INNOVATION PROGRAM
The ISSNAF Innovation Program supports the innovation ecosystem in Italy and strengthens the connection between Italian talents in North America and Italy.
ISSNAF collaborates with for-profit and not-for-profit partners to advance innovation, research excellence, and international scientific and technological exchange. Through a portfolio of high‑quality services, including independent scientific evaluations, advisory support, access to expert networks, and recognition initiatives, ISSNAF helps partners strengthen their programs, expand their global reach, and generate measurable impact across the innovation ecosystem.
ISSNAF draws on the knowledge and experience of its distinguished members and engages them to deliver all services, ensuring evaluations, advisory activities, and mentorship are grounded in top‑tier scientific and technological expertise.
Through these collaborations, ISSNAF helps translate academic research into real-world outcomes and amplify the global impact of Italian scientific and entrepreneurial talent.
For our Partners, the Innovation Program aims to:
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Support acceleration programs
Collaborate with incubators and accelerators by evaluating technologies, advising entrepreneurs, and delivering structured technical reports that strengthen program outcomes and credibility. -
Deliver independent, high-level scientific evaluation
Provide rigorous and unbiased assessments of research projects, and emerging technologies. Evaluation criteria often include academic merit and research potential. -
Connect to the North American innovation ecosystem
Facilitate the connection with researchers, investors, and innovation hubs in North America, enabling partners to internationalize their programs and access global opportunities. -
Enhance Partner visibility through the ISSNAF Innovator Award
Collaborate with Partners to establish partner-sponsored Innovator Awards, that enhance visibility, reinforce leadership in innovation, and celebrate outstanding talent.
Since its launch in 2025, ISSNAF has carried out two innovation programs in collaboration with AC75, the Accelerator Program of Fondazione Marche, and the Tech Europe Foundation.
INNOVATOR AWARD
Established in 2025 and presented annually at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC, the Innovator Award recognizes Italian mid-career researchers in North America who combine scientific excellence with entrepreneurial impact.
The inaugural edition was sponsored by TEF – Tech Europe Foundation and dedicated to STEM Entrepreneurs in the field of Robotics.
Discover more at https://www.issnaf.org/innovator-award