Driving Diversity Through Global Open Innovation
Expert Webinar Series
Hosted by WomenTech Network
Hosted by RINA
November 05, 2026
10:00:00
Virtual Event
As industries navigate digital transformation, the energy transition, and growing technological complexity, collaboration is becoming increasingly important. Bringing together different perspectives, disciplines, and experiences can help organizations develop new solutions and create more inclusive opportunities.
Join WomenTech Network for a virtual webinar featuring innovation leaders from RINA, who will explore how global open innovation connects organizations, communities, and talent to address complex challenges and create sustainable business value.
Through practical examples from RINA's innovation ecosystem, the session will highlight how open collaboration, strategic partnerships, and employee participation can strengthen innovation across industries and regions.
Whether you're building partnerships, developing innovation initiatives, or exploring new ways to collaborate across teams and industries, this session will offer practical perspectives from RINA's global experience.
Hosted By
Agenda
Speakers
Marta Ponis
Innovation Strategy Vice President
Marta Ponis leads Innovation Strategy and Planning at RINA Group. A Marine Engineer by background, she brings more than 20 years of international experience across the maritime, energy, and engineering sectors. Throughout her career, Marta has combined deep technical expertise with strategic leadership, driving innovation initiatives, business transformation, and corporate growth. Before taking her current role, she held senior positions in maritime operations, LNG-related businesses, and corporate strategy, managing complex projects and multidisciplinary teams in highly regulated and technology-intensive environments. Today, she is responsible for shaping RINA's innovation strategy, fostering collaboration between business units, startups, research institutions, and industrial partners to accelerate sustainable growth and create new business opportunities.
Stela Ferrari
Head of Open Innovation Brazil - RINA
Stela Ferrari is Head of the Rio Open Innovation Hub at RINA, Chemical Engineer BSc and Industrial Engineer MSc. In RINA she leads innovation ecosystems, strategic partnerships, and sustainable business transformation. With extensive experience connecting corporations, startups, universities, research centers, and public institutions, she leads initiatives that accelerate innovation across energy, infrastructure, maritime, and industrial sectors throughout Latin America. Stela is passionate about fostering inclusive innovation and expanding opportunities for women and underrepresented talent in STEM fields. Through RINA's Global Open Innovation Network, she promotes international collaboration, entrepreneurship, and the development of diverse innovation ecosystems that drive technological advancement and create positive social and economic impact.
Maddalena Garrone
Head of Innovation Collection & Funnel Management
Maddalena Garrone is Head of Innovation Collection & Funnel Management at RINA, Mechanical Engineer and MBA in Business Strategy, AI & Innovation. At RINA, she leads Open Innovation and innovation management initiatives, fostering collaboration between startups, research institutions, corporate partners, and internal stakeholders. With experience spanning industry, research, and startup environments, she supports the development of innovation ecosystems that accelerate technology adoption and sustainable business transformation. Maddalena is passionate about creating opportunities for diverse talent in innovation and STEM, promoting collaboration, entrepreneurship, and inclusive approaches to shaping the future of technology.
