Speakers

Graduated in Electronic Engineering at Federico II in Naples, he began his activity in the space sector of the then Aeritalia as manager of communication systems and on-board computers for satellites. Previously responsible for scientific projects such as Hipparcos and Integral, he has also worked for the International Space Station.

He was Vice President for Science and Exploration of Thales Alenia Space Italia, dealing with the implementation of important European projects such as GOCE, Herschel & Plank and the launch of projects such as: Bepi Colombo, the Solar Orbiter project and the Exomars for the exploration of the red planet. Since 2004 Member of the ISEC “International Space Exploration Committee”.

Today Vice-President Marketing & Sales for the institutional activities of Thales Alenia Space Italia and CEO of ALTEC S.p.A.

Vendula Doubravská works as a manager at the Czech Aerospace Cluster, where she helps coordinate activities in the aviation and space industries. She is responsible for communication between cluster members as well as with other clusters and companies worldwide.

Valerio Moro is Head of Airbus in Italy since December 2024.In his role, he is responsible for overseeing Airbus’ operations across all of the Company’s divisions in Italy and for the management of Airbus’ local subsidiary dedicated to space products and services.

He holds a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Politecnico di Milano and a Double Master’s Degree from École Nationale Supérieure de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace (ISAE-SUPAERO) with honours.

In 2010, he participated as a Research Associate in NASA’s  Academy program. With over a decade of experience at Astrium  Satellites and Airbus Defence and Space in engineering and management roles, he took on the role of Executive assistant to the Airbus CEO in 2022, overseeing the group activities across  Commercial Aircraft, Helicopters and Defence and Space.

With over 25 years of experience across defense and civil aerospace industry, Taylan Ercan has led engine programs and technology teams. He spent his early years in R&D on propulsion programs— primarily UAV engines—before joining Rolls-Royce in 2006 as a specialist aerodynamic engineer, contributing from concept to certification on large civil turbofan engines and taking aero-design responsibility for all compressor systems of the Trent XWB powering the Airbus A350. In Gökbey national helicopter program, he served at TUSAŞ Engine Industries (TEI) as Design Manager and as chief engineer/technical manager of the national turboshaft engine development projects. In 2018, Ercan helped establish TRMotor as Design Manager, building design teams and leading concept design for the national combat turbofan engine.

From 2019 to 2024, he was based in Munich with GE Aerospace as Manager of Advanced Engine Technologies, overseeing European development for next-generation civil turbofan technologies. Since June 2024 he has been back in Türkiye, serving as Engineering Director at Kale Jet. Since 2014, he has also taught engine design and performance as adjunct academic staff at METU. Ercan holds a BSc and MSc in Aeronautical Engineering from Middle East Technical University.

Stefano Carosio is the Executive Director of STAM Srl, a fast-growing engineering and technology consulting company with a team of 120 professionals and offices in Genoa, Rome, Cagliari, Padua, and Bari. With nearly three decades of experience in the commercialisation of space technologies and assets, he coordinates the activities of the ESA Technology Broker for Italy, in close collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI). Stefano has extensive experience fostering collaboration between the space and textile sectors at both national and international levels, leveraging STAM’s strong systems engineering expertise and its proprietary laboratories in automation and robotics, green technologies, and digital/AI solutions.

Stefano Antonetti is the Vice President of Business Development at D-Orbit.

He holds a master’s degree in Space Engineering, earned through a joint program between the University of Rome “La Sapienza” and the Delft University of Technology.

Stefano began his career as a Space Systems Engineer in Paris, where he spent seven years working on feasibility studies for space exploration missions and assessing the environmental impact of space activities. Upon returning to Italy in 2014, he joined D-Orbit as Program Manager, leading several projects in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA).

Today, as VP of Business Development, Stefano drives D-Orbit’s strategic growth, drawing on the future of space transportation.

Sergio Ferrero is an Aeronautical specialist with a solid technical background and a CAD/CAM programming certification from CSEA in Turin, he brings decades of experience in engineering and manufacturing software solutions.

