ORGANIZING COMMITEE

Dr. Luciano Schina (Dhitech)

Dr. Silvia Cassone (Dhitech)

Silvia Cassone holds a Master’s degree in Business Management from the University of Salento with top honors and has specialized in Change Management and Digital Transformation. She has gained experience in administration, financial control, project management, and communication through various academic and professional experiences. Fluent in Italian, English, French, and Spanish, she is eager to grow in dynamic and international environments.

Dr. Emanuele Serra (Dhitech)

Emanuele Serra is Dhitech’s project support; he graduated in Economics and Management in 2018. Behind him, there are several years of experience in financial services, administration and marketing. He speaks Italian, English and Spanish and is fascinated and passionate by innovation and technologies, with all their applications.

PROJECT PARTNERS PRESENTATION

Besa Beshi (Confimi Albania)

Presentation of the Confimi NGO

A short presentation about what our Ngo does and its ongoing projects.

My name is Besa Beshi, and I graduated from the Faculty of Law at the private institution, Aleks Luarasi School. Since 2017, I have been working as a lawyer at an accounting firm, gaining extensive experience in legal and financial matters. In addition to my legal career, 1 am actively involved with Confimi NGO, a nongovernmental organization based in Albania, where I contribute to its initiatives and growth. I am a friendly and approachable person, and I truly enjoy my work.

Dr. Adolfo Colagiovanni (Gal Molise)

Presentation of Gal Molise Verso il 2020 and its ecosystem

A presentation about Local Action Group Molise, what it does and its ongoing projects.

Adolfo Colagiovanni is a European Project Manager and Director of Local Action Group Molise. He graduated in Innovation and Development at University of Rome in 2010 and obtained in 2011 a II level Master in European Project Management at University of Molise and European Institute of Public Administration. He has been working at LAG Molise from 2016, where he deals with design and management of regional, national and European projects, both as Beneficiary and Lead Partner funded by the European, National and Regional Programs. He also work as freelance EU project manager for several organizations in Molise, as the regional government, the University of Molise, municipalities and no profit associations.

Dr. Sara Sulce (Smart Horizont)

Presentation of the Smart Horizont NGO

A short presentation about what our NGO does and its ongoing projects.

My name is Sara Sulce. I graduated in Economics from the University of Tirana, Faculty of Economics. Since 2020, I have been working as an accountant at an accounting firm. In addition to my professional career, I am actively involved with Smart Horizont NGO, an organization founded in Montenegro in 2021. We are currently running several impactful projects. I am friendly, approachable, and passionate about my work.
I am always eager to learn and contribute to both my professional and personal growth.

TECHNICAL SPEECHES

Dr. Ing. Fabio Longo (Dhitech)

Sustainable Engineering: Exploring the Impact of Geopolymer Materials on Energy Savings and Sustainability

Building retrofitting presents challenges in material selection and sustainability. Geopolymer mortars offer an eco-friendly solution, involving industrial by-products to reduce embodied carbon. Their development involves optimizing mix designs and assessing mechanical and thermal properties. Sustainability assessment integrates life cycle analysis and techno-economic evaluations, considering environmental impacts and cost-effectiveness. The key is to balance performance, cost, and environmental benefits for effective, sustainable retrofits.

Fabio Longo holds a PhD in Materials, Structure, and Nanotechnology Engineering, earned with his dissertation titled “Structural and energy retrofitting of masonry structures using IMC systems.” During his PhD, he was a visiting scholar for six months in 2019 at the University of Houston, Texas, USA. During his doctoral studies, he developed an innovative technological solution for a combined seismic and energy retrofitting approach for existing buildings. He is author of numerous scientific articles in international and Italian journals on the structural and energy-related aspects of existing buildings.
Since 2020, he has been working as a professional civil engineer, applying the expertise acquired during his studies. He has been responsible for the design and supervision of numerous interventions on private and public buildings. His main focus is on complex structural interventions on existing structures and energy retrofitting of new and older buildings.

Ing. Chiara Forte (S.I.PRE. s.r.l.)

SIPRE: from research to green building innovation

SIPRE is a Company located in Cutrofiano (LE), with 15 years of experience in industrial research, focused on the development of innovative construction materials. The Company was involved as a Partner in numerous national and regional projects, collaborating with Research Centers, Universities and Industrial Partners. SIPRE has developed photocatalytic mortars, which achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9. Additionally, the company has engineered cement-free geopolymer mortars, reaching TRL 7.

