Technological innovation and finance: Forbes explores Sardinia’s industrial future

Research, startups, human capital, and new financial tools for innovation were at the center of the panel “Technological innovation and innovative finance for Sardinia’s industrial future”, held during the third day of the Sardinia Boat Show 2026 in collaboration with Forbes Italia. The discussion was moderated by Alessandro Rossi, Director of Forbes Italia.

The panel opened with a central theme: the paradox of a Sardinia internationally recognized as a leading destination for luxury yachting, yet still working to transform this natural advantage into a stable, innovative, and competitive industrial structure.

During the discussion, Luciano Belviso, Co-Founder & CEO of Mirai Robotics, presented the company’s activities and the opportunities offered by robotics applied to industrial and manufacturing processes.

On the topic of research and technology transfer, Antonio Usai, Coordinator of the Artes 4.0 Competence Macrohub at the University of Sassari, illustrated the development of the new robotics laboratory planned for Olbia. The project will focus on three main sectors — nautical industry, healthcare, and tourism — with the aim of strengthening the relationship between universities, innovation, and local development.

The theme of financial tools supporting startups and innovative businesses was explored by Paola Del Fabro, Project Manager of Spoke4Fin and R.I.S.E. – e.INS Innovation Ecosystem (PNRR). During her speech, she described the work developed together with universities, the banking system, and the research sector to promote new instruments dedicated to innovation, including artificial intelligence-based platforms for risk assessment and regional funds designed to support startups, spin-offs, and innovative companies operating in Sardinia’s strategic economic sectors.

A broader reflection on the relationship between innovation, investment, and territory came from Aldo Carta, General Director of CIPNES Gallura and President of UniOlbia, who highlighted the path developed together with universities, research centers, and businesses to strengthen the territory’s ability to attract international investors and support the growth of new high-innovation entrepreneurial initiatives. According to Carta, the key challenge is building a territorial system capable of providing skills, financial support, and operational tools for businesses.

The panel also featured contributions from Riccardo De Lisa, Full Professor at the University of Cagliari and representative of the R.I.S.E. platform; Fabio Molinas, Founder & Designer of Lebiu S.r.l.; Giuseppe Scotto D’Antuono, CEO and Co-founder of Easy Sea; and Simone Valorani, Head of Strategy & Operations at Scientifica Venture Capital.