Since 1993, he has been a key member of Tebis Italia S.r.l., the Italian branch of Tebis AG, contributing to the company’s technical development and commercial growth.

From 1998 to 2000, he worked as Technical Manager, leading complex projects and supporting the implementation of customized CAD/CAM solutions for customer.

Since 2000, Sergio Ferrero has been Sales Area Manager, combining technical and strategic expertise to build strong customer relationships, understand their needs, and deliver innovative solutions that enhance productivity and precision in manufacturing processes. His deep industry knowledge and passion for technology make him a trusted point of reference for both colleagues and clients.

Francesco Profumo, born in 1953, is Professor Emeritus at the Polytechnic University of Turin; Chairman of Isybank S.p.A.; Chairman of Quadrivio Group Italy S.r.l.; Chairman of Società Gasdotti Italiani SGI; Member of the European Innovation Council Board – European Commission (Italy representative); Chairman of the ESMI ESCP Europe Foundation/Turin Campus; Chairman of Uni-Italia; Member of the Advisory Board of Iliad Italia SpA; Vice Chairman of the Strategic Steering Committee of the Fund for the Digital Republic.

He was Dean of the First Faculty of Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Turin, where he also served as Rector; Minister of Education, University and Research and President of the National Research Council (CNR); Chairman of the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation and President of ACRI (Association of Savings Banks and Foundations); Chairman of the Bruno Kessler Foundation; Member of the Board of Directors of Aquafil SpA.

Born on May 4, 1965, in Ghent (Belgium), Peter Grognard pursued a scientific-humanistic curriculum in Science, Mathematics and Latin at KA Oostende (1983). He graduated in Engineering in Applied Physics from the Free University of Brussels (VUB) in 1988, where he also earned an MSc in Computer Science in 1991, focusing on computational dynamics on Cray supercomputers. He continued his academic path in the United States, obtaining an MSc in Aeronautics from Caltech in 1992 with specialization in high-speed and hypersonic fluid mechanics, and later a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Rice University (1997), with a focus on mission design, satellite design, SatCom, SatNav and Mars missions.

In addition to his technical background, he completed the Executive Program for Growing Companies at Stanford University (2008), specializing in financing, LBOs and MBOs; Higher Studies on Security & Defense at the Royal Military Academy in Brussels (2013), addressing international security and arms control; Governance studies at GUBERNA/Vlerick Business School (2020); and the Senior Strategic Course at the European Security and Defense College (2024), focusing on European strategic autonomy and armament policies.

His professional career began as a Research Assistant in the Department of Fluid Dynamics at VUB (1988–1990), followed by his service in the Belgian Air Force (1991–1992). From 1992 to 1994, he served as Delegate to the European Space Agency (ESA), and subsequently as Scientific Attaché at the Embassy of Belgium in Washington, D.C. (1994–1998), working on nuclear affairs, dual-use GPS, and representing Belgium in the intergovernmental negotiations for the International Space Station.

In 2000, he founded Septentrio NV, a leading developer of GPS and Galileo high-precision receivers, where he served as CEO until 2014, growing the company from 1 to 100 employees. He later held roles at Thales Alenia Space Belgium (2014–2018), contributing to the design and production of electronics for launchers and satellites, and as Senior Strategic Advisor at Swift Navigation in San Francisco (2017–2018).

Since February 2018, he serves as Managing Director of the Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics, and he is currently also a Board Member of arcsec NV.

Nicola Sicignano, PhD, is an Additive Manufacturing Manager with more than 7 years of experience in Metal 3D printing.

He is experienced in advanced design optimization and simulation tools to generate performance-driven geometries, overcoming the limitations of traditional manufacturing.

