International Technovisionary® Award 2023, announce the 12 women who have distinguished themselves in the energy and environment sector
The Jury has recognized these female excellences for possessing vision, social impact capability, transparency in behavior and ethics, fundamental characteristics to contribute concretely to the future of the planet and to achieve global goals on climate change.
Milan, June 6, 2023 - The award ceremony of the XVII International Technovisionary Award® by Women&Tech® ETS - Women and Technologies Association - took place yesterday evening with the aim of celebrating the value of women who, in their professional activities, have been able to positively impact the ecological transition, overcoming cultural barriers, aiming to accelerate the growth of the energy industry in line with environmental goals, so that progress and its benefits are truly within everyone's reach.
The XVII edition of the prestigious award, created by Gianna Martinengo, founder and president of Women&Tech® ETS, in collaboration with Associazione Civita - active for over 35 years in the world of culture as a laboratory and incubator of projects to enhance Italian cultural heritage, attentive and sensitive to issues of sustainability, technology, and gender equality - has been dedicated to the world of energy and the environment, a particularly critical sector that is influencing the economy and strategies of the companies operating in it, with consequences for citizens. In a historical phase where the cost of energy has soared uncontrollably, supply security has become a priority again, and business productivity must bring the economic and social benefits of the ecological transition, the role of women is still marginal, although a growth trend is emerging, especially among the new generations.
The first edition of the World Energy Employment Report, compiled by the International Energy Agency (IEA), reveals that employment in the energy sector - approximately 2% of the total workforce, totaling over sixty-five million people - is on the rise worldwide and is set to grow, with a significant emphasis on skills training. However, it also highlights that women are significantly underrepresented. Despite accounting for 39% of global employment, women in the energy sectors make up only 16% of the total. Furthermore, women represent a very small percentage of senior leadership in the energy sector, averaging just under 14%, percentages that are too low to promote data-driven solutions at international discussion tables.
Starting from the various tens of applications received by last March, the Jury, composed of qualified representatives from the world of culture, communication, science, and innovation, based the selection of the 12 profiles on objective evidence of excellence of the candidates and the value they have brought to the energy and environment sector, developing innovative research paths and promoting activities in energy policies, as well as sustainable action plans and solutions.
The 12 professionals who were awarded in Rome on Monday, June 5th, are the new Technovisionaries: they perform different jobs but are united by common values such as competence and determination, sensitivity and a full view of the market and global trends.
"Energy and environment are two fundamental pillars for the future of our planet, and women play a crucial role in ensuring sustainability and conservation of resources. The Technovisionary Award celebrates their value and importance in this field," comments Gianna Martinengo, founder and president of Women&Tech® ETS. "It is no coincidence that the female universe brings a unique and valuable perspective here: as we have seen from the profiles and qualities of the awarded Technovisionaries, women are able to offer innovative solutions and think holistically, considering not only technical aspects but also social, economic, and environmental ones. The diversity of perspectives that women bring promotes creativity and innovation, pushing the energy and environment industry towards more sustainable and efficient solutions."
The Technovisionary award represents an opportunity to highlight the talent and commitment of women who are making a difference in this sector: recognizing and valuing these excellences not only inspires other women to pursue professional paths in these sectors, but also to bridge the gender gap that still exists.
"We are convinced that women truly make a difference in the energy and environment sector thanks to their unique vision, ability to promote innovation, and willingness to create connections and collaborations. And the awarding of the Technovisionaries is a way to honor these extraordinary women further incentivizing progress towards a better future for all," concludes Martinengo.
Simonetta Giordani , General Secretary of the Associazione Civita : “ Women are crucial agents of change. They have all the characteristics to stand out in the fields of innovation, technology, and scientific research, crucial in achieving the goals of the Agenda 2030, and to actively contribute to the birth of a "digital humanism" in which the contamination between science and culture becomes fundamental for the competitiveness of our country.”
The awarded technovisionaries
Alessandra Accogli, CEO and Co-founder of Sinergy Flow S.r.l
In 2022 she was included among the women passionately committed to changing the world. Leading an enthusiastic and visionary team, with her Sinergy Flow she develops next-generation batteries, low-cost, low environmental impact and high efficiency, capable of storing electricity for over 20 hours, and raises funds for new hires and research & development activities, to bring capacity up to a maximum of 50 hours (other batteries last up to about 10 hours), in view of massive production in the coming years. For this reason, her startup is considered a real game-changer.
Lorella Bigatti , Sole Director of NET Ltd
Through the municipal company NET, Lorella has demonstrated a constant commitment to addressing environmental issues related to energy not only at the local level but also at the regional and European levels. Her attention to calls for proposals and available funding, as well as her role in regional bodies such as Confservizi Cispel Lombardia, have ensured an effective connection between the different levels of action and governance of the territory.
Monica de Virgiliis, President of Snam
Engineer, has put his technological experience at the service of sustainable development, following a path of top executive roles in non-executive roles on boards of companies in transition in alignment with the energy transition. In his work, he combines a deep social conscience, believing that the transition, to be real, must first and foremost be fair.
Francesca Maradei, Full Professor of Electrical Engineering, Department of Engineering
Astronautics, Electrical and Energetics – Electrical Section, Sapienza University of Rome
Francesca has significantly contributed to scientific research in the field of computational methods applied to Electromagnetic Compatibility, promoting innovative research activities and contributing to the training of dozens of young researchers. Her recent research interests focus on wireless power transfer technology, with particular attention to wireless charging of electric vehicles and implanted medical devices.
Romina Maurizi, Editor-in-Chief Daily Energy.
