AI and Innovation: Europe Moves from Taker to Maker
Wednesday 11 June 2025, 10:00 AM
at DAMA – Tecnopolo Data Manifattura Emilia-Romagna, Bologna
The IFAB Foundation and Obloo Ventures, in collaboration with ART-ER and the ICSC Centro Nazionale di Ricerca in HPC, Big Data e Quantum Computing, give voice to the European AI ecosystem with an event designed for those who want to lead change. The goal: to unlock the full potential of AI made in Europe and strengthen the continent’s role as a global innovation driver.
Start-ups, businesses and policy-makers will come together in two thematic round tables to exchange ideas, address current challenges and foster new opportunities. The dialogue will be practical, action-oriented, and aimed at shaping a shared vision.
It’s time to shift from being takers to makers. Europe is ready to take the lead.
Programme
9:30
Participant Registration
10:00
Institutional Welcome
10:40
Keynote Speech — Geopolitics and data sovereignty. What is your strategy?
Enrico Signoretti, VP Product & Partnerships, Cubbit
11:00
Round Table 1 — Business and AI: Can Innovation Happen Without Start-ups?
Innovation in AI is born from the collaboration between established organisations and start-ups — but is it really possible to drive innovation without the contribution of start-ups? This panel will explore that delicate balance with authoritative voices from the institutional, corporate and investment worlds. A dialogue aimed at understanding how to grow AI made in Europe by turning business challenges into tangible opportunities.
Moderator: Misal Memeo, Obloo Ventures
Participants:
- Vincenzo Colla, Vice President with responsibility for Economic Development and Green Economy, Energy, Vocational Training, Universities and Research – Emilia-Romagna Region
- Paola Bonomo, Independent board member, advisor, business angel, and ISB member – IFAB Foundation
- Andrea Santagata, CEO – Mondadori Media SpA
- Salvatore Majorana, Director – Kilometro Rosso
- Alessandro Nuara, CEO and co-founder AD Cube
12:00
Round Table 2 — Start-ups and AI: Time to Scale Up
How can European AI start-ups scale and turn bold visions into real-world solutions? What lessons can we learn from Silicon Valley, and which best practices should we share? Together with key players from the tech ecosystem, we will explore challenges, winning strategies and opportunities to strengthen Europe’s AI presence on the global stage.
Moderator: Misal Memeo, Obloo Ventures
Participants:
- Alberto Acito, Director – Innovit and ISB member – IFAB Foundation
- Davide Salomoni, Innovation Manager – ICSC Centro Nazionale di Ricerca in HPC, Big Data e Quantum Computing
- Marina Silverii, Operations Manager – ART-ER
- Daniele Panfilo, CEO and Co-Founder – Aindo
- Nicola Redi, Managing Partner – Obloo Ventures
13:00
Closing with networking light lunch
