On June 11, the first edition of SMAU New York brings Italian startups, corporates and institutions to the United States to foster new collaborations and opportunities for international growth
New York, June 11 – After the European stages, the international roadshow of SMAU, a reference point for the Italian innovation ecosystem and aggregator of opportunities at an international level, takes a new strategic step and arrives for the first time in New York with SMAU | Italy Restartsup in New York, scheduled for June 10-12.
This debut marks a key moment in the Italian innovation ecosystem’s journey toward international expansion, strengthening the dialogue with one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive markets. This edition is also organized in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency, SMAU’s strategic partner in supporting the international growth of Italian startups and companies, facilitating access to new markets and creating concrete connections.
The United States today represents a central hub for global technological development, where capital, research and industry converge. In this scenario, SMAU proposes itself as a connection platform between Italy and North America, enhancing already mature solutions and encouraging the creation of industrial and commercial collaborations.
As a testament of the interest of the North American ecosystem and the international standing of the initiative, among the American companies that have confirmed their presence at the event are, on the corporate side, global companies such as Amazon, Google, JPMorgan Chase, Pfizer, Fincantieri Marine Group. Alongside these important players in the investment world, including IBM Ventures, Thomson Reuters Ventures, Remarkable Ventures and Cistern Capital. Completing the picture is an articulated network of innovation enablers: BATWorks, an ecosystem dedicated to climate tech, Cornell Tech, the innovative campus and research center of the prestigious Cornell University, Empire State Development, an agency of the State of New York dedicated to economic development and business support, HAX – SOSV, the world’s largest accelerator in the hardware and deep tech field, Newlab, a technology hub based in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which is home to over 250 startups developing cutting-edge solutions in areas such as energy transition, sustainable mobility, robotics and life sciences.
“Bringing SMAU to New York means positioning Italian innovation in the places where the global trajectories of technological development are defined. It is not just a matter of opening new markets, but of building strategic relationships, attracting capital and putting our companies in a position to compete on an international scale. Italy today has a concrete and applicable heritage of innovation, and this step represents a fundamental step to accelerate its growth and impact,” comments Valentina Sorgato, CEO of SMAU.
“We are particularly proud to have organized the first edition of SMAU New York, following the success of the first two U.S. editions we held in San Francisco. We hope this will be a significant opportunity to bring the Italian innovation ecosystem to the heart of the world’s most important financial center. New York is a unique hub where capital, technology, and talent converge every day: it is the ideal setting to demonstrate that Made in Italy goes far beyond traditional excellence, embracing advanced solutions in artificial intelligence, healthcare, mobility, and manufacturing, at a time of extraordinary vitality in the Italy–U.S. relationship, with U.S. imports of high-tech products from Italy growing steadily, driven by life sciences and biotechnology. SMAU New York joins the intensive promotional activities that ITA carries out to promote Made in Italy innovation in the U.S. market through its network of five offices — New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and Houston — and complements the range of tools and programs through which we actively support startups and innovative companies on their path to internationalization,” stated Erica di Giovancarlo, Director of ITA New York and Coordinator of the ITA Agency Network in the U.S.
“The ICE Office in Los Angeles plays a key role in promoting Italian innovation in the United States, as it is responsible for activities focused on startups, scaleups, and emerging technologies in the American market. Through internationalization programs and matchmaking initiatives with investors, corporations, and research centers, we support numerous innovative Italian companies each year as they grow in the United States. An increasing number of players in the American ecosystem view Italy not only as a leader in manufacturing excellence but also as a strategic partner for innovation. A particularly significant indicator is the fact that the life sciences and biotechnology sector now ranks first, for the first time in history, among Italian export sectors to the United States, surpassing traditionally leading sectors such as precision engineering. This result reflects the ability of Italian companies to establish themselves in the most advanced segments of the global economy and the growing competitiveness of our ecosystem, which is highly attractive even to a particularly advanced system like that of the United States. “In a phase characterized by greater selectivity in investments and complex market conditions, we continue to see growing interest in Italy as an increasingly credible and attractive innovation hub. We are therefore delighted to collaborate with SMAU to bring startups, corporations, and innovative regional ecosystems to the United States once again,” stated Giosafat Rigano’, Director of ITA Los Angeles.
The event kicked off on June 10 with an opening night of networking and socializing at the Consulate General of Italy in New York, an official gathering dedicated to bringing together the Italian delegation and key local stakeholders, including investors, corporate representatives, and institutional officials.
Today, June 11, the Sixth Floor Loft in Union Square is hosting the main day of the event, featuring B2B meetings, networking opportunities, and thematic panels. The program will offer a comprehensive overview of the role of innovation and collaboration among startups, corporations, and investors in building valuable ecosystems, including on an international scale. Significant attention will also be given to the impact of digitalization and AI, sustainable growth, and the transformation of urban and industrial contexts through collaborative models and public-private partnerships.
