To mark Italy’s National Space Day, the Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco hosted the event “Technologies and solutions for space applications of the Italian microelectronics industry,” bringing together leaders from industry, academia, and research to highlight Italy’s contributions to space innovation.
The evening opened with remarks by Consul General Massimo Carnelos, followed by Romeo Beccherelli, Science and Technology Attaché at the Consulate General, who also moderated the discussion.
The program featured presentations by Francesco Brianti, Head of Business Management and Operation for STMicroeletronics’ Microcontroller and Digital Group; Giovanni Barbarossa, Chief Strategy Officer and President of the Materials Segment at Coherent; and Victoria Coleman, Associate Provost for the Berkeley Space Center and Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at UC Berkeley. Dr. Coleman brings over 40 years of distinguished leadership in research and aerospace, including her recent roles as Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Chief Scientist of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.
Speakers discussed how Italian and European microelectronics technologies are enabling a wide range of space applications, from advanced ground-based systems—such as next-generation antenna technologies—to satellite components including microprocessors, high-frequency devices, and optical communications. The conversation also highlighted opportunities to deepen scientific collaboration, foster technological partnerships, and support further commercial development between Italy, Europe, and the United States.
The event welcomed researchers, engineers, and representatives from innovative companies working in satellite technologies and advanced manufacturing for ultra-scaled electronic circuits, offering a valuable forum for exchange between the Italian and Bay Area scientific and entrepreneurial communities.
Through this initiative, the Consulate General reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Italian technological excellence and strengthening transatlantic cooperation in the strategic fields of space and advanced electronics.