SIPRE is a manufacturing Company specializing in mortars for the construction sector. With over 15 years of sustained investment in research and development, SIPRE is committed to advancing innovative building  materials. The Company has acted as a partner in numerous national and regional research projects. Through the
NANOAPULIA Project, which employed nanotechnologies for air pollution mitigation, SIPRE successfully attained Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9 by developing photocatalytic mortars.
Moreover, SIPRE has made significant investments in the research and development of geopolymers, synthetic inorganic binders that provide sustainable alternatives to cement, with superior mechanical properties and durability. The Company has conducted research on geopolymers within the ITACHA, PROVACI, and CIRCE projects, in addition to sponsoring a PhD program in collaboration with the University of Salento (Unisalento). Through its research on geopolymers, SIPRE has reached TRL 7.

Dr. Fabrizio Mariano (CNR-NANOTEC)

Advanced optoelectronic devices for light generation and energy management

Buildings account for a large share of global energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Proven technologies can reduce building energy consumption by 30–80%, making this sector key for emission reduction. Our research focuses on building integration solutions, particularly smart windows to reduce heat loss, and advanced lighting technologies, such as OLEDs, to improve energy efficiency in residential and commercial environments.

Fabrizio Mariano received his Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Science and Technology from the University of Salento.
His research at the National Research Council (CNR) has primarily focused on the study and fabrication of organic electroluminescent diodes for applications in the automotive and lighting industries.
In particular, his interests include the optical and electrical characterization of organic and organic/inorganic hybrid materials and their integration into electroluminescent devices, the design and optimization of OLED architectures, and the development of innovative technologies aimed at enhancing device efficiency. He is currently involved in research projects focused on the integration of optoelectronic components—particularly flexible OLEDs—into technical textiles for active worker protection.

Prof. Ing. Alessio Cascardi (University Of Calabria)

Seismic-energy reinforcements for structural adaptation

In the pursuit of energy-efficient and resilient buildings, thermal-energy reinforcements have gained prominence as a dual-purpose solution for structural adaptation. By integrating thermal insulation systems within the broader context of structural retrofitting, the proposed approach enhances not only a building’s seismic resilience but also its thermal performance. These interventions reduce energy consumption, improve indoor comfort, and contribute to sustainability goals, all while strengthening the structure against physical stresses. This speech examines design principles, materials, and case studies demonstrating how thermal-energy upgrades can future-proof existing buildings through comprehensive, unified retrofitting strategies.

Prof. Alessio Cascardi is an Associate Professor at the University of Calabria, Italy, specializing in structural engineering and the rehabilitation of existing buildings. With degrees in Building Systems and Civil Engineering and a PhD in Materials and Structural Engineering, his research focuses on structural and energy retrofitting using traditional and innovative composite materials. He has authored over 60 scientific publications and holds two patents in construction technology. Prof. Cascardi is recognized for his work on FRCM systems and predictive modelling using both classical and AI-based methods. He actively contributes to international scientific committees and standardization efforts, bridging academic research with practical applications in infrastructure resilience and sustainability.

Dr. Cinzia Citti (CNR-NANOTEC)

The UNIHEMP Project: Turning hemp waste into sustainable energy and biochemicals

The UNIHEMP project aims to develop a technological platform for the sustainable reuse of hemp cultivation waste. In addition to the already exploited seeds and fibers, the project focuses on undervalued parts such as inflorescences and shives, rich in bioactive compounds and biomass. These are used to produce biochemicals, cosmeceuticals, and renewable energy. UNIHEMP promotes a circular economy model that integrates agriculture, technological innovation, and industry, in line with EU strategies for sustainable growth and the development of a competitive bioeconomy.