The spotlight will be on 33 selected Italian startups, supported by corporations and innovation leaders, including delegations from the Emilia-Romagna Region with ART-ER, Friuli Venezia Giulia with Select Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Lazio with Lazio Innova. The latter, in particular, will be represented by President Francesco Rocca and Vice President—Councilor for Economic Development, Commerce, Crafts, Industry, and Internationalization Roberta Angelilli, confirming the active role of institutions in supporting internationalization. Also participating are Italian corporations such as Chiesi Group, Enel, the NEST Foundation—Network for Energy Sustainable Transition, Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center, and Veolia Italia, reflecting a growing interest in open innovation models and collaboration with startups.
The startups protagonists of SMAU New York 2026
At the heart of the event are 33 Italian startups, bringing innovative solutions ready for the international market. From artificial intelligence to sustainability, from advanced manufacturing to data and infrastructure management, up to new digital interfaces and customer engagement models, the participating companies provide a clear picture of the evolution of Italian innovation.
Artificial intelligence remains one of the as one of the key cross-cutting drivers. AI4IV applies advanced algorithms to medical imaging to support faster and more accurate diagnoses, while DATAFALLS, through the Elai solution, enables companies to transform data into operational predictive models in a few hours. ICARUS introduces a voice assistant to automate call handling in healthcare facilities, improving accessibility and efficiency. MATH BIOLOGY develops a non-invasive diagnostic technology based on artificial intelligence that analyzes the body’s bioelectrical responses, supporting early diagnosis and personalized therapeutic pathways, while SKILLGYM uses immersive simulations and AI for experiential skills training. PRAGAMATICA supports workforce management with real-time operational indications PRINCIPLED INTELLIGENCE develops ethical and transparent AI solutions for complex decisons , while MONETA applies artificial intelligence to the analysis of visual data, transforming images and videos into strategic insights.
Alongside AI, highly innovative deep tech and industrial solutions are emerging. CAELUS integrates artificial intelligence, digital twins, and simulations to optimize the design and management of nuclear power plants. D-MOD develops large-scale metal 3D printing technologies capable of significantly reducing material usage while maintaining high performance. IMMODRONE, with its InspectionDrone solution, uses drones, satellites, and AI to monitor critical infrastructure. MODULSTACK introduces smart, reconfigurable logistics modules for flexible supply chains, while TMT INTERNATIONAL is innovating in industrial transport with moving-floor systems that enhance safety and operational efficiency. SPIN – Space Products and Innovation transfers technologies developed for space to industrial and commercial contexts, creating high-performance solutions.
The theme of sustainability and smart resource management is central to several companies. AVACAM develops land monitoring systems for the prevention of hydrogeological risk, while BUILTI applies Structural Health Monitoring models for the safe management of critical infrastructures and assets. IOTILIZE. ME combines IoT and cloud to create digital twins of physical assets and optimize logistics and operations. ISCLEAN AIR introduces a water-based technology for the abatement of pollutants without producing waste, improving air quality and energy efficiency. UTWIN offers a platform for the integrated management of buildings and real estate portfolios, while MINERVAS develops solutions for sustainable mobility, optimizing vehicle consumption and emissions.
Another area of focus involves the transformation of business models and interaction with customers and markets. 4 FOOD, through the Emilia Food Love platform, connects certified Italian producers with US consumers, simplifying exports thanks to automated logistics and compliance management. POPUP integrates digital channels and technologies such as QR and NFC to improve the customer experience in the hospitality and retail sectors. OPENMALL combines AI, immersive environments and avatars to create advanced digital experiences, while TRACTION GROUP develops AI-powered marketing automation and customer engagement platforms. JOULE revolutionizes recruiting with a platform that integrates video analytics and data to recruit candidates quickly and predictively.
Data, operations, and business processes management are at the heart of the solutions offered by BLENDX, which facilitates the integration between systems and data, and by NEPERIA, which supports the digital transformation of companies through advanced software ecosystems. SWITCH enables the automation and orchestration of business processes, while OPSEED collects and organises operational know-how in a digital repository to support manufacturing production.
Finally, security, analytics, and decision-support technologies are playing an increasingly strategic role. PROMETEO uses mathematical models to interpret complex data and improve decision-making processes, while SENTRYNET develops advanced cybersecurity solutions to protect communications and sensitive data. RADIO6ENSE applies AI and sensor technology to analyze radio signals in real time, helping to improve control and security in dynamic environments. Finally, ALWAYS FRIDAY rounds out the picture with digital solutions dedicated to organizational well-being and productivity, promoting more sustainable and people-centered work models.
Taken together, these realities tell of a concrete innovation, oriented towards impact and increasingly ready to confront global markets.
For more information: https://www.smau.it/new-york/
IN THE PHOTO: Valentina Sorgato, CEO of SMAU – Giosafat Rigano’, Director of ITA Los Angeles – Pierantonio Macola, President SMAU