For the first time, the Italian innovation ecosystem took center stage in Nashville, Tennessee, at 3686, the leading startup, investor, and innovation conference in the American South, now in its twelfth edition. Italy brought to the spotlight a mix of talent, creativity, and practical innovation. Thanks to the efforts of the Consulate of Italy in Detroit, led by Consul Allegra Baistrocchi, whose jurisdiction includes Nashville, and in collaboration with RetImpresa Confindustria, three Italian startups had the opportunity to pitch in front of a high-level audience of over 300 international investors.
The selected startups – 2hire, Alba Robot, and Volvero – are among the most promising players on the Italian scene in the field of sustainable mobility. Their founders came to Nashville after a rigorous selection process coordinated by the Confindustria network.
2hire, led by Filippo Agostino, showcased how its cutting-edge technology can turn any vehicle into a digital device, opening new frontiers for mobility services. Alba Robot, represented by Daniel Chiaravalli, impressed the audience with its powerful integration of robotics and artificial intelligence to provide autonomous transport solutions for both people and goods. Volvero, headed by Marco Filippi, presented its innovative car-sharing platform, which connects private vehicle owners with users to make mobility more sustainable and inclusive.
Their presence in Nashville was the result of the second edition of the competition “The Perfect Pitch – Rock Your Startup”, promoted by RetImpresa Confindustria. The initiative gave these outstanding Italian startups access to one of the most dynamic ecosystems for networking and capital in the U.S.
“With The Perfect Pitch, we’ve proven that Confindustria not only supports startups but also helps them gain visibility on international stages, delivering real results and tangible growth opportunities. The collaboration between businesses and institutions is the winning card for creating value and boosting competitiveness, both in Italy and abroad,” emphasized Carlo La Rotonda, Director of RetImpresa.
“Being the first foreign country officially invited to this key innovation event in the state – especially after contributing to a 40% increase in imports from Italy to Tennessee in just one year – is concrete proof of the strength of the ‘Sistema Italia’. The future of mobility is about moving people, goods, energy, and data – and Italy is ready to lead this sustainable transformation,” commented Consul Allegra Baistrocchi.
What made this mission even more impactful was its televised documentation: the entire journey was captured in the docufilm “Italian Mindset”, a production designed for the American audience that highlights the tangible results of this initiative and elevates Italy’s image as a hub of innovation and creativity. The project aims to challenge stereotypes and present an Italy that competes on the global stage, thanks to the collaboration among institutions, enterprises, and the innovation ecosystem. It will air on television in Spring 2026.
The docufilm was produced in partnership with Italia America Reputation Lab and Gruppo Editoriale ilNewyorkese, the Italian American media powerhouse founded by Davide Ippolito. This confirms a broader communication strategy that goes beyond promoting individual startups – it strengthens the “Italy” brand across the United States.
