Team
Our team offers a unique combination of skills and experience, enabling EdiVite to excel in innovation and the viticulture sector.
Management
CEO
Mario leads the strategic vision and development of EdiVite in the field of New Genomic Techniques applied to viticulture. He oversees the technological roadmap, intellectual property strategy, and regulatory positioning of the company.
He has been Full Professor of Plant Genetics at the University of Verona since 1998, with over thirty years of experience in plant genomics, biotechnology, and grapevine genetic improvement. He has held senior leadership roles in research governance, including Vice-Rector for Research and Technology Transfer at the University of Verona, Director of the Research and Innovation Center at the Edmund Mach Foundation, and Special Commissioner of CREA. He served as President of the Italian Society of Agricultural Genetics and has contributed to national and European discussions on the regulation of New Genomic Techniques. Author of more than 200 scientific publications, he combines scientific expertise, managerial experience and strategic vision in innovation.
CSO
Sara directs the scientific strategy of EdiVite and coordinates the entire genome editing pipeline, from target gene identification to molecular validation of developed prototypes. She oversees the production of resistant lines and is responsible for molecular verification of introduced mutations and for aligning technological development with application goals.
She is Associate Professor of Plant Genetics at the University of Verona since 2018, where she coordinates national and international research projects in genomics and grapevine genetic improvement. She holds a PhD in Agro-Industrial Biotechnology and is author of 81 peer-reviewed publications. She is co-inventor of international patents related to the proprietary editing platform and the development of powdery mildew–resistant grapevines. Her research focuses on transcriptional regulation of berry development and ripening and on innovative biotechnological tools for grapevine improvement.
CTO
Edoardo coordinates the Genome Editing Laboratory at EdiVite and is responsible for the development and optimization of the company’s proprietary DNA-free editing platform. He oversees the entire process, from in vitro system implementation to plant regeneration and validation, ensuring technical robustness and operational efficiency. He also contributes to the definition of experimental standards and the protection of the company’s intellectual property.
He obtained a PhD in Biotechnology from the University of Verona (2018), following a full academic training in Agri-food Biotechnology. His scientific activity focuses on protoplast isolation, in vitro regeneration, and the application of New Genomic Techniques in grapevine. He is co-inventor of international patents related to the editing platform and resistant grapevine varieties and author of scientific publications on transgene-free genome editing in grapevine.
COO
Erica is responsible for the operational and organizational management of EdiVite. She coordinates the execution of strategic projects and ensures alignment between scientific development, financial planning and regulatory requirements. She oversees milestones, budgeting and reporting toward funding bodies and partners to guarantee efficient internal processes and data management. She also supports corporate governance, compliance and intellectual property strategy.
She obtained a PhD in Biotechnology from the University of Verona (2016), following a background in Biotechnology. Her scientific work focuses on functional characterization of grapevine genes and in vitro regeneration systems supporting biotechnological plant breeding. She is co-inventor of patents related to resistant grapevine varieties and author of publications in grapevine genomics.
Business & Market development
Business Development
Stefano supports commercial development and the establishment of strategic partnerships with nurseries, wineries and consortia, facilitating adoption of EdiVite’s solutions. He contributes to market validation of edited varieties and fosters dialogue between genetic innovation and productive application.
He is President of EdiVite and brings consolidated entrepreneurial experience in the agricultural and insurance sectors, with an extensive network within the viticulture industry.
Business Development
Paolo contributes to defining the company’s growth and fundraising strategy, strengthening competitive positioning and relationships with investors and industrial partners. He supports the design and implementation of the company’s scale-up strategy, with particular focus on financial sustainability, capital raising, and long-term expansion.
With experience in creating and accelerating deep-tech and biotech startups, he reinforces EdiVite’s ability to attract investment and build strategic partnerships at European level.
Marketing & Strategy
Cristiano coordinates strategic planning and financial analysis, and supports investment structuring and business model definition. He translates the company’s technological value into clear proposals for investors and stakeholders.
With a background in finance and corporate strategy, he strengthens the company’s financial solidity and readiness for structured growth and scale-up.
Communication
Fulvio manages the institutional and scientific communication of the company to enhance visibility of EdiVite’s projects and achievements toward stakeholders, nurseries and consortia. He defines positioning strategies and communication tools to strengthen EdiVite’s reputation in viticultural innovation.
With experience in marketing and communication for innovative companies, he contributes to consolidating EdiVite’s identity as a reference in grapevine biotechnology.
R&D
Genome Editing Specialist
Stefania contributes to the development and optimization of genome editing and in vitro regeneration protocols, taking care of laboratory activities and subsequent functional validation of developed lines. She performs molecular analyses, phenotypic evaluations and preliminary transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling of edited plants.
She obtained a PhD in Biotechnology from the University of Verona (2026), where she gained experience in transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, advanced molecular biology techniques, and preliminary evaluation of enological quality traits. She contributes to integrating laboratory results with agronomic performance.
Genome Editing Specialist
Sara works in the Genome Editing laboratory, contributing to the operational development of the proprietary DNA-free genome editing platform. His activities include protoplast isolation, CRISPR/Cas9 complex delivery, regeneration and molecular validation of edited plants.
She holds a Master’s degree in Agri-food Biotechnology from the University of Verona (2023). She has advanced expertise in molecular biology techniques applied to grapevine and supports the consolidation of the company’s technological pipeline.
Phenotyping & Resistance Assessment
Annalisa is responsible for evaluating resistance to powdery and downy mildew in edited clones, coordinates controlled infection assays and field validations, and verifies the stability and durability of resistance mechanisms introduced through genome editing.
Since 2000 she is Associate Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Verona, where she coordinates or participates in national and international research projects on plant–pathogen interactions and biotechnological approaches to disease resistance. She served as Vice-Director of the Department of Biotechnology (2015–2021). Author of 37 scientific publications and co-inventor of patents in plant protection, she integrates advanced scientific expertise with applied validation experience.
Agronomic Evaluation
Marianna leads the agronomic evaluation of edited lines, coordinating field trials and analyzing productive and qualitative performance under open-field conditions. She integrates physiological and molecular approaches to assess the impact of genetic modifications on berry development, ripening, and quality.
She has been Associate Professor of Viticulture at the University of Verona since 2021. She obtained a PhD in Applied Biotechnology in 2012 and gained international experience at E. & J. Gallo Winery (USA), where she served as Senior Manager in the Winegrowing Research Department. Her research focuses on grape development, environmental effects on quality and precision viticulture approaches.
Phenotypic & Quality Assessment
Giovanni contributes to advanced phenotypic evaluation and definition of quality criteria for developed prototypes. He supports the analysis of physiological, productive and enological characteristics of edited lines, ensuring consistency with varietal identity and industry standards.
He is Full Professor of General Arboriculture at the University of Padova since 2023, holding a PhD in Alcology and extensive experience in grape ripening physiology and quality assessment. His contribution strengthens the final validation phase and preparation for commercial deployment.
Collaborations
Our company collaborates with renowned wine producers and
universities, both nationally and internationally
Prof. Giovanni Sena
Prof.ssa Paola Paci
Prof.ssa Alessandra Gentile
Prof. Alessandro Vannozzi
Prof. Riccardo Aversano