sense, we believe that organizations such as our Foundation can play an important role in supporting the community. It is precisely in line with these values that we will continue to move forward, with the goal of ensuring continuity for existing projects and developing new initiatives.