Dr. Cinzia Citti graduated in Biotechnology in 2011 at the University of Salento (Lecce, Italy) with a thesis on the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of positive allosteric modulators of AMPA receptors. During her PhD in Chemical and Molecular Sciences she moved to the School of Chemistry of the University of Bristol to work on lithiation/electrophilic trapping chemistry. In 2015 she joined a project on metabolomic characterization of cannabis extracts at the Institute of Nanotechnology of the Italian National Council of Research (CNR NANOTEC). In 2018 her team was selected as international experts of cannabis chemistry by the World Health Organization to write the review reports for the first revision process of the legal status of cannabis after the 1961 Single Convention. Her contribution to the knowledge of cannabis chemistry resulted in the recent discovery of new classes of phytocannabinoids. Now she is a research fellow at the Institute of Nanotechnology working on a project for the development of a metabolomic platform for the metabolic profiling of complex biological matrices by means of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques.

Dr. Alba Chiara De Vitis (Radice Cubica Srl)

Functional Cosmetics: the Role of Biomaterials. Circular Economy Assessment for Local Supply Chain.

We present protocols for functional cosmetics, focusing on biomaterials as sustainable ingredient sources. Our approach integrates biomaterial use with a thorough sustainability and circular economy assessment specifically for local supply chains. As a key example, we’ll present a case study: Floramolecules (www.floramolecules.com). This joint project by Radice Cubica and Alchemia Essenze highlights our method based on bio-sourced raw
materials analysis and operates on a zero-waste protocol supply chain.

Alba Chiara De Vitis is a mathematician with expertise in Data Science, Machine Learning, and AI. She earned her Mathematics degree from the Università di Pavia and a PhD in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics from INRIA, Sophia Antipolis. As a data scientist, Dr. De Vitis has developed data strategies and algorithm design for EU and international projects. Since 2017, Dr. De Vitis has served as CEO/R&D Director of Alchemia Essenze Srl, an innovative company that leverages data analysis and algorithm design in the fields of chemical raw materials and fragrance. Her work at AE, includes the implementation of ML/AI-powered methodologies and a strong emphasis on lean strategies. Her scientific pursuits encompass mathematical modeling, data analysis, AI, and molecular design. Dr. De Vitis’s work aims at integrating these advanced fields into corporate frameworks, with a focus on sustainability and the circular economy. She also contributes to academia as a lecturer at Istituto Marangoni Firenze.

Dr. Luisa De Marco (CNR-NANOTEC)

Organic batteries for sustainable energy storage

Energy storage technologies are key to the clean energy transition. However, the rapid growth of lithium-ion batteries raises concerns about the availability of critical materials such as lithium and cobalt.
This research introduces a technology that combines organic redox molecules with nanostructured materials to efficiently store and release electrons.
Preliminary results, supported by the ERC Consolidator Grant ‘Hynanostore’, demonstrate the principles of this bio-inspired approach, which holds promise for sustainable and versatile energy storage solutions.

Luisa De Marco is a Senior Researcher at CNR-NANOTEC in Lecce (Italy). She received her Ph.D. in Nanoscience in 2010 from the National Nanotechnology Laboratory (NNL) at the Università del Salento (Italy). After working at the Italian Institute of Technology on nanostructured semiconductors for photovoltaics (2010–2016), she joined CNR NANOTEC, where she now leads a team developing hybrid materials and sustainable devices. She is the author of more than 80 scientific publications and 4 patents. Her research interests encompass the development of optoelectronic devices, including solar cells and batteries, as well as the engineering of nanomaterials with specifically tailored functional properties. Currently, she is the Principal Investigator of the ERC Consolidator project “HYNANOSTORE,” aimed at developing new sustainable hybrid systems for energy storage.

Arch. Angelo Vito Graziano (Polytechnic of Bari)

Adaptive Earthen Wall: A Prototype for Sustainable Urban Spaces

The project explores how digital fabrication and local natural materials can shape new forms of urban architecture. Through a 3D-printed earthen wall prototype, it investigates sustainable design strategies that adapt to site-specific and climatic conditions. By merging technological innovation, material research, and environmental sensitivity, it envisions an architecture that dynamically responds to contemporary challenges.

Architect and technical expert in digital fabrication at the FabLab Poliba Technology Center, involved in research support, advanced prototyping, and technology transfer activities. Currently a research fellow at the Department of Architecture, Construction and Design of the Polytechnic University of Bari, where a PhD was obtained with a dissertation entitled “3D printed raw earth innovative shapes for urban design and outdoor comfort” focused on the use of digital fabrication technologies, particularly 3D printing, applied with natural materials for the development of sustainable and innovative solutions for the design of public spaces.

