Detroit – The Italian Consulate in Detroit, under the leadership of Consul Allegra Baistrocchi, continues its commitment to promoting Italian excellence in the U.S., with a particular focus on technological innovation and sustainability. In collaboration with RetImpresa – Confindustria’s Agency, Reputation Research, and We The Italians, three Italian startups operating in the sustainable mobility sector were selected to participate in The Perfect Pitch, a contest that gave them the opportunity to present themselves to key stakeholders and venture capitalists in Michigan, thanks to the tireless efforts of the diplomatic team.
This year also marks the third edition of LoveITDetroit, an event now recognized as a platform for promoting Italian innovation, fully dedicated to advanced technologies. This edition focused on globally significant sectors: artificial intelligence, robotics, sustainability, and energy. Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor, Garlin Gilchrist II, also attended the final event, emphasizing Michigan’s great interest in Italy and outlining guidelines for increased collaboration between the two countries, in line with the Consulate’s ongoing efforts.
Consul Baistrocchi expressed her enthusiasm: “The events we organize aim to showcase contemporary Italy in all its facets. Italian startups are a wonderful example of our excellence. Following the lead of Italy’s G7 presidency, we are promoting an agenda that places innovation, artificial intelligence, and technology at the center, while also giving space to the new generation of Italians.”
A key role in this journey has been played by RetImpresa, which aims to match the demand and supply of innovation in key sectors. Through its Rock competition, it has provided Italian startups with concrete opportunities to secure funding and launch expansion projects in the U.S. This program has created a real bridge between Italian innovation and the American market, opening doors to new growth possibilities.
RetImpresa’s Director, Carlo La Rotonda, commented: “With the valuable support of the Italian Consulate, the best startups from Rock have developed their networking skills and enriched their professional knowledge, improving both the content and the communication aspects of their company pitches, and most importantly, building a strategic international network to enter a market like the U.S.”
The big news this year was the presence of cameras documenting the entire journey, from the startup selection process to meetings with investors. This material will become a television program, with journalist and TV host Monica Marangoni, Davide Ippolito, founder of Reputation Research, and RetImpresa Director Carlo La Rotonda serving as judges and mentors for the startups.
Davide Ippolito, an expert in reputation and communication, commented: “This program is not just entertainment, but also a true business education. It serves both the Sistema Italia and our country, and can be considered a public service.” Ippolito emphasized how this initiative not only promotes Italian excellence but also strengthens Italy’s reputation as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.
This initiative aligns with the ongoing efforts of the Consulate over the past few years to challenge stereotypes on both sides. In Michigan, for years, Italy has been depicted primarily through its old traditions, while today Italy is a cutting-edge nation with strong economic and technological ties to the rest of the world. At the same time, there is also a limited perception of Michigan, and particularly of Detroit, in Italy, often still viewed through the lens of its industrial past. The Consulate is working to change this perception, showcasing the extraordinary potential of a region that is now a hub for innovation and technology, capable of attracting investments and strategic partnerships.
This ongoing commitment from the Consulate is part of a broader project to enhance Italy’s value, which Baistrocchi has pursued with concrete and significant results. Over the past three years, the Consulate has organized more than 100 events reflecting Italy’s transformation on multiple fronts. The first edition of LoveITDetroit was entirely dedicated to Made in Italy, celebrating Italian craftsmanship and design. The following year, sustainability dominated the second edition, with events characterized by a sustainable approach, both in content and presentation.
Now, in 2024, the Consulate is looking to the future, advancing an agenda that centers on innovation and technology to bring Italy’s excellence to the forefront of an increasingly competitive global context.