With around fourteen years of experience at the Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, Muttalip Tütüncü focuses on sectoral activities in Defence & Aerospace and Manufacturing fields. He held different roles in the organization as Project Director and Senior Project Director in Overseas Activities Unit, and currently Project Manager within the Sectoral Activities Unit. He has been leading business development and FDI facilitation in those industries, serving as a single point of contact for international investors and coordinating across national, regional, and local levels to deliver strategic industrial collaborations.

From 2014 to 2016, he served as Executive Coordinator for the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), coordinating between the Investment Support and Promotion Agency of Türkiye (ISPAT) and WAIPA, while conducting audits and inspections as well. Also, he successfully conducted the process of relocation of WAIPA’s headquarters from Geneva to Istanbul.

He holds bachelor’s degrees in International Relations, and Business Administration.

Mauro Sampellegrini is the Director of Research, Innovation and Sustainability at Confindustria Moda, the Italian Federation of Fashion and Textile Industries. He also leads TexClubTec, the national section of Confindustria Moda dedicated to technical textiles, fostering collaboration between the textile and aerospace sectors, as well as in other key areas such as mobility, defence, protective wear, construction, sports, and medical applications.

Mathieu Causse serves as CTO at Adagos, bringing together his background in engineering and applied mathematics to lead the company’s technology vision. He holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics and is passionate about bridging the gap between advanced mathematical research and practical, impactful applications.

Ilaria Garofalo has a background in Mechanical Engineering and has developed her career in the field of engineering simulation. She serves as Sales Engineer in BSIM, where she supports the adoption of advanced simulation and AI-based modeling technologies such as NeurEco across multiple industrial sectors. BSIM Engineering represents NeurEco AI technology in Italy and collaborates with Adagos to promote its application in engineering innovation.

In his 14 years of experience Marco has held various roles in SIOP, Operations, Value Stream Lead and Plant Manager.

He is currently General Manager of Microtecnica, part of Safran Group in Italy as well as holding the role of Sustainability Lead in Italy, UK, France and Indonesia.

Marco has a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering from Politecnico di Milano and a Post Graduate from Warwick University.

Major General Gianluca ERCOLANI, Italian Air Force (ITA AF), is the Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force’s Operational Headquarters and the Deputy Commander of the same HQ and of the 1st Regione Aerea, both located in Milan, Italy.  In this position he oversees the force preparation, readiness and employment of Air and Space Power delivered to meet Italy’s and NATO objectives.

Born in Ancona, Italy, on 30 September 1969, he graduated from the Italian Air Force Academy in 1992 and, during his career, achieved a post-graduate degree in Aeronautical Sciences and a Master in International Military Strategic Studies.  In 1993, after graduating at the military pilot course at Sheppard Air Force Base (USA) and the subsequent transition to the Tornado aircraft at Royal Air Force (RAF) Cottesmore (GBR), he was assigned to the Italian Air Force 50th Wing, Piacenza, Italy.  There, he has flown the Tornado’s Electronic Combat / Reconnaissance version and commanded at the Flight (1995-1997) and Squadron (2005-2007) level.

Having attended (2008) the Joint Transition and Combined Warfighting Course at the Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk (USA), he was posted to the Italian Air Force’s General Staff, Rome, Italy where, amongst others, he chaired the Joint Strike Fighter Working Group (2007-2011) and headed the Aerospace Programmes Development Office (2012-2013).

During 2013-2015, he commanded the Experimental Flight Department, Pratica di Mare Air Base (ITA), where his responsibilities included Chief, Test Pilot Qualification Centre.

After attending the Strategic Civilian Common Security and Defence Policy Mission Planning Course at the European Security and Defence College, Brussels (BEL), he moved to Rome (ITA) where he served (2015-2017) as Chief of the Strategic and Political Direction of Military Operations Department within the Italian Defence General Staff.

His next assignment brought him to the ITA AF’s Air and Space Operations Command (COA), Poggio Renatico Air Base (ITA), where he was initially appointed as Chief of the A3 Combat Plans Office, Italian Air Operations Centre (IT-AOC) (2017-2018).  After graduating at the Combined Force Air Component Commander (CFACC) Course (2018) at the Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base (USA), he served as Commander, IT-AOC (2018-2021) and Commander, Operations Department (2021-2022), where his responsibilities included the capacity of Deputy Commander, COA (2018-2022).

