Creating Connected Communities with Boundless Innovation

10 March 2026
hours 16:30

Event description

Smart cities and connected communities are redefining the way we live, work and interact.
By leveraging open and boundless innovation, corporates, startups and enablers are creating smarter, more resilient and thriving communities.

Collaborative approaches across sectors and disciplines are driving long-term progress and shaping the future of inclusive urban living.

On stage start-ups that will pitch in 2 minutes each

Speakers:
Gloria Mancuso, Director, EMEA Customer Success PitchBook
Robert de Jong, Director Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability
Sofiya Ben, Innovation Manager Safetytech Accelerator 
Francesco Trevisani, Information Technology, Innovation e Data Management Trenord
Mattia Palazzi, Innovation Specialist Veolia Italia 

Moderator:
Lucia Gambuzzi, Startup Ecosystem Manager SMAU


#SmartCities #OpenInnovation #ThrivingCommunities

Details

  1. 1 hour

Speakers in this Panel

Gloria Mancuso

  Gloria leads the EMEA Customer Success organization at PitchBook, where she transforms data into lasting partnerships across the financial services landscape. Working at the intersection of public and private markets, she specialises in breaking down organizational silos. She works...Read more

Francesco Trevisani

Francesco Trevisani is an Innovation Specialist at Trenord, Lombardy’s regional rail operator, within the Information Technology, Innovation and Data Management division. He works on digital and open innovation projects connecting startups, partners and internal teams to improve the...Read more

Mattia Palazzi

As an Innovation Specialist at Veolia Italia, Mattia transforms innovative ideas into impactful projects, reinforcing the company’s leadership in energy efficiency. Currently, he is actively involved in the development of the Research Gateway, an initiative designed to foster an...Read more

Sofiya Ben

Sofiya Ben works as an Innovation Manager at Safetytech Accelerator where she is working to build innovation ecosystems across transport and infrastructure sectors. She has previously worked with global startups and public sector partners to de-risk new technologies, accelerate trials and...Read more

Robert De Jong

Robert has over 20 years' experience leading and developing sustainable innovative programmes for knowledge institutions, commercial real estate, third sector and industry associations. As the Director of the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability at the University of East London, he leads...Read more

Lucia Gambuzzi

Lucia Gambuzzi 18.10.1991, Mirandola (MO), Italy | After spending the last 3 years in Tel Aviv, Oslo, and Paris with Techstars and former Innovation Advisor of the City of Turin, Lucia is currently managing the startup ecosystem of SMAU, Bolzano Slush'D and other innovative operators...Read more