From Florida to United States

By Luca Stillitano*

Innovation, alongside competitiveness and research, is undeniably one of the most crucial drivers of sustainable growth and productivity for countries in the modern global economy. By fostering a culture of innovation, countries can continuously adapt, evolve, and remain competitive, thereby creating the foundation for long-term economic prosperity. Innovation fuels the development of new industries, improves existing processes, and ensures that nations remain at the cutting edge of technology, providing them with a distinct advantage in an increasingly interconnected and fast-paced world.

For Italy, being among the early participants in nurturing the innovation ecosystem in Florida is a testament to its commitment to fostering international collaboration and growth in the tech sector. Italy’s investment in Florida’s burgeoning innovation landscape not only strengthens bilateral ties but also demonstrates the importance of global cooperation in tackling the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century economy. Italy’s active role is crucial in accelerating the adoption of new technologies, encouraging cross-border investments, and ensuring that innovation is utilized as a strategic asset.

The Miami Scientific Italian Community, established in Miami in 2013 at the behest of Unindustria Lazio, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, ENEA, Universitá La Sapienza, Tor Vergata, Roma Tre, LUISS, Finmeccanica, Polo Tecnologico e Industriale di Roma, the Rome Chamber of Commerce, Unicredit Group, Radio Dimensione Suono, Guida Monaci, De Furia Group, and a group of Italian researchers already active in Miami, it serves as a platform to foster collaboration between Italian and American universities, companies, and financiers. It represents the official channel through which technologies with the potential for practical application are enhanced through interaction and exchange with the business world. More than 2,000 technologies are cataloged (including those from the Politecnico di Torino, the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, and the Politecnico di Bari), covering all major technological and industrial sectors. All the information within each ‘patent sheet’ is carefully crafted to provide concise and clear details that spark the interest of potential investors and facilitate connections with companies.

In this context, the image of President De Furia with Manny Medina, widely recognized as one of the most successful tech entrepreneurs in Florida, to the first editions of eMerge Americas, symbolizes the fruitful collaboration between Italian leadership and Florida’s vibrant tech ecosystem. Manny Medina, known for his groundbreaking contributions to the tech industry in Florida, represents the epitome of innovation and entrepreneurship in the state. His success reflects the immense potential that lies in fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem, one that Italy has strategically chosen to be part of, further enriching the global dialogue on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.

The first edition of Think Tech Italia in 2015, shown in the image, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fostering cross-border relationships that drive technological advancements and economic development. It is through such collaborative efforts that nations can collectively contribute to the creation of an innovative and productive global landscape, ensuring a future where sustainable growth is not just a goal but a reality.

In 2023, Star Italia Accelerator was founded as an accelerator for startups and innovative SMEs, with the goal of creating qualified access to the U.S. market, stimulating entrepreneurial skills, and supporting the entry and growth of Italy’s best talents in innovation.

Two programs available:

• Future Seed, which lasts between two and four months and targets less mature businesses. It offers services and the opportunity to present ideas to investors through public pitch events or demo days.
• Upward Phase, which lasts from two to six months and is aimed at more established startups. It offers the opportunity to connect with networks of other companies to share experiences and increase the chances of new opportunities.

The services offered include shared workspaces, training, mentorship (provided by startup mentors), and access to technical and logistical resources (supply chain). Each selected startup will participate in an acceleration program lasting up to six months, with support from mentors, business partners, and selected investors.

*Luca Stillitano is a publicist journalist, focusing on education, innovation, and research. 
Born in Rome in 1971, he graduated in law from the University of “La Sapienza,” where he wrote a thesis on Emergency Management of Natural Disasters. 
His first job was at EPR Comunicazione, after which he began collaborating with the Pocket Group.
 He later became the Public Affairs and Media Relations manager for Consorzio Roma Ricerche, a research organization. 
Stillitano was also the creator and organizer of PANTA REI, a cultural event promoting social inclusion through the presentation and free distribution of books, as well as organizing meetings between the press, politicians, and civil society representatives.In addition, he ideated and organized Margutta Art-D-Street, an event aimed at supporting and promoting youth artistic expression, patronage, and the recognition of Via Margutta as “The Art Street of the Capital.” Since 2015, he has been responsible for Media Relations at the Miami Scientific Italian Community, an entity focused on scientific collaboration. Stillitano writes for major national newspapers on topics related to innovation and research.