Consul General Massimo Carnelos was pleased to visit SkyDeck, the official startup accelerator and incubator of the University of California, Berkeley, to further strengthen cooperation between Italy’s innovation ecosystem and one of the world’s leading centers for entrepreneurship and technology transfer.
During the meeting, the Consul General met with Caroline Winnett, Executive Director of Berkeley SkyDeck, and Ben Fong to discuss opportunities for expanding collaboration in support of Italian startups, entrepreneurs, and innovation-driven companies seeking to scale internationally.
The discussions focused on strengthening transatlantic pathways for early-stage companies by fostering closer connections among startups, investors, universities, research institutions, and innovation ecosystems in Italy and California. Particular attention was devoted to creating new opportunities for Italian founders to engage with Silicon Valley and the Bay Area through mentorship, investment, and strategic partnerships.
The meeting also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Berkeley SkyDeck and Italy, including its collaboration with Cariplo Factory and the growing engagement of Italian startups within the SkyDeck ecosystem. Building on this partnership, twelve innovative Italian startups are expected to participate in Berkeley SkyDeck’s programs this fall, further reinforcing the ties between the two innovation ecosystems.
Recognized among the world’s premier university startup accelerators, Berkeley SkyDeck combines the academic excellence of the University of California, Berkeley with a dynamic network of investors, mentors, and entrepreneurs, providing selected startups with funding, strategic guidance, and access to one of the world’s most vibrant innovation environments.
The Consulate General extends its sincere appreciation to Caroline Winnett and Ben Fong for their warm welcome and valuable exchange of ideas. Initiatives such as these reflect Italy’s growing commitment to innovation diplomacy by fostering meaningful partnerships with leading international institutions and creating new opportunities for Italian entrepreneurship to compete and succeed on a global scale.24
