11/21/2025
Valentyn Ponomarenko Represents Speroteck at SMAU: A Milestone for Our Innovation Journey
Last week, our teammate Valentyn Ponomarenko took a bold step forward for Speroteck, representing us at SMAU, one of Europe’s leading innovation and business-matching platforms. This was not only Valentyn’s first experience at such a high-level international event, but also our company's debut on this stage — and the lessons and connections made were truly valuable.
What Is SMAU?
SMAU is Italy’s premier innovation trade show and networking platform, bringing together startups, established corporations, public institutions, and ecosystem enablers. (smau.it)
More than just a conference, SMAU has become a cornerstone of the European innovation ecosystem. Its international roadshow spans cities like London, Paris, Stockholm, San Francisco — and culminates in SMAU Milano, where hundreds of companies, investors, and stakeholders convene to explore AI, open innovation, digital transformation, and more. (smau.it) At its latest edition, SMAU drew thousands of participants, featuring over 150 Italian startups, expert-led panels, speed-pitch sessions, and one-to-one meetings. (Ice)
Valentyn’s Mission at SMAU
Valentyn went into the event with four scheduled meetings — with businesses from Portugal, Italy, and Ukraine — each carefully selected to explore potential collaborations and partnerships. For him, and indeed for Speroteck, this was a pioneering step into the world of innovation fairs.
Key Outcomes
- Strong Networking: Thanks to Valentyn’s effort, Speroteck now has a much richer network of international contacts. These connections open doors to potential partnerships, joint ventures, and new markets abroad.
- Market Insights: Engaging with companies from different countries gave us a deeper understanding of how innovation is evolving across Europe, especially in AI and digital transformation.
- Brand Visibility: Our presence at SMAU helped elevate Speroteck’s profile within the innovation ecosystem, positioning us as a forward-looking player.
- Learning Experience: Valentino’s first-hand participation allowed us to identify what works and what can be improved for future events.
Challenges & Feedback
While the trip was largely successful, Valentyn noted some disappointment in the organization of the event. He observed room for improvement in event management and facilitation — especially in coordinating the B2B meetings and providing clearer support for international participants. These insights are valuable for us as we plan future engagement at trade shows.
Why This Matters for Speroteck
- Strategic Growth: Events like SMAU are a strategic leverage point to drive Speroteck’s international growth.
- Innovation Mindset: By participating in innovation forums, we reinforce our commitment to new technologies such as AI and open innovation.
- Team Empowerment: Valentyn’s experience sets a precedent for other team members to engage in global innovation events, helping us all grow professionally.
A big thank you to Valentyn for leading this initiative and laying the groundwork for Speroteck’s greater presence in the European innovation landscape. We look forward to building on this momentum — and to more of us participating in such forums in the future.
Stay tuned for more updates on our innovation journey! 🚀
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