On Third Day in Italy, Florida Delegation Expanded Partnerships in Tuscany and Lombardy Regions

FLORENCE, Italy-On the third day of Florida's historic Italian trade mission, the Florida delegation explored partnerships in Florence, Maranello, Bologna and Milan and met with leaders from the Tuscany and Lombardy Regions, two of Italy's largest economic producers. Florida International University entered into Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) with Insightec, Inc. and the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neuroligico Carlo Besta to expand research into treatments for brain diseases.

"Under Governor DeSantis' leadership this mission is focused on investing in the future of Florida through strong partnerships with Italy," said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. "Today's meetings lay the groundwork for future partnership between Florida and economic partners in the Tuscany and Lombardy regions, securing the economic success of Florida for generations to come."

The objectives under the MOU include identifying suitable facilities and physicians to conduct clinical research on Insightec's Exablate Neuro technology for Alzheimer's, brain cancer, addiction, and other brain diseases. Their shared objectives also include developing novel brain health therapies, bringing advanced treatments to market, and enhancing patient care access. Additionally, they seek to foster knowledge exchange and best practices in clinical research for the benefit of their communities.

In the four cities, delegates connected with private companies in Italy and explored potential new partnerships for cultural exchange and research. The delegation from Florida met with President of the Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana to discuss trade linkages and opportunities between the targeted industries in the region and Florida. The Lombardy region has the largest GDP of any region in Italy, largely due the economic power of Milan. Milan is considered a global finance capital, an industrial hub, and the global fashion capital.

From Monday, November 11, to Friday, November 15, Governor DeSantis is leading a historic international trade and business development mission. Florida delegates joining the Governor include agency heads and university presidents, such as Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly, Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Jason Weida, Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, President Richard McCullough from Florida State University, President Richard Corcoran from New College of Florida, President Rhea Law of the University of South Florida, President Ken Jessell of Florida International University and representatives from the University of Central Florida, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida International University, and Florida Polytechnic University.

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