He then moved to the NATO assignment of Chief of Staff, Headquarters Allied Air Command, Ramstein-Miesenbach (DEU), where he oversaw (2022-2025) a multinational Headquarters with staffs from 29 of the 32 NATO Allies that deliver Air and Space Power to the NATO Alliance in context such as Integrated Air and Missile Defence, Air Command and Control and Agile Combat Employment.

Major General Ercolani is married and has one adult son; he is a sportsman and a follower of global affairs.

Kim Ibrahim started her career in 2016 as a Project Manager in the COATINGS Division, quickly starting to focus in specialty lubrication. From 2019 to 2022, she transitioned into Product Management for greases, gaining deep expertise in lubrication technologies and strategic portfolio development.

Since 2022, Kim has been part of Nye Lubricants, the U.S. subsidiary of FUCHS, known for its specialization in high-performance lubricants for niche markets such as space, medical technology, and precision electronics. Her role involves developing and promoting cutting-edge lubrication solutions tailored to the unique demands of these industries.

Ilaria Garofalo has a background in Mechanical Engineering and has developed her career in the field of engineering simulation. She serves as Sales Engineer in BSIM, where she supports the adoption of advanced simulation and AI-based modeling technologies such as NeurEco across multiple industrial sectors. BSIM Engineering represents NeurEco AI technology in Italy and collaborates with Adagos to promote its application in engineering innovation.

With over thirty years of experience in the manufacturing and aerospace sectors, Giovanni Tomassini, has held increasingly senior roles at companies such as Aermacchi and Ansaldo Sistemi Industriali.

He joined Piaggio Aerospace in 2009 and, in 2019, he became Chief Operating Officer after leading the Engine Business Unit and overseeing the design and relocation of operations to the new Villanova d’Albenga facility. An expert in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and industrial planning, he has led major operational transformations and negotiated strategic agreements with institutional clients and international partners. He is known for his strategic vision, ability to lead complex teams, and strong focus on innovation and sustainability. Born in 1964, he holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, where he also completed several executive programs in management, human resources, and supply chain. Giovanni has been appointed been appointed CEO of Piaggio Aerospace in July 2025.

Graduated in Chemistry at the University of Turin, post-graduate master’s degree in REACH-CLP Regulations. 12 years of experience in dealing with chemical regulations, at Normachem Srl since 2015 as Technical Manager, head of the “Products Regulations” area. Expert in products and sustainability regulation involving chemistry and dangerous goods safety advisor (ADR-RID, IMDG, IATA-DGR). 

Dr. Kimon P. Valavanis is John Evans Professor, and Founding Director of the University of Denver Unmanned Systems Research Institute (DU²SRI), D. F. Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Denver. He has been Guest Professor in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb; Visiting Professor at Politecnico di Torino, Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Aerospaziale; and Professeur Invité, Université de Lorraine – Polytech Nancy.

He is also President and Founder of the ICUAS Association, Inc. His research interests focus on the areas of Unmanned Systems, Distributed Intelligence Systems, Robotics and Automation. He has published more than 450 book chapters, technical journal, and transaction papers, referred conference papers, invited papers and technical reports. He has authored, co-authored, and edited 19 books. He also holds several patents in unmanned aerial vehicles. Valavanis was Editor-in-chief of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine for ten years (1996-2005), and since 2006 he serves as Editor-in-chief of the Journal of Intelligent and Robotic Systems. He has served as Co-chair of the Aerial Robotics and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Technical Committee since 2008.

Moreover, he has served as a Technical Expert of the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO). He was appointed in 2021 to the NATO STO Technical Team of SAS-ET-EX on “Integration of Unmanned Systems into Operational Units” for the duration of the Program of Work. He is Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Fellow of the U.K. Institute of Measurement and Control, IEEE Life Senior Member, and a Fulbright Scholar (Senior Lecturing & Research Award).