ORGANIZING COMMITEE

Dr. Luciano Schina (Dhitech)

Dr. Silvia Cassone (Dhitech)

Silvia Cassone holds a Master’s degree in Business Management from the University of Salento with top honors and has specialized in Change Management and Digital Transformation. She has gained experience in administration, financial control, project management, and communication through various academic and professional experiences. Fluent in Italian, English, French, and Spanish, she is eager to grow in dynamic and international environments.

Dr. Emanuele Serra (Dhitech)

Emanuele Serra is Dhitech’s project support; he graduated in Economics and Management in 2018. Behind him, there are several years of experience in financial services, administration and marketing. He speaks Italian, English and Spanish and is fascinated and passionate by innovation and technologies, with all their applications.

SPEAKERS

M° Roberto Bongiovanni (AULICO-OPERA&MUSICA)

Roberto Bongiovanni is a professional musician. He received his musical training at the Rome Conservatory “S. Cecilia”, graduating with degrees in Orchestral Direction, Choral Direction, Composition, Piano, Music Teaching. His experience in different fields of music emerges in his own profession of conductor. He cooperated with many important Italian institutions and orchestras (e.g. Teatro Massimo di Palermo, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Orchestra Sinfonica di Sanremo…), as well as many foreign orchestras (e.g. OSPA- Sinfonic Orchestra of Baleari, Sinfonic Orchestra of Principato of Asturias, Sinfonic Orchestra of the Bulgarian National Radio, …) He enjoyed reviews in the top Italian musical journal such as “L’Opera”, “Opera Click”, “Auditorium” (of ‘Parco della Musica’ in Rome).
Contemporarily, Bongiovanni continues to compose and publish his works, as well as his musicological works (e.g. the revision of some unpublished operas from the 17th and 18th centuries, performed in various European theatres). Bongiovanni also leads a very busy teaching schedule on many musical subjects (choral and orchestral conducting, composition, music interpretation, sight reading, ear training, music memorizing) at important Italian and foreign public and private institutions (e.g. in Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Poland, Spain, Korea). He is a teacher at the State Music Conservatory of Latina.
He is the President and Artistic Director of the Cultural and Musical Association AULICO-OPERA&MUSICA since its foundation (2005).

Dr. Jeton Skenderi (Association of Young Artists Montenegro)

Jeton Skenderi is a representative of UMUCG (UDRUŽENJE MLADIH UMJETNIKA CRNE GORE) (MO), contributing to cross-border cooperation initiatives and sustainable development projects. His work focuses on fostering innovation, economic growth, and social impact through collaborative efforts with institutions, businesses, and civil society organizations.

M° Corrado De Bernart

Corrado de Bernart, received a “diploma cum laude” in piano and another in harpsichord at the Conservatory of Music “Santa Cecilia” in Rome. He also received a diploma in chamber music at the National Academy of Santa Cecilia. His current professional career sees Mr. De Bernart delivering concerts both in Italy and abroad (Europe, U.S.A., Middle and Far East, Mexico, South Africa, Kenia etc. He continues to collaborate with various ensemble groups, His collaboration extends to many recognized soloists and actors. He has produced recordings for many prestigious organizations, such as RAI, Radiotelevisione Italiana, the Vatican Broadcasting Radio, the South African Mnet and the USA UCF-TV. He has made numerous contributions mainly in the form of recordings for various labels, He has also published for the Istituto di Ricerca sul Teatro Musicale di Roma (I.R.Te.M.) and for U.T.E.T. of Torino. He is professor of piano at the “Tito Schipa” Conservatory of Lecce. He is frequently called upon to hold lectures, conferences and seminars in Italy and abroud. Corrado de Bernart is Dean of Conservatory of Lecce.

Dr. Clara Renna (Dhitech/ZeroDD Scarl)

Clara Renna is a Project Manager (PRINCE2 Foundation Certification). Her ability to combine humanistic and technological perspectives makes her a valuable asset in the fields of research and innovation. She holds a BA in Cultural Heritage (University of Bari) and an MA in Art History (University of Salento), both with highest honours. 2015-2021 she worked as a research fellow at the University of Salento, writing and managing multiple international projects, like “wISHfUl”, aimed to reduce access barriers to tourists who suffer from chronic conditions and/or disabilities, by implementing a network of tourist and medical services that strengthens the synergy between territorial tourism and healthcare offers, and “FolkTure,” aimed at documenting and preserving intangible cultural heritage—particularly the Tarantismo phenomenon. Since 2015, she has also served as Project Manager and Information Architect at ZeroDD, where she has overseen various innovative projects, regarding, for example, Open Innovation ecosystems.

