Description

I help European SMEs and startups structure innovation projects at the intersection of product development, R&D strategy and EU funding.

Many technical teams have strong ideas, but struggle to translate them into clear product roadmaps, fundable project concepts, strong proposals and manageable implementation plans. My role is to help bridge that gap.

I support founders, SMEs and innovation-driven organizations in:

- defining product and R&D strategy

- identifying relevant EU funding opportunities

- structuring project concepts and proposals

- coordinating partners, stakeholders and deliverables

- translating technical ideas into clear business and funding narratives

- managing innovation projects from planning to execution

My background combines mechanical engineering, European project management and startup execution. I have worked on Horizon Europe projects in additive manufacturing and composite materials within a €16M portfolio, managed 20+ EU-funded projects involving 250+ yourh and €250K+ in funding, and built Deskbuddy from scratch as Founder & CEO.

I am also a Top Rated freelancer on Upwork with a 100% Job Success Score, and certified in project management and Agile frameworks, including PMI-CAPM, PSPO I and PSM I.

If you are building an innovative product, preparing an EU-funded project, or trying to turn a technical idea into a structured roadmap, I can help you define and organize the next step.

Industry field of expertise

Languages

English
Native or bilingual
Italian
Native or bilingual
Spanish
Basic
Russian
Basic

Workplace preferences

Remote only

Primarily works remotely

Flow APS
President & Director
EDUCATION AND E-LEARNING
May 2022 - Today (4 years and 3 months)
Mondovì, Italy
Co-founded and currently lead Flow APS, a nonprofit organization active in European youth education, non-formal learning, sustainability, innovation, and community development.

The role combines strategic leadership, EU project development, stakeholder coordination, budget management, and operational delivery.

Key activities and achievements:

- Managed and coordinated €250K+ in EU-funded activities
- Led the design, writing, implementation, and reporting of Erasmus+ and European cooperation projects
- Coordinated international partners, local stakeholders, facilitators, volunteers, and project teams
- Oversaw project budgets, timelines, documentation, agreements, risk management, and quality control
- Designed educational activities, workshops, youth mobility projects, and local community initiatives
- Supported the organization’s growth from a local initiative into an internationally active nonprofit network
Project Management Erasmus+ European Funding Education Founder
Garelli Consulting
Consultant
CONSULTING AND AUDITS
June 2025 - Today (1 year and 2 months)
Genoa, Italy
I help European SMEs, startups, and innovation-driven organizations transform technical ideas into structured product roadmaps, EU funding strategies, and executable innovation projects.

I support clients with EU funding strategy, proposal development, R&D project management, product strategy, technical writing, and partner coordination. My work combines engineering thinking, funding expertise, and hands-on project execution to help teams move from concept to implementation with clarity.

Core areas of work:

- EU funding strategy and proposal writing
- R&D and innovation project management
- Product and go-to-market strategy
- Technical documentation and project structuring
- Partner, stakeholder, and deliverable coordination
- Mechanical engineering support when relevant

I am a Top Rated freelancer on Upwork with a 100% Job Success Score, certified in project management and Agile frameworks, and experienced in EU-funded projects, startup development, and technical innovation.
European Funding Project Management EU funding Mechanical Engineering R&D
Deskbuddy
Founder & CEO
HUMAN RESOURCES
February 2025 - Today (1 year and 6 months)
Tallinn, Estonia
Founded Deskbuddy, a startup helping companies improve remote and hybrid work experiences through flexible benefits, local workspaces, team engagement, and culture-building solutions.

Built the company from scratch, leading the development of the product concept, business model, market positioning, and early go-to-market strategy.

Key activities and achievements:

- Developed the product and service strategy for a B2B remote-work benefits platform
- Built partnerships and collaboration opportunities across 10+ countries
- Designed solutions combining coworking, wellness, learning, team engagement, and local ecosystem activation
- Positioned the company around talent retention, ESG alignment, employee experience, and remote-work culture
- Won IPHatch UK 2024
- Pitched the company to international startup and innovation stakeholders
Start-up Remote work product owner Pitch B2B