Diana Giorgini is an internationally respected Aerospace and Defense Business Development Executive who drives industrial and brand growth through trusted customer partnerships, strong organizational leadership, effective strategic planning, program management and problem solving.

She can boast a huge network with Aerospace key players worldwide. Her 30 years’ experience relates to several foreign countries and economies over Europe, Pacific Northwest, US and NAFTA countries, South America and Asia Pacific, covering aerospace supply chain issues and competitive excellence projects with companies like Airbus, Dassault, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, Safran, Rolls Royce, MTU etc., and their suppliers.

As an international market strategy specialist, she covered top positions in international associations. Today she is an active member of the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) representing ATLA S.r.l., and she is Vice President of the Italian Association for Quality in Aerospace (AICQ).

Since 2020 she has been appointed Aerospace & Defence Business Development Manager of ATLA Group, a centre of excellence for MRO and New Make activities on high tech aero engine components and general industry applications.

11 years of experience in high precision clamping tools for aerospace and automotive sector. Development of special solutions for critical components in production and control/checks operations.

Cristina Leone is President of the CTNA, National Aerospace Technology Cluster since 2016. The CTNA is the national innovation pole, which includes the 15 main regional aerospace districts and the major industrial and aerospace research entities. Cristina is SVP Grants & Agencies at the Chief Technologogy and Innovation Officer in Leonardo. Cristina has been nominated as one of the Inspiring Fifty 2021, Italian edition: the fifty most inspirational women in the world of technology. She has a degree in Electronic Engineering, Remote Sensing and Radar Systems from the University of Rome “La Sapienza” and started her career in the space sector back in 1996.

Director of the Domain Exploration and Science of Thales Alenia Space and responsible of the Turin Site.

Roberto Angelini has a master degree in Aeronautic Engineer at the Politecnico di Torino. He is in Thales Alenia Space since 1997 when he started as part of the System Engineering team of the Node 2 & Node 3 elements of the International Space Station. Since 2004 and following the ISS experience he worked in the field of the atmospheric re-entry vehicles for several European studies. For the Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV) he has been initially System/Chief Engineer and subsequently Program Manager up to the successful flight in February 2015. Since 2018 he has been the Engineering Director of the Domain Exploration & Science coordinating the efforts of the 500+ engineers of the Domain in support to Space Infrastructures and Transportation, Re-entry Vehicles, Robotics Exploration, In Orbit Servicing and Scientific Satellites and Payloads projects.

Since 2025 he is Director of the Domain Exploration and Science of Thales Alenia Space and responsible of the Turin Site.

Quirino Morante is Head of Navigation Lunar Programs in Thales Alenia Space managing a portfolio of initiatives aimed at implement Satellite Navigation solutions on the Moon and beyond and he is also acting as Moonlight E2E Navigation Program Manager.

Joined Thales Alenia Space Italia in May 2005, covering different technical management positions where, among the others, he served as Galileo System Integration and Verification Manager for 8 years contributing to the complete deployment of the Galileo Constellation. He has been also the responsible of the Advanced Projects and Technologies Department in the domain Observation and Navigation and founded the first Thales Alenia Space FabLab in Italy contributing to the activation of an open innovation network in the space domain.

Previously, he was System Engineer at Mediterranean Agency for Remote Sensing and Environmental Control and Assistant Researcher in the frame of remote sensing application to Power System management and control.

He holds a Master’s degree in Software Engineering from the University of Sanni

After participating to several Human Space Flight projects at Thales Alenia Space, with the founding of ALTEC in Torino, Italy, and the start of ISS assembly, took responsibility of the engineering and mission support activities of the logistics modules MPLM at ALTEC. Following an experience at COL-CC as Columbus Flight Director, he returned to Torino to take responsibility of the ESA ISS Training, Logistics and Operations Support services and other Human Spaceflight and Space Exploration projects, until being appointed as ALTEC Head of Programs.

