Discovering TEDxCortina at Rifugio Col Gallina (Part One)

In the heart of the majestic Dolomites, on Friday, August 23rd, Rifugio Col Gallina hosted the eighth edition of TEDxCortina, an event that masterfully combined innovative ideas with a breathtaking landscape. It was a day of discoveries, reflections, and inspirations, featuring talks ranging from the history of the mountains to global challenges, from technological issues to the frontiers of space.

TED, originally founded in California in the 1980s, has established itself as a pioneering format that explores the intersection of technology, entertainment, and design. This format has captured the world’s attention, giving rise to numerous TEDx events globally. This year, we were honored to return as a sponsor for the extraordinary eighth edition of TEDxCortina, held at the stunning Rifugio Col Gallina, offering us another day of inspiration and reflection.

To properly highlight the 11 talks that enriched this edition, we decided to split our account into two parts. This first part will guide you through some of the most significant moments and introduce the speakers who made this edition special.

Giulia Apollonio: The Dolomites Between History and Innovation

Our journey begins with Giulia Apollonio, journalist and TV host, who shared the fascinating story of Dolomiti Superski. This giant ski area, the largest in Italy, was founded in the 1970s and marked a fundamental transformation for the mountains. Giulia recounted how, from an era of hardship and sacrifice, the mountains evolved into one of the most sought-after tourist destinations thanks to the vision and innovation of those who believed in the potential of the territory.

Giulia’s story highlighted the crucial transformation of Cortina. In the past, the valley was characterized by a limited economy and traditional jobs, which led many residents to emigrate in search of better opportunities. Subsequently, the area revolutionized its economy by focusing on tourism and creating services dedicated to visitors. This transformation not only generated new local jobs but also fostered strong collaboration with neighboring cities. Cortina thus demonstrates how unity and a shared vision are essential for recognizing and harnessing the future potential of the territory, transforming the valley into a hub of attraction and development.

Federico Naccarato Sartori: Innovation and Resilience in a Crisis Context

Federico Naccarato Sartori, Head of Innovation at the United Nations World Food Programme, offered a powerful and realistic look at global challenges. In a period marked by the worst drought in the history of Kenya, combined with devastating floods, Federico emphasized the importance of creativity and innovation in responding to humanitarian crises.

His experience demonstrates how collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial in addressing global emergencies. Federico urged breaking traditional boundaries and working together to develop innovative solutions, promoting positive change in extreme contexts.

Daniele Cassioli: The Power of “Here and Now”

Daniele Cassioli, a 28-time world champion in water skiing and founder of Real Eyes Sport, provided a profound reflection on the concept of “here and now.” Born blind, Daniele learned to focus completely on the present to excel in his sport. His personal experience is a powerful reminder to let go of regrets and worries, embracing the present moment as the key to achieving our full potential.

His reflection invites us to detach from past frustrations and future anxieties, emphasizing that only in the “hic et nunc,” the here and now, can we truly improve our lives and performance. His vision offers valuable insight into how we can face daily challenges with greater awareness and determination.

Domenico De Maio: Investing in Youth for a Better Future

Domenico De Maio, brought his enthusiasm and commitment to the new generations. With a career dedicated to education and volunteering, Domenico emphasized the importance of investing in young people and preparing them for the future.

He shared his experience working with at-risk adolescents and his role in the preparation of the upcoming 2026 Winter Games. All this while not forgetting the need to focus on the present to build a better future, tackling educational challenges with creativity and dedication. His vision is a call to invest in the potential of young people and work towards a more inclusive and promising future.

Chiara Mugnai: Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness

Chiara Mugnai, Chief Data Scientist at Eoliann, explored the frontiers of artificial intelligence and the concept of artificial consciousness. With a degree in Bionic Engineering and a career that has seen her work for multinationals and startups, Chiara discussed the challenges and prospects of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

She explained how current artificial intelligences learn and minimize errors but still lack the awareness and empathy necessary for true human-like intelligence. The lack of consciousness of death and a real emotional connection to the work being done represent the main limitations of current AIs. Chiara offered a fascinating and complex vision of the future of AGI, inviting us to reflect on what “intelligence” truly means.

Anna Gregorio: Exploring Space and Scientific Curiosity

Anna Gregorio, co-founder of PICOSATS and professor at the University of Trieste, shared her passion for space and her experiences in the aerospace field with the audience. With a background ranging from coordinating space science missions to co-founding a spin-off company, Anna vividly described the excitement of a space launch and her work in the Amazon rainforest.

The launch of the Planck satellite, aimed at studying the universe, was one of the extraordinary achievements of her career. Anna emphasized how scientific curiosity and the desire to explore are fundamental to advancing our understanding of the world and the universe. Her passion and commitment to space exploration remind us of the importance of research and innovation in science.

Conclusion

TEDxCortina offered an extraordinary overview of how innovation, creativity, and social commitment can come together to address modern challenges. Each talk contributed to creating a mosaic of stimulating ideas that invite us to reflect and take concrete actions.

In the second part of our story, we will delve into the other speakers and their presentations, revealing further insights and inspirations that characterized this edition of TEDxCortina. Stay with us to discover how these ideas will shape our future.