PortTech Los Angeles and Bridges to Italy announced an exciting new partnership expected to spark economic opportunities for U.S. and Italian IT and clean technology companies and entrepreneurs. By working together, the two organizations will advance their common goal of establishing technology businesses in U.S. and Italian markets.

"Partnering with Bridges to Italy is a perfect match for PortTechLA. We will be able to increase our clients' visibility abroad and provide soft-landing opportunities for Italian technology businesses attempting to establish a presence in Los Angeles," said Jeff Milanette, Executive Director of PortTechLA. "Bringing international clean technology companies to Southern California ultimately creates jobs here and generates economic growth."

As part of this new collaboration, PortTechLA will connect Italian IT and clean technology entrepreneurs and companies with local business opportunities by providing office space and consulting services. Bridges to Italy will provide the same services for U.S. technology businesses working to establish a presence in Italy. The strategy is to build a partnership that supports entrepreneurship, trade between the U.S. and Italy and cooperation between the two organizations.

"Working with PortTechLA is going to create many funding and new business opportunities for Italian technology entrepreneurs in the Los Angeles area," said Bianca Dellepiane, President of Bridges to Italy. "At the same time, we'll work with Los Angeles-based entrepreneurs and help them gain access to Italian technology markets. This partnership is a win-win for innovation in both countries."

Upcoming joint projects include identifying and selecting Italian startups to attend the 2013 PortTechEXPO hosted by PortTechLA, working with the Italian Consulate to organize a Demonstration Day for Italian companies looking to establish a presence in the U.S. and hosting two video conferences per year featuring experts from both countries on how to access U.S. and Italian markets.

About PortTechLA: PortTech Los Angeles, a commercialization center and incubation program, promotes and develops companies with technologies that enable enterprises and consumers to meet their immediate and future environmental, energy, security and logistics goals. PortTechLA is an integral component in the Clean Tech Los Angeles Initiative, a founding member of the Business Incubation Network of Southern California and is a member of the National Business Incubation Association. The incubator is located adjacent to the Port of Los Angeles in the heart of the San Pedro Business Improvement and Arts, Culture and Entertainment Districts.

About Bridges to Italy: Bridges to Italy is a Los Angeles-based non-profit dedicated to helping Italian startups acquire managerial skills, expand their presence abroad and meet potential investors, clients and partners in the U.S. The organization also has a chapter in Rende, Calabria by the University of Calabria, which is the largest U.S. style campus in Italy.