Joule: “Startups as a model of agility and creativity”

New technologies and collaboration between big companies and startups were the key topics sparking discussion at the Expo Days event by CrossConnect, an accelerator programme for startups creating solutions and services for physical and digital infrastructures.

Mentors, innovators and experts gathered in Catania on 21 and 22 January to hear pitches from eight startups participating in the programme: innovative ideas that give a glimpse into the future, showing how AI, energy and advanced materials are transforming industries and infrastructure.

“Start-ups offer large companies models of agility and creativity, providing access to innovative solutions and business models that are challenging to develop in-house in the same timeframes,” explained Rosamaria Marrazzo, Technology Innovation Specialist at Joule. “At Joule, we collaborate closely with startups, particularly in their early stages, providing support through acceleration programmes and idea validation. This lets us build a common language, align expectations, and attain shared objectives. Collaborating with startups offers another intriguing benefit: they can significantly influence company culture. Startups act as catalysts for speed, agility and a stronger focus on the customer. And they also help foster an entrepreneurial mindset.”