Dr. Roberto Greco (Freelance)

I graduated with honours in Methodology of Psychological Intervention from the University of Salento in 2018. Since 2021 I have been practising as a Psychologist, with a person-centred approach focused on active listening, empathy and organisational well-being. Since 2022 I have also been a System Analyst and Information Architect at ZeroDD, specialising in analysing user needs to integrate data into the design and development of services and products. I can create interactive prototypes and interface simulations. I collaborate in writing and implementing research projects with high innovation potential. Since 2019, I have been Subject Tutor at the Bachelor of Philosophy at the University of Pisa, for the disciplines of Communication Ethics and Philosophical Anthropology. Between 2019 and 2023, I carried out research activities at the University of Salento, dealing with regional, national and European planning. I also conducted research in Psychology and Communication Ethics.

Ing. Antonio Amatore (EHT Scpa)

Technical Business Developer – BU R&D, Innovation at EHT.
Biomedical Engineer, specialised in Neuroengineering & Bio – ICT System, qualified and registered with the Order of Engineers of Catania. Passionate about science, inventions, the mysteries of nature and life. With a strong interest in innovation and design, he works in the ICT sector. In EHT since 2020, with his team he conceives, writes and develops projects and solutions focused on innovation and technology. With experience in start-up in the world of fast prototyping, 3D printing, embedded systems and artificial intelligence. He has participated in several projects focused on healthcare, from Parkinson’s to the study of voice biomechanics. Loves movement, music and superheroes.

Ing. Danilo Martino (EKA Srl)

Ing. Danilo Martino is Team & Technical Leader – Business and Application Consultant – Unit Research and Development at EKA S.r.l. Graduated as Computer Engineering at the University of Bologna, in 2014, among other things, he obtained the Certification “Business Process Application Development – BonitaSoft” and “Advanced Integration – BonitaSoft”. His main competences come out from activities, such as: Business Process and Project Management, Business Application Consultant, Technical leader, Solution Architect & Developer. He was Project Manager in all EKA’s R&D projects, and as manager of the activities he has dealt with the definition of the innovative method of knowledge management and implementation of Robotic Process Automation logics; process modeling, implementation and execution; validation and final integrated assessment of the project. He also took part in several other activities and projects as Business and Application Consultant. He also obtained the Certification “Business Processes: Modeling, Simulation, Execution” issued by Hasso Plattner Institut, on July 2019.

Prof. Valeria Stefanelli (University of Salento)

Valeria Stefanelli is a Full Professor in Banking and Finance at the University of Salento (Italy). She holds Ph.D. in Banking and Finance, University of Rome Tor Vergata (Italy). She is also visiting researcher at University of Wales (Bangor,UK).
Her other present positions: Delegate of Rector for Partnerships, Firms and Spin-offs; Chair, Commission of Spin-off of University of Salento; Member of Scientific Commission at Apulia Start-Cup Competition. Her interests in research activity include: corporate governance and internal controls in banks and cooperative banks; compliance and transparency in banks; digital banking and fintech; financial education; green finance; finance for technology innovation and start-ups. Her fellowship are: NedCommunity; AIDEA; ADEIMF; AIFIRM. Her research activity is published in several books, monographs, journal, working papers, conference proceedings.

Dr. Greta Ferilli (University of Salento)

Greta Ferilli is a Research Fellow and Ph.D. Candidate in Banking and Finance at the University of Salento (Italy). She has served as a Visiting Research Fellow at Bangor Business School, University of Wales (Bangor, UK), where she is currently a member of the Institute of European Finance (IEF). Her research interests include digital banking, FinTech, bank business models, financial education, and sustainable finance.

Dr. Lorenzo Calò (University of Salento)

Lorenzo Calò is a PhD Candidate in “Digital Transformation and Sustainability” (XXXVIII Cycle) at the University of Salento. During his academic journey, Calò develops advanced skills in data analysis and the application of complex econometric models to solve real economic problems. Calò also contributed to several working papers presented to national and international conferences. He is Visiting PhD student at University of Piraeus (Greece). His main topics of research include econometrics, machine learning, banking and finance, and risk management.

