Valentina Battista works at Materias, a venture builder for innovative materials-based startups, where she has quickly risen through the ranks to become a seasoned expert in institutional relations and open innovation. Valentina promotes the company’s technology transfer and consulting activities worldwide by managing relations with national and international institutions, research centers, investors, and other relevant stakeholders. Valentina also serves as a mentor for the TerraNext acceleration program by CDP Venture Capital, supporting innovative startups and SMEs in the Bioeconomy sector. In 2018, she was honored with a representation medal from the Senate of the Republic for her work in organizing the Euro Med Human Rights Cultural Week, a festival on human rights in the South of Italy. Valentina earned an international Ph.D. in Economics and Management of Sustainability and Innovation.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Women Innovation Forum

The project celebrates female innovation and entrepreneurship. Structured around a unique speed dating format, the event will provide invaluable networking opportunities to participants by facilitating connections among female entrepreneurs, students, industry leaders, and investors. Driven by a profound belief that women possess immense untapped potential to drive sustainable and impactful entrepreneurship, this project seeks to foster sustainable female-led businesses while encouraging young students to actively engage with innovation.

An annual “matchmaking” forum will be organized, with each year dedicated to a different innovative sector based on sustainable development goals and trends. The inaugural forum will spotlight the transformative potential of the food tech and agritech sectors, highlighting technological advancements that promote sustainability within the food industry. By providing a dynamic platform for female innovators to showcase their solutions, gain visibility, and access mentorship and funding opportunities, the project amplifies the voices of professional women engaged in innovation in Italy and inspires the next generation of female entrepreneurs.

In mid-October, Valentina will launch a call to recruit ten women-led startups in the agritech and agrifood sectors to participate in the program. The final event will take place in the second week of December. It will bring together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and entrepreneurial organizations, and create a collaborative environment that supports women in business.

“I hope to cultivate a fertile ground for innovation, providing the roots, soil, and nurturing environment necessary for ideas to flourish because innovation requires widespread knowledge and collective intelligence.” – Valentina Battista

IVLP Exchange Experience

Valentina participated in the IVLP Project Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development organized by the U.S. Department of State and Institute for International Education, in partnership with Global Ties Sacramento, Global Ties San Francisco, WorldBoston, World Affairs Council – Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky, and Utah Global Diplomacy.

Valentina’s exchange experience led to the development of her project: “During the IVLP program, [I was] able to witness the extensive mentorship opportunities available for women entrepreneurs in the United States…By inviting accomplished women leaders from the U.S. to share their insights and experiences…the project aims to inspire and provide practical guidance to Italian attendees. This exchange of knowledge and best practices can help bridge the gap and foster the growth of female mentorship programs in Italy, ultimately supporting the next generation of women entrepreneurs and leaders.”

“IVLP is fuel for change. The IVLP program allowed [me] to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of mentorship in empowering women to succeed in business and leadership roles.” – Valentina Battista

U.S. Communities Visited 

Sacramento, CA; San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC; Boston, MA; Cincinnati, OH; Salt Lake City, UT

Country: Italy

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