by InTrieste
Interviews: FVG governor, Massimiliano Fedriga; co-founders of PMT, Harper Thomas e Kurt Wassenaar.
Performance Medical Technologies (PMT), a U.S.-based biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s, has announced plans to establish a presence in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
The move comes amid a broader effort by regional authorities in Friuli Venezia Giulia to attract foreign investment, particularly from the United States. In October 2024, the region signed a memorandum of understanding with the Commonwealth of Virginia, aimed at fostering international collaboration in the areas of business, health care, and technological innovation.
The agreement was signed in Richmond by the region’s president, Massimiliano Fedriga, and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. The event was attended by several officials, including regional economic development councillor Sergio Emidio Bini and Italy’s Consul General in Philadelphia, Cristina Mele.
PMT’s decision follows a series of initiatives involving the Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the regional investment promotion agency Select Friuli Venezia Giulia. Over the past year, delegations from several American companies have visited the region to explore potential opportunities, with additional visits planned for late 2025.
A collective site visit in the fall of 2024 provided Virginia-based firms with an overview of the region’s research institutions, health infrastructure, and economic environment. According to regional officials, the tour was instrumental in showcasing Friuli Venezia Giulia’s potential as a European base for innovation-driven companies.
PMT’s arrival is seen as an early outcome of these cross-Atlantic efforts. Regional agencies across health, labor, education, and economic development have been involved in facilitating the company’s entry.
Local officials have emphasized the importance of institutional cooperation and regional networking in making the area attractive to foreign investors. While no timeline has been released for PMT’s operational launch, the company’s commitment is viewed as a promising development in the region’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the life sciences sector.