Dr. Cosimo Distante (CNR ISASI)

Cosimo Distante received a Master in Computer Science at the University of Bari and PhD in Engineering at the University of Salento (Italy). His main expertise is in the fields of Artificial intelligence, Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition, and Robotics. He has been a visiting scholar at the Computer Science Department of the University of Massachusetts (Amherst, MA), where he has carried out research activities on robotics, artificial neural networks, and vision with Prof. Andrew Barto and Roderic Grupen. He joined the Faculty of the University of Massachusetts as a Teaching Assistant for the “Artificial Intelligence” class in 1998 with Prof. Victor Lesser. He joined the CNR in 2001. Dr. Distante has been awarded several fellowships, among them the CNR-NATO for a collaboration with the University of Manchester UK pattern recognition in olfaction. Since 2003, he has been a Contract Professor for the courses of Computer Vision, Pattern Recognition, and Image Processing in Computer Engineering at the University of the Salento IT. In 2010 he started a technology transfer activity by establishing Taggalo, a startup CNR’s spinoff. In 2011, Dr. Distante was awarded the National Innovation Prize working capital PNI-Cube TelecomItalia with the Taggalo project. In 2012, he received the “Premio dei Premi” for innovation instituted by the Prime Minister of Italy. He won the Cisco-Intel ChallengUP in 2015. He was the general chair of ICIAP 2021, the IEEE AVSS 2017 and 2021, and ACIVS 2016. He coordinates two joint research labs between CNR and SME for security and health tech. He is the unit manager of the Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems (ISASI) of the CNR. He is expert member in innovation for the Ministry of University and Research and the Ministry for Economic Development. He is IEEE Senior Member.

Ing. Danilo Giovannico (ZeroDD Scarl)

Danilo Giovannico is a passionate professional in technology and innovation, currently serving as Technical Leader & Head of Academy at ZeroDD Scarl, where he has been playing a strategic role for several years in managing complex technological projects. With a solid academic background, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Engineering and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Engineering at the University of Salento. His experimental thesis focuses on cutting-edge research regarding bias in Large-Scale Models (LMS), a critical and emerging topic in the field of artificial intelligence. Danilo has also contributed to several academic research projects, further enhancing his expertise in innovation and scientific development. In the professional sphere, he has gained extensive experience across various sectors, ranging from projects for the Public Administration to research and development initiatives and solutions for private enterprises. His technical profile is strengthened by multiple certifications, including Oracle Java and Neo4j, which underscore his proficiency in designing and implementing advanced solutions. As Head of Academy, Danilo is committed to fostering continuous learning and mentoring by promoting training programs and professional growth within his organization. His determination, curiosity, and attention to detail make him a key asset to the teams he works with, always ready to innovate and explore new technological horizons.

Dr. Graziano Pappadà (Exprivia Spa)

Dr. Graziano Pappadà is a Research Project Manager at Exprivia SpA, with a background in biological sciences and expertise in applying innovative solutions to address healthcare challenges by bridging the gap between research and clinical practice. He holds a degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Bari and possesses expertise in bioinformatics. Over the years, he has actively contributed to and managed research projects in telemedicine, digital health, clinical genomics and personalized medicine, combining technical expertise with hands-on involvement to drive innovation and deliver impactful results. His current focus is on advancing precision medicine initiatives, by leveraging artificial intelligence and conducting innovative research to develop healthcare solutions that enhance prevention, diagnosis and treatment through the transformative potential of genomic data.

Dr. Salvatore Latronico (Openwork srl)

Independent Software Vendor specialising in the development of cloud technologies for the no-code development of software applications based on process logic.
Graduated in Physics from the University of Bari in 1993, he immediately started his career in the ICT field by founding a cooperative dedicated to the engineering and development of ICT systems. In 1998, he founded Openwork, a company he still leads today. In 2013, he founded the business network Crikhet, of which he is currently President, specialising in the development of software solutions for Risk Management and Case Management in healthcare with no-code and BPM technologies. From 2016 to 2024, he served as President of the Distretto Produttivo dell’Informatica Pugliese. During his career, he has participated in numerous national and international projects and has been a speaker and organiser of initiatives, workshops and conferences dedicated to innovation, with a focus on digital transformation and ICT.

