emirates7 - Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) recently hosted the Future Innovators event, spotlighting Italy’s achievements in creative industries and artificial intelligence. The gathering served as a platform for Italian experts to share insights on the strengths of their enterprises and how these contribute to enhancing bilateral trade, particularly in areas such as innovation, sustainability, fashion, design, and AI.
This event was part of the broader initiative titled “A Journey through Made in Italy,” a week-long programme held from April 14 to 17 across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Organised by Italiacamp, in partnership with the Embassy of Italy in the UAE, the Consulate General of Italy in Dubai, and the Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi, the initiative was also backed by Challenge Network and Triumph MENA, a branch of Triumph Group International Benefit Corporation. The aim was to celebrate Italian excellence across various sectors including manufacturing, cuisine, art, research, craftsmanship, and innovation.
During his opening remarks, Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, lauded the innovation and creativity of Italian companies, and reaffirmed SRTI Park’s commitment to offering an enabling environment for startups and entrepreneurs looking to expand in the Middle East. He also provided updates on technological developments currently underway at the park.
Edoardo Napoli, Consul General of Italy in Dubai, highlighted the strong trade relationship between Italy and the UAE, and acknowledged SRTI Park’s significant contribution to helping international companies leverage advanced technologies to produce top-tier solutions.
Valerio Soldani, Italy’s Trade Commissioner to the UAE, spoke about the Italian Trade Agency’s efforts to support SMEs and startups with customised services and promotional platforms. He emphasized the strategic synergy between Italian innovation and the UAE’s tech-driven vision, citing specific Italian advancements in areas like AI-driven healthcare, water and waste management, supercapacitors, and advanced manufacturing.
Nicola Bettio, Director of the Innovation and Research Ecosystem at SRTI Park, delivered a keynote titled Crossing the Chasm, stressing the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and academia in creating impactful and sustainable innovations.
Another keynote was delivered by Professor Agostino La Bella from the University of Rome Tor Vergata and Co-Founder of RTBH.ai. His talk, Hype to Impact: Strategic Pathways for the Next AI Wave, explored how artificial intelligence can transition from trend to tangible influence.
Throughout the event, a variety of panel discussions covered diverse topics, including: sustainable innovation across industries, the future of creative sectors through the lens of AI and emerging trends, the role of education in shaping innovation in fashion and design, the evolution of gaming and interactive media, and how AI is transforming creativity, brand development, and user profiling.
This event was part of the broader initiative titled “A Journey through Made in Italy,” a week-long programme held from April 14 to 17 across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Organised by Italiacamp, in partnership with the Embassy of Italy in the UAE, the Consulate General of Italy in Dubai, and the Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi, the initiative was also backed by Challenge Network and Triumph MENA, a branch of Triumph Group International Benefit Corporation. The aim was to celebrate Italian excellence across various sectors including manufacturing, cuisine, art, research, craftsmanship, and innovation.
During his opening remarks, Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, lauded the innovation and creativity of Italian companies, and reaffirmed SRTI Park’s commitment to offering an enabling environment for startups and entrepreneurs looking to expand in the Middle East. He also provided updates on technological developments currently underway at the park.
Edoardo Napoli, Consul General of Italy in Dubai, highlighted the strong trade relationship between Italy and the UAE, and acknowledged SRTI Park’s significant contribution to helping international companies leverage advanced technologies to produce top-tier solutions.
Valerio Soldani, Italy’s Trade Commissioner to the UAE, spoke about the Italian Trade Agency’s efforts to support SMEs and startups with customised services and promotional platforms. He emphasized the strategic synergy between Italian innovation and the UAE’s tech-driven vision, citing specific Italian advancements in areas like AI-driven healthcare, water and waste management, supercapacitors, and advanced manufacturing.
Nicola Bettio, Director of the Innovation and Research Ecosystem at SRTI Park, delivered a keynote titled Crossing the Chasm, stressing the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and academia in creating impactful and sustainable innovations.
Another keynote was delivered by Professor Agostino La Bella from the University of Rome Tor Vergata and Co-Founder of RTBH.ai. His talk, Hype to Impact: Strategic Pathways for the Next AI Wave, explored how artificial intelligence can transition from trend to tangible influence.
Throughout the event, a variety of panel discussions covered diverse topics, including: sustainable innovation across industries, the future of creative sectors through the lens of AI and emerging trends, the role of education in shaping innovation in fashion and design, the evolution of gaming and interactive media, and how AI is transforming creativity, brand development, and user profiling.