Welcoming Monica Lucarelli. Monica Lucarelli is President of the Board of Directors of the House of Emerging Technologies (CTE), and Councilor for Economic Development and Equal Opportunities for the city of Rome. Monica has a visionary approach to smart cities that combines innovation and inclusiveness, where equality is the heart of development. A key element of her efforts is the promotion of gender equality, in particular through the Gender Equality Certification, which is implemented in Rome’s public administration and its related companies. Monica is determined to foster inclusive practices in the evolving city landscape, ensuring that gender equality becomes a standard for businesses and public institutions.
In line with her commitment to inclusiveness, Monica emphasizes the importance of language for equality. Among her initiatives, she has launched an experimental project based on artificial intelligence, designed to recognize and improve gender representation in written texts, with the aim of creating a more balanced and fair communication framework in the city’s operations.
Technology is at the heart of Monica’s mandate. As President of the Board of Directors of Casa delle Tecnologie Emergenti (CTE), she leads Rome’s technological transformation, fostering collaboration between academia, startups and businesses to leverage artificial intelligence, blockchain and IoT to drive the city’s growth. Her work focuses on ensuring that innovation is the engine of Rome’s future, while keeping social justice as a priority. In this spirit, Monica is opening three innovation hubs in the city’s suburbs, bringing much-needed resources to underserved areas.
Monica’s commitment to inclusive innovation was recognized in 2024, when she was named one of StartupItalia’s Unstoppable Women. Her leadership embodies the belief that a smart city must be not only technologically advanced, but also socially equitable.
This path is supported by her entrepreneurial experience and her education in Engineering. Monica graduated in Mechanical Engineering from La Sapienza University of Rome, and then earned an MBA in Industrial Engineering and Management from the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Over the years, she has held top management roles in prestigious companies such as Fiat Auto, Italotreno NTV and Ised Spa. Her experience in IT, innovation and strategic management has shaped her unique ability to drive both technological and social progress.
As a mother of three, Monica has always tried to balance her professional and family life. Her deep commitment to social causes further fuels her passion to promote equality and inclusivity in every aspect of her work. Monica’s journey reflects her belief that innovation and equality must go hand in hand, ensuring that smart cities not only thrive technologically, but also provide opportunities for all citizens.
