Based on the success of the Science Technology and Business (STB) Days at the Festival of Italian Creativity, the Consulate General of Italy promotes a new edition of STB days in April 14-16, 2026. These days, on the same perspective of the first very successful edition, aim to showcase the excellence of Italians and Italian-Americans in New England while bringing prominent Italian figures - artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors - to Boston.
Leading Italian scientists, academics, entrepreneurs, investors, and venture capitalists from both Boston and Italy as well as World-class key opinion leaders and domain experts will engage in interactive discussions, open to the interaction with attendees. Some breakout sessions will be designed to address vertical and horizontal problem solving or business model innovation, data-centric sales & marketing, and funding avenues. These events will span a wide range of topics - from the digital revolution to sustainable development and new manufacturing - with an emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship - presented in an engaging, fast-paced three-day program. The event will feature both a Science Forum and a Business Forum, with a dynamic schedule of talks, roundtables, fire-side chats, and business meetings. It aims to highlight the creativity of Italians and Italian-Americans in the Boston ecosystem, while also showcasing notable creative contributions from Italy to enhance mutual collaboration.
Organization of the three STB Days
The STB Days April 2026 will unfold over three days, each with a distinct character: an Education day with a focus on young students and testimonials from companies, universities, associations and institutions, a Research day (science forum) featuring scientific presentations across four key themes, and an Innovation day (business forum) dedicated to startups, investors, and professional networks. These sessions will offer valuable networking opportunities and showcase excellence in science, technology, and business. The overarching goal is to address the major societal challenges of today and foster collaboration between Italian and American ecosystems.
Four major science and innovation topics will be explored, particularly during the second day:
· Life sciences
· Environment and energy
· AI/Data science
· Materials and New Manufacturing
Cross-cutting themes such as arts, architecture, design, and sustainability will also be integrated into the discussions, exploring how technological evolution will shape our daily lives and the way we live in the future.
The event is organized in parallel with, and in coordination with, the exhibition In Praise of Diversity – A Journey into Italian Ecosystems by Isabella Saggio, which will be held at the Italian Consulate General in Boston from April 14 to 16, 2026. The exhibition will open on April 14 from 4:00 p.m., and this occasion will also mark the inaugural session of the STB Days.
The exhibition explores the richness of Italian biodiversity through an immersive journey across terrestrial, marine, and urban ecosystems. Developed by researchers from the National Biodiversity Future Center and Sapienza University of Rome, the project brings together science and art, combining rigorous research with aesthetics and imagination to offer visitors a new and engaging perspective on biodiversity.
Partner organization of the event will be Italian Heritage Month Committee of Massachusetts who played a crucial role in supporting the Consulate General of Boston in organizing the festival of Italian Creativity. The organization of the days will also be supported by the organizations which usually partner with the Consulate in the promotional Activities. 42N and Bocconi Alumni Boston Chapter will co-organize some panels. Italian Trade Agency USA will also promote and be present at the initiative.
The major Italian Corporations ENI, ENEL, FINCANTIERI will participate to the event along with representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Boston, entrepreneurs, investors and professionals from major corporations and consulting companies of the Boston ecosystem of research and innovation and beyond.
Paolo Gaudenzi
Science and Technology Counselor
Consolato Generale d'Italia a Boston T (1) 617 4130380, (39) 335 5374247 paolo.gaudenzi@uniroma1.it
paolo.gaudenzi@esteri.it
EDUCATION - APR 14
The Education Day will feature Careers, an event at its fourth edition at the Italian Consulate general of Italy in Boston, a career-oriented event that connects Boston-area students and young researchers with Italian and Italian-American companies, institutions, and professionals. This day offers students the opportunity to meet leading figures from Italian industry, academia, and professional services in a structured but informal setting. Participants include university students and early-career researchers from institutions such as Northeastern University, Tufts University, MIT, and Harvard, alongside Italian companies and consulting firms active in the New England area.
The event is inspired by the highly successful previous editions of "Careers", the mentoring and networking initiative that has connected hundreds of young Italian and Italian-American professionals with leading figures from both sides of the Atlantic. The April 14 edition will feature roundtables, one-on-one meetings, and brief presentations by company representatives, offering students insights into career paths in science, technology, engineering, consulting, and entrepreneurship.
RESEARCH - APR 15
The Research Day is the scientific core of the STB Days April 2026. It features five consecutive thematic sessions, each dedicated to one of the five key research areas: Life Sciences, Environment & Energy, AI / Data Science, Materials & New Manufacturing, and Space. Prominent scientists, researchers, and academics from leading Italian and Boston-area institutions present their view of the future and engage in dialogue with attendees. Each session aims to stimulate cross-disciplinary exchange and highlight the excellence of Italian and Italian-American scientists in New England.
The Research Day reflects the ambition of STB Days to bridge the scientific ecosystems of Italy and the United States. Presentations will cover cutting-edge research across the five themes, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and the societal impact of science. The day culminates in a Business Forum fireside chat bringing together scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors for a broader discussion on the future of research and its translation into societal benefit.
INNOVATION - APR 16
The Innovation Day brings together Italian and Italian-American startups, investors, venture capitalists, and professional services firms in a dynamic format designed to foster connections, deal-making, and the exchange of ideas. Three parallel tracks run across the afternoon: a Science & Business Forum for established companies and institutions, a Pilot & Cooperation session for companies seeking bilateral R&D partnerships, and a Startup Track dedicated to early-stage companies seeking visibility and investment.
A highlight of the Innovation Day is the Startup Competition, where selected Italian and Italian-American startups present their ventures to an audience of investors and professionals. Major consulting firms (BCG, BIP, EY) and Italian corporate champions such as Fincantieri, ENI and ENEL will be present. The day concludes with a networking dinner open to all participants.
