Nicole Bonamici

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneur with a global mindset, having lived in 5 countries. Previously helped deep-tech startups secure investments @NovaUCD; reached €1.6M+ in sales @Cisco; and advised enterprises on AI & digital strategy @IBM. Founded TEDxPerugia to fuel the post-pandemic innovation ecosystem. Built and failed a gaming startup, gaining firsthand experience in resilience, execution, and startup growth. Passionate about scaling ideas, navigating uncertainty, and making things happen. Currently Director of Timbi Ltd., collaborating with founders and researchers across the EU to deliver EU projects. Let’s shoot for the moon!

As Lead Organizer of TEDxPerugia, I had the privilege of guiding a talented and passionate team of 40 young people under 30 through a series of impactful events that helped shape a dynamic, idea-driven community in Umbria. Between 2019 and 2022, we organized three editions of TEDxPerugia and several TED Circles, each reflecting a unique moment in time and a clear purpose. Our journey began with TEDxPerugia Countdown on October 17, 2020, held entirely hybridly in Sala dei Notari, Perugia, due to the pandemic. As part of TED’s global initiative on climate action, the event brought together speakers and activists to ignite urgent local dialogue on sustainability. Despite the constraints of a hybrid format, we succeeded in creating an engaging and meaningful experience that reached people across the region and beyond. Next came TEDxPerugiaStudio on April 11, 2021, at Cinematografo Comunale Sant'Angelo, Perugia, a more intimate and experimental event. With a focus on curated storytelling and creative expression, Studio allowed us to explore the start of bold ideas in a controlled setting, adapting to the new hybrid event landscape. This edition encouraged deeper connections between speakers and audience, emphasizing quality, innovation, and personal resonance. Our return to in-person events was marked by TEDxPerugia Phoenix on September 19, 2021, at Teatro Morlacchi, Perugia, a symbolic celebration of resilience and rebirth after months of uncertainty and isolation. Phoenix brought a renewed sense of community, energy, and optimism, uniting diverse voices to reflect on transformation and the future. It was both a logistical achievement and an emotional milestone for our team and our audience. Alongside these main events, we also launched and facilitated TED Circles in collaboration with Gruppo Giovani Imprenditori Confindustria Umbria and Università degli Studi di Perugia throughout 2021. These gatherings created space for researchers, young professionals and entrepreneurs to engage in thoughtful dialogue around global TED themes. TED Circles became a vital part of our local ecosystem, keeping the spirit of TED alive between major events and strengthening connections within our community. Crucial to our success was the strength of our local network of collaborators. We partnered with private companies such as Brunello Cucinelli, Aboca, and Eagle Projects S.p.A., whose support brought both vision and resources to our initiatives. We worked alongside NGOs like AVIS Perugia, and engaged with public institutions including the Comune di Perugia and the Regione Umbria, who recognized the cultural and civic value of our work. Our events were further enriched by contributions from educational institutions such as the Università degli Studi di Perugia, Università per Stranieri di Perugia, Accademia di Belle Arti, Nuovo Istituto Design, and many local high schools throughout the municipality. Additionally, our close collaboration with associations like the Gruppo Giovani Imprenditori di Confindustria Umbria helped bridge the worlds of business, education, and industry. Leading TEDxPerugia was more than event organisation, it was about building a space powered by youth, collaboration, and the belief that ideas can drive real change. Through creativity, commitment, and an extraordinary network of partners, we turned vision into impact and helped shape a vibrant intellectual and cultural movement in Umbria.