Ing. Giulia Pellegrino (University of Salento)

Giulia Pellegrino is a PhD student in Complex Systems Engineering at the University of Salento, where she researches methodologies and tools for Digital Twins applied to neurodegenerative diseases. She holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering. Her thesis focused on designing and developing a virtual reality environment for assessing hand apraxia. She,also, holds a Master’s Degree in Piano. Professionally, she worked as a Software Engineer at B2OR s.r.l., developing an Augmented Reality assistant for surgical training, and completed an internship at GeoMobile GmbH in Dortmund (DE), specializing in mobile solutions with gamification techniques for road safety. Currently, she collaborates with the Na.Di.M. (Nano and Digital technologies for precision Medicine) Laboratory at the University of Salento, where she co-supervises theses, engages in integrative teaching, and co-authors research on AI and XR for healthcare. She has participated in several international conferences and PhD schools.

Ing. Claudio Tinelli (Eulogic NT Spa)

Claudio Tinelli, co-CEO of Eulogic NT SpA and current president of the Apulian ICT Production District, has gained extensive experience in the ICT sector, having worked for 17 years in public administration. After an initial independent venture with Tin System sas, he co-founded Eulogic srl in 2010, which, following its merger with SIM NT srl, became Eulogic NT SpA. His approach is based on an integrated vision of cybersecurity that starts and cyclically converges into the security of the entire “Country System”: the macro objective can only be achieved by systematically implementing micro actions, meticulously strengthening the security of individual organizations that make up the national network, both public and private. As President of the Apulian ICT Production District, Dr. Ing. Tinelli champions the needs of local ICT companies, aiming to catalyze their growth and connect them synergistically and collaboratively with the public administration.

Dr. Anna Zito (ASL Lecce – University of Salento)

Anna Zito graduated in Medicine and Surgery in 2008 and concluded the Course of Specialization in Nephrology in 2014 at the University of Bari, Italy. She spent a research period at the Mario Negri Institute of Bergamo, Italy, working on rare diseases, and earned subspecialties in clinical ultrasound and vascular accesses for dialysis. Currently she is working as a Nephrologist at the Department of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Renal Transplantation of the Vito Fazzi Hospital, Lecce, Italy. Her major professional interests relate to clinical research (transplant immunology, renal immunopathology) and socio-economical aspects of renal care, mainly in the fields of digital innovation in healthcare, health economics and public health. She has participated as a speaker at numerous national and international medical congresses and is reviewer and author of many papers in several national and international scientific journals. At present, she is earning her PhD in Biology in the INSPIRE Laboratory (Laboratory of Cognitive and Psychophysiological Olfactory Processes), Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technologies, University of Salento, under the supervision of the Professor Sara Invitto. Her PhD project regards the definition and validation of an integrated early diagnostic algorithm for Mild Cognitive Disorder.

Dr. Salvatore Distaso (ASL Brindisi – ISBEM)

Head of Cardiology Clinic of Health District of Mesagne (BR) since 2020, he directs the Heart faliure Clinic and Cardionephrology Clinic. Graduated in Medicine and Surgery in 2014 at University of Bari, Research Fellow in Psychiatry in 2015, he specialized in Cardiology in 2019. Since 2020, researcher at ISBEM (Euro Mediterranean Biomedical Scientific Institute), he participated in many projects of telehealth and artificial intelligence in cardiology. In 2020 project GEODETICA, in 2022 SISCOCAR Puglia (telehealth in heart failure) and in 2023 DIRAI (telehealth and AI in cardiology clinic) selected as Case Study of Digital Health Observatory of Polytechnic of Milan and finalist at Italians Clinical Engineers Association awards 2024.

Dr. Salvatore Nigro (CNR Nanotec)

I am a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR-NANOTEC) in Lecce, specializing in biomedical imaging data analysis. My work focuses on developing automated methods for image processing and analysis, with a particular emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to support the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders. I have contributed to numerous interdisciplinary projects, advancing imaging segmentation techniques across various modalities such as MRI, electron microscopy, confocal fluorescence microscopy and X-ray tomography. My recent research integrates AI into image analysis, providing novel insights into pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative conditions, with the goal of enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient care.