Imagine needing to visit someone you love, only to realize that renting a car is more trouble than it is worth — endless paperwork, steep fees, and rigid rules. For most, it is just an inconvenience. For Marco Filippi, Italy’s current YTILI representative, it sparked the idea for Volvero, a peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing app.

The United States has long recognized the value of investing in international cooperation projects, even when direct benefits to the country are not immediately visible. But what drives such an investment? The Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) exemplifies this approach.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, YTILI has emerged as a powerful platform for strengthening collaboration between Europe and the United States. The program equips European innovators with the skills, resources, and networks needed to expand their businesses globally. Through workshops, mentorship, and networking, YTILI connects Europe’s top innovators with U.S. business leaders, fostering transatlantic ties and accelerating entrepreneurial success.

Marco Filippi is one of these emerging leaders. With extensive experience in the tech and mobility sector, Marco founded volvero to reshape the mobility industry. 

As part of the fellowship, he has been actively engaged with Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) under the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). At OFME, which specifically targets innovation and sustainable transportation, Marco’s work focuses on developing a Founders Program set to launch in 2025. It aims to assist the transition for both domestic and international entrepreneurs relocating their business to Michigan, a state renowned for its automotive legacy and innovation.

Supporting Marco’s journey is Allegra Baistrocchi, the Counsel General of Italy, who plays a relevant role in the Midwest’s Italian community. Her ongoing support and introductions have been essential in helping Marco navigate the Detroit entrepreneurial landscape.

But what led Marco Filippi to become one of  YTILI’s representatives? At the heart of Marco’s journey lies Volvero, a peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing app designed to transform how people access and use transportation. The idea has a romantic story behind it, sparked by Marco’s experiences while visiting his girlfriend. Faced with the challenges of renting a car, he and his team drew inspiration from his personal struggle, and created a more user-friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional rental services. Volvero allows owners to share their cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles with those in need, integrating AI-driven data analytics and blockchain-powered smart contracts to guarantee secure transactions for all parties.

Beyond mere convenience, Volvero tackles significant environmental and social issues. By reducing the number of vehicles on the road, the platform helps lower CO2 emissions and mitigates urban congestion. Additionally, it fosters social inclusion by providing affordable transportation options to individuals who may not otherwise have access to a vehicle.

Since its launch in January 2023, Volvero has gained impressive traction with 12,000 app downloads and key partnerships in the automotive industry. The team, consisting of Marco, three co-founders, two non-executive directors and four employees, reflects a diverse mix of backgrounds and expertise. Together, they are committed to continually refining the app by improving user experience, real-time customer support and personalized services. As they look ahead, Volvero plans to expand into more cities, particularly those with increasing demand for shared mobility. Building strong local partnerships with dealerships and rental services will ensure a wide array of vehicles for users.

Marco’s journey and the success of volvero exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that the U.S. aims to nurture through programs like YTILI. These initiatives promote collaboration and innovation while addressing pressing societal and environmental challenges. By investing in such international cooperation projects, the U.S. not only supports emerging leaders but also strengthens global partnerships and drives economic growth.

So here is why the story of Marco and Volvero is a perfect example of how international collaboration can yield transformative solutions that benefit communities worldwide.