Bridging Innovation and Experience: Marcello Ascani interviews three Italians pioneers and ISSNAF pillars.

Italian YouTuber Marcello Ascani recently visited Silicon Valley and interviewed three distinguished figures in scientific and technological fields: Alberto Sangiovanni-Vincentelli, Alberto Salleo, and Pierluigi Zappacosta.

These conversations offer an exploration into their inspiring journeys, groundbreaking contributions, and valuable insights on bridging the gap between Italy and the U.S. in science and entrepreneurship.

Alberto Sangiovanni-Vincentelli and Pierluigi Zappacosta are Founding Members of ISSNAF. Together with Alberto Salleo, they serve on the ISSNAF Board. ISSNAF is deeply grateful to them for their continued support and dedication.

Alberto Sangiovanni-Vincentelli: Shaping the Digital Revolution

Alberto Sangiovanni-Vincentelli is a towering figure in electronic design automation (EDA), co-founding Cadence and Synopsys, two of the most influential companies in the field. A professor at UC Berkeley, he has been at the forefront of shaping modern microelectronics.

In his interview, Sangiovanni-Vincentelli reflected on his journey from Italy to becoming a leader in Silicon Valley. He shared insights on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, how Italy can foster more innovation, and why the bridge between academia and industry is crucial for technological advancement. His experience underscores the necessity of embracing risk and disruption in order to drive progress.

Alberto Salleo: Innovating in Materials Science

Alberto Salleo, Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University and Deputy Director at SLAC, conducts pioneering research in organic and flexible electronics. His work has profound implications for the future of wearable technologies, sustainable energy solutions, and biomedical applications.

During his discussion with Ascani, Salleo emphasized the role of curiosity-driven research and the challenges of securing funding in a competitive landscape. He also touched upon the importance of mentorship and international collaboration, particularly between Italian and American institutions. Salleo’s journey is a testament to the power of combining theoretical research with practical applications that can transform industries.

Pierluigi Zappacosta: The Entrepreneurial Spirit

An iconic entrepreneur, Pierluigi Zappacosta co-founded Logitech, the global leader in computer peripherals. His story exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels Silicon Valley—starting from a small idea and scaling it into an internationally recognized brand.

Zappacosta’s interview highlighted the cultural differences in business approaches between Italy and the U.S., the role of venture capital, and how young innovators can navigate the challenges of building a startup. He also provided valuable advice on how Italy can cultivate a stronger startup ecosystem, leveraging its deep talent pool and creativity.