A unique female journalist who has dedicated her entire professional career to this sector. After obtaining a degree in Political Science and an editor certificate, Romina started working in the energy sector in 2001 and has not stopped since, convinced that it is necessary to convey objective news in such complex contexts, in order to understand the scenario well and avoid tensions, even speculative ones.
Katiuscia Muscas , Administrator and founder of Progetika S.p.A .
Katiuscia Muscas has been a convinced supporter of hydrogen and the green economy at a time when, already some twenty years ago, she began proposing renewable energy projects to investors. It is true that hydrogen has been talked about for some time, but it is only in recent years that its real potential as a game-changer as an energy carrier has begun to be believed in. This is why she is known as "the lady of photovoltaics", having combined a long experience in the banking, real estate, and asset management sectors with expertise in renewables.
Sabina Passamonti , Biochemist, head of the Molecular Nutrition research group, University of Trieste - Expert Member of EFSA.
A graduate in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Trieste, she has dedicated her career to research and innovation in the field of nutritional biochemistry. Her studies have led to the discovery of mechanisms through which certain components of fruits and vegetables act as drugs, improving various functions of our body. In the field of bioenergetics, she is a proponent of the concept that the extraction and use of energy in living systems provide insights for managing energy resources in human society.
Valeria Piazza, Attaché for energy and industrial policies, Permanent Delegation of Italy
to the International Organizations in Paris.
With its solid academic background in political theory, energy and environmental economics, and a remarkable managerial career, she represents a point of reference in the international landscape of energy policies. Currently, as an Expert in energy and industrial policies for the Permanent Representation of Italy to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris, she represents Italy's strategic interests in the context of multilateral cooperation of 38 countries, with a particular focus on energy transition, digital transformation, and related investment policies.
Clara Poletti, Member of the Board of ARERA, the Regulatory Authority for Energy Networks and Environment, President of the Board of Regulators of ACER, the European Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators.
Clara has extensive experience in regulating and monitoring energy markets, liberalizing network services, and integrating energy policy with environmental policy. With her commitment and the various roles she has held, she has contributed to shaping the integration of energy markets in Europe and distinguishing the role and specificity of Italy.
Sara Romano, former public official and Head of the Department for Energy at the Ministry of Ecological Transition (now MASE) until January 2023.
For almost 25 years, she has been committed to strengthening the technical analysis capacity within the Public Administration, dealing with energy for Governments of all stripes, with increasingly authoritative roles and responsibilities. Her education, which combines economics, technical, and artistic aspects, has led her to seek a balance between market dynamics and social implications in every historical phase, focusing on the pricing system according to criteria of environmental sustainability and energy democracy.
Alessandra Zampieri , Director European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate D –Sustainable Resources.
The European Crisis Management Laboratory, which Alessandra has continued to develop with perseverance over all these years, is a global excellence for quantifying and anticipating possible risks through the use of satellite observations or the application of artificial intelligence techniques in line with European values and human rights. Her new areas of work as Director involve new technologies for environmental protection, earth observation, climate change and their effects on food production or energy, biodiversity, ecological and digital transition. Thanks to her work and that of her extensive European team, the European Commission will be able to develop proposals that are increasingly effective, innovative, and scientifically sound to design a sustainable and resilient green future.
This year, the Special Award "Gender Equality" is added to Elena Bonetti, Deputy of the Republic, former Minister for Equal Opportunities and Family in the Conte-bis and Draghi governments, Associate Professor of mathematical analysis at the University of Milan. State.
Elena Bonetti, with her constant commitment to promoting gender equality, has significantly contributed to social transformation, giving it an important acceleration in recent years. Trained as a mathematician, she has integrated scientific skills with a strong social sensitivity, dedicating herself to the fight for gender equality. But it was in her role as Minister for Equal Opportunities and Family that she made a difference, promoting policies and measures aimed at ensuring gender equality in all sectors of society.
The Jury of the International Technovisionary® Award 2023 is composed of:
Diana Bracco , President and CEO of the Bracco Group and President of the Bracco Foundation - Daniela Aleggiani , Vice President of the 3M Foundation - Deborah Chiodoni , Director of Press Office, National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci in Milan - Gianna Martinengo , President of Didael KTS, President and Founder of Women & Technologies® - Franca Melfi , Director of the Multidisciplinary Center for Robotic Surgery, University Hospital of Pisa - Emilia Rio , Director of People Organization and Change, Terna Group - Patrizia Rutigliano , LUISS Business School, Adjunct Professor - Federica Villa , Executive of the Presidency and Institutional Relations of the Chamber of Commerce of Milan.
The XVII International Technovisionary® Award is supported by the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, and the City of Rome. We thank: Fondazione Bracco and the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci.
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Women&Tech - Women and Technologies ETS , was born in 1999 as a social responsibility project by Gianna Martinengo developed within Didaelkts, the company she founded. In 2009 Women&Tech® becomes an association shared by a network of companies and individuals who contribute their skills to achieve its mission. The objectives of the Association are: to enhance female talent in scientific research, technology, innovation; promote projects and actions aimed at fighting stereotypes and gender discrimination; contribute to guiding young people towards future professions, including sustainable entrepreneurial models. In 2022, Women&Tech acquires the qualification of Third Sector Entity (ETS), thus formalizing the values and transparency that have always characterized initiatives developed for companies, institutions, and universities, implementing projects on sustainability, inclusion, human capital enhancement, diversity, and much more. Gianna Martinengo is an entrepreneur, humanist by education, and technologist by choice. Her vision of science and technology has always focused on the individual and their needs, making them accessible to everyone and suitable to promote sustainable development.
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