From Palazzo Valentini, new connections between women, skills and artificial intelligence. Rome hosts the final regional stop of the Job Digital Lab
A robotic parrot that describes the work of craftspeople, smart glasses to help older people use technology, and a platform that connects craftspeople with start-ups. These are just some of the ideas that emerged in a mere 90 minutes during WeLead. Protagonists of Enterprise, the event held last Wednesday, 21 October, at Palazzo Valentini in Rome. An afternoon in which artificial intelligence became a tool for imagining new products and services, testing entrepreneurial insights and building professional relationships.
The event, promoted as part of Job Digital Lab – the training programme run by ING Italia and Fondazione Mondo Digitale – was organised in collaboration with CNA Impresa Donna Roma e Lazio, under the patronage of the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital. The event marked the conclusion of the programme’s series of regional meetings, highlighting the leading role of women in the digital economy and in small and medium-sized enterprises [see the news item An afternoon for women driving change].
Ninety minutes to turn an idea into a project
The highlight of the afternoon was the Creativethon, conceived and led by Ilaria La Manna, a digital architect and creative director. The participants, divided into small groups, tackled a practical challenge: identifying a problem, devising an entrepreneurial solution and using artificial intelligence to develop it, assess its potential and put together a compelling presentation. In an hour and a half, each group worked on defining the product or service, its identity and communication strategy, culminating in a 60-second final presentation before a panel comprising Domenica Cesena, Nicoletta Vulpetti and Francesca Castro from CNA Impresa Donna.
First place went to Polly, the concept of a robotic parrot capable of recognising handcrafted items and describing them even to those with visual impairments. This proposal combines the promotion of artisan heritage with accessibility and technological innovation.
The workshop demonstrated how AI can support the various stages of business planning, from the initial idea to communicating a product’s value. But the most significant outcome emerged even beyond the presentations: the participants shared experiences, exchanged contact details and identified new opportunities for collaboration.
“The best thing about this meeting was seeing how, in just 90 minutes, women with different experiences and skills managed to turn ideas into genuine business proposals,” says Martina Panunzio, project coordinator. “Artificial intelligence helped the groups to develop and present their ideas, but the added value was the collaborative atmosphere that was created. The participants continued to exchange ideas even after the workshop, swapping contact details and exploring potential collaborations. This is precisely one of the objectives of Job Digital Lab: to turn training into a concrete opportunity to create new prospects.”
Artisanal ingenuity meets artificial intelligence
The groups’ work was also inspired by the testimonies of two female entrepreneurs who explained how digital transformation can strengthen businesses deeply rooted in tradition.
Laura Ottaviani, owner of Cartografica Visceglia, represents the third generation of a Roman workshop that has been producing bespoke maps since 1929. In her account, technology expands the possibilities of almost a century of artisanal expertise: new materials, digital processes and experiential tourist itineraries allow for a reinterpretation of cartography and open the workshop up to new audiences. Artificial intelligence also plays a part in this process, helping to envision new ways for travellers to engage with the local area and cultural heritage.
Roberta Borra, owner of Poignée, brings the experience of a business that works with metals through an artistic foundry, creating products for interior design, art and other sectors. Continuous professional development and a focus on technology have underpinned her entrepreneurial journey, right up to the most recent applications of artificial intelligence. Her reflections effectively summarise the relationship between innovation and skills: artificial intelligence engages with artisanal intelligence, because the possibilities offered by digital tools gain value when they meet experience, creativity and practical skill.
Rounding off the discussion on experiences and leadership models was Nadine Methner, Head of Business Banking at ING Italia, who shared her professional journey and some advice on launching a new business venture. An international story of courageous choices, independence and self-determination, in which even obstacles and failures become opportunities for growth. Her message to women is encapsulated in a simple yet powerful question: ‘What if I were to fly instead?’. A testimony we had previewed in recent days with the story The courage to change the rules.
Skills to choose, relationships to grow
“Digital technology is a veritable highway to economic empowerment for women,” emphasised Lucia de Grimani, president of CNA Impresa Donna Roma e Lazio, highlighting the importance of making skills in emerging technologies accessible. For those wishing to start or develop a business, understanding these tools means being able to seize new opportunities and turn their aspirations into concrete projects. It was precisely this perspective that guided the afternoon’s proceedings: experiencing the potential of AI first-hand, exchanging ideas with other professionals, and discovering how different skills can generate shared solutions. Nicoletta Vulpetti, who attended the workshop and also met up with some women who had previously taken part in the Fondazione Mondo Digitale’s training programmes over the years, captures the atmosphere of the event. These are women who continue to learn, experiment and achieve new milestones. “We started by talking about artificial intelligence, but then – as always – what makes us feel good came to the fore: being together and working together. With all the technology surrounding us, our unwavering humanity remains the most solid thing we have.” This is perhaps the most representative image of the latest regional stage of the Job Digital Lab: women learning together, sharing skills and transforming a training experience into new opportunities for business and collaboration.