Carmine Scafa is an engineer and former Leonardo manager, currently AIAD-STAN Chairman and UNAVIA responsible for standardization & quality. On behalf of AIAD/UNAVIA, he represents the national industry on the ASD-STAN Technical Authority and supports the Ministry of Defense at NATO AC/327-WG2.

Furthermore, he is actively involved in UNAVIA training activities in the field of aeronautical regulation with particular reference to the activation of organization integrated management systems for quality, environment, safety and cybersecurity.

ROLE

Since 2024, Benoît MOLARD is the CEO of BoostAeroSpace, bringing a 30 years’ professional experience in Procurement, Support and Services, and industrial Operations in Supply-chain, Quality and Logistics – a key asset to lead BoostAeroSpace further as the obvious catalyst to support the Aeronautic, Space and Defence industry, and to address its major digital collaboration challenges.

EXPERIENCE

He holds a Master’s degree from the Engineering school of Saint-Etienne, completed by an MBA in Procurement from Grenoble University.

Benoît started his career in Defence industry in Industrial Operations and Program Quality, before moving to Aerospace industry in the late 90s. He joined Liebherr Aerospace in Toulouse where he held different roles in Procurement and supply chain quality management.

He then joined Airbus Helicopters in Marignane in 2006 as a commodity lead buyer and to actively participate in the Procurement function transformation : standard process and tool, sourcing strategies in Multi-functional Teams, digitalization such as deploying AirSupply, reform the Supply Chain Quality Management organization.

He then moved to Support and Services Operations first as Head Of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul for Rotor and Transmissions for Airbus Helicopters, and in a second step in Australia/New Zealand as Head Of Operations for Airbus Australia Pacific Customer Center,  to support civil and military customers.

After this overseas and customer relationship experiences, Benoît went back to suppliers’ relationships and spent the last three years leading the Procurement Operations and Logistics team of Airbus Helicopters, delivering through stormy conditions whilst successfully transforming and digitalizing the organization.

Angelo Antonio Zagaria is currently working as a Business Development Manager at Teoresi Group in the Aerospace, Defence & Security sector. He leads a Consultant Business Unit with responsibilities across operations, commercial development, and administration. Previously, he gained experience as a Configuration and Process Improvement Engineer on Eurofighter flight simulator programs. He holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Politecnico di Torino. He is particularly interested in quality management, process improvement, and client support.

Andrea Orlando is a Products and Solutions Engineer at Teoresi Group, where he is responsible for developing customized solutions for clients. He also provides pre- and post-sales technical support, delivers training on products distributed by Teoresi in the areas of digital manufacturing and automation, and serves as an industrial tutor for Engineering master’s thesis projects. He holds a Master’s degree in Nanotechnologies for ICTs from Politecnico di Torino. His main interests include automation, quality control, and 3D modeling.

Alžběta comes from the private sector, where she worked primarily for the Czech brand mmcité, a.s., which supplies designer street furniture worldwide. She was responsible for several export markets, primarily Italy.

During her career, she has encountered many challenges that companies face when expanding abroad. She believes that a company with a quality product, added value, drive and good contacts has the chance to succeed even in a highly competitive environment.

She is aware of how difficult it is to establish yourself and overcome competition, including local ones. That is why she believes that she can help companies not only with practical matters, but also with providing the necessary self-confidence, motivation and patience to overcome obstacles that the seemingly friendly, but tricky Italian business environment can often pose.

Aerospace engineer with 25+ years’ sales and marketing experience in the aerospace/defense and automotive sectors (Leonardo Helicopters, Cummins Meritor, Piaggio Aerospace). Executive consultant since 2016, specialized in global business development, new products launch, joint ventures and other strategic partnerships.

Since 2018, he is the Country Advisor in Italy for “Invest in Türkiye”, the official organization that promotes investment opportunities in Türkiye to the global business community, assisting the investors before, during and after their entry into the Country.