Established in 2025, the ISSNAF Innovator Award recognizes Italian researchers and innovators in North America who embody the rare ability to combine scientific excellence with entrepreneurial vision, generating meaningful impact on both sides of the Atlantic.
The award is presented to mid-career researchers whose work demonstrates not only outstanding scientific achievement but also entrepreneurial success, whether by founding ventures, advancing technologies, or transforming research into real-world applications.
Special consideration is given to candidates who foster collaboration between Italy and North America.
2025 TEF Award for STEM Entrepreneur in ROBOTICS
2025
Francesco
Borrelli
Chief AI and Robotics Officer at Nextracker, Inc.
Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley
This Award is presented in partnership with the Tech Europe Foundation (TEF).
Established in Milan in 2024 by Bocconi University, Politecnico di Milano, the ION Foundation, and FSI —with the support of the Milan Chamber of Commerce — TEF is a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific excellence and entrepreneurship. Its mission is to fund cutting-edge research, foster an entrepreneurial culture, and support startups at their earliest stages, before venture capital comes into play.
The 2025 edition of the award honors an Italian researcher and innovator in North America who exemplifies the fusion of scientific excellence and entrepreneurial vision in the field of Robotics.
PRIZE AND RECOGNITION
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Winner receives a prize of $3,000
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The Award will be presented to the winner during the ISSNAF Annual Event on November 6 at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC
SUPPORT FUTURE INNOVATOR AWARDS
ISSNAF welcomes additional foundations, institutions, and partners to support future Innovator Awards.
By contributing, sponsors can help recognize exceptional Italian talent abroad, strengthen transatlantic collaboration, and promote scientific and entrepreneurial excellence worldwide.
Contact awards@issnaf.org