Aleardo Furlani
Founder of INNOVA
a.furlani@innova-eu.net
+39 329 052 7703
Via G. Peroni, 386, Rome, Italy
Work Experience
Aleardo Furlani is the Founder and Senior Partner of INNOVA, one of Italy’s leading organizations specialized in innovation, technology transfer, startup acceleration, and R&D valorisation. With more than 35 years of international experience, he has supported governments, research institutions, investors, startups, and corporations in transforming innovation into sustainable business growth.
He is recognized as a senior expert in innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurship, venture capital, internationalization, and European innovation policies, with extensive experience working with the European Commission, European Investment Bank (EIB), WIPO, and major public and private organizations.
Professional Summary
Since founding INNOVA in 1993, Aleardo has played a central role in supporting the creation and scaling of innovative startups, technology-driven SMEs, and international R&D collaborations. Under his leadership, INNOVA became a Certified Incubator recognized by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development.
His expertise includes:
- Technology Transfer & Commercialisation
- Venture Capital & Seed Investment
- Startup Incubation & Acceleration
- Innovation Policy & Regional Development
- International Innovation Ecosystems
- Research Infrastructure Development
- Smart Specialisation Strategies
- EU Innovation Programmes
- Entrepreneurship & Business Strategy
Leadership & Entrepreneurial Activities
Founder of INNOVA
Aleardo established INNOVA as a multidisciplinary innovation group focused on supporting research valorisation, startup creation, and international technology transfer initiatives. He continues to provide strategic guidance to startups, researchers, SMEs, and innovation ecosystems across Europe.
Founder of INVENT Seed Fund
Founder of INVENT, a seed capital investment company supporting innovative startups in sectors such as biotech, AI, robotics, nanotechnology, and digital innovation. INVENT successfully invested in multiple European deep-tech ventures.
International Innovation Advisor
Aleardo has advised ministries, regional governments, development agencies, and innovation clusters in Italy, Spain, Poland, Tunisia, Morocco, and other European regions on innovation strategy development and technology transfer policies.
Key Areas of Expertise
Technology Transfer & Innovation Ecosystems
More than two decades of experience managing transnational technology transfer initiatives, supporting collaboration between universities, research centres, corporates, and startups.
Startup Acceleration & Investment
Extensive experience supporting startup incubation, acceleration, fundraising, and investment readiness activities for innovative SMEs and spin-offs.
European Innovation Policies
Senior expert supporting regional innovation policies, smart specialization strategies, and EU-funded innovation programmes at both national and European levels.
Research Infrastructure & Deep-Tech
Financial Officer of EMSO-ERIC and advisor for large-scale European research infrastructures and deep-tech innovation ecosystems.
Selected International Experience
EMSO-ERIC
Financial Officer of the European Multidisciplinary Seafloor and Water Column Observatory (EMSO-ERIC), a major European research infrastructure involving multiple EU countries.
European Investment Bank (EIB)
Led technical assistance initiatives supporting scientific parks, innovation hubs, and incubation networks in Tunisia and Morocco.
Roma Startup
Member of the Board of Roma Startup, contributing to the growth of the startup and venture capital ecosystem in Italy.
Academic Activities
Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship Economics and Technology Transfer at Italian universities, contributing to the development of innovation-driven entrepreneurial education.
Education & Qualifications
- MBA in Business Policy & International Marketing – IESE Business School, Barcelona
- Law Degree (cum laude) – University of Naples
- Scholar in Public Policy – Harvard Kennedy School, USA
Languages
- Italian — Native
- English — Excellent
- French — Excellent
- Spanish — Excellent
- German — Fair
Publications & Thought Leadership
Aleardo Furlani authored and co-authored numerous publications related to:
- Innovation ecosystems
- Technology transfer
- Venture capital
- Regional innovation policies
- Open innovation
- Science parks and incubation models
His work has been published in collaboration with the European Commission, World Bank, European Investment Bank, and international innovation networks.
