Meet the Hubber: Matteo Piergiovanni

Matteo Piergiovanni has been part of the IHT community since mid-2023. As a Senior Software Engineer, he works "behind the scenes", but his efforts impact the lives of many people every day.

Discover more about his positive impact by reading the full interview!

Hi Matteo! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

I developed a strong passion for computer science during my school years when I discovered the ability to program computers and make them execute the tasks I imagined. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a true passion.

I then studied at the Faculty of Informatics at USI in Lugano, where I gained fundamental knowledge and the curiosity to pursue a career in this field.

Over the years, I have taken on different roles in startups in Ticino, and I am currently a Senior Software Engineer at Elastic, a company founded in the Netherlands.

Along the way, I learned to shift my mindset from focusing on short-term solutions to adopting a long-term perspective. I realized that making effective decisions requires seeing the system as a whole.

This approach ensures that the user experience remains a priority—just like a bicycle manufacturer must always design with the rider in mind.

Today, I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to work with world-class colleagues at Elastic.

I take great pride in knowing that my work, even behind the scenes, impacts the lives of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

Can you tell us about the project you carried out for the Associazione Culturale NEXT*?

I first got involved with the NEXT Association during high school, where I had the opportunity to do an internship with them.

It was during this time that I started experimenting with robotics and programming. This initial exposure laid the foundation for a project I later worked on: a drone developed for the science festival Phosphorus in my hometown, Senigallia. The drone was controlled by hand movements, and its takeoff was triggered by concentration—a concept that, at the time, felt like science fiction. That project dates back nearly ten years, but it sparked my passion for innovation.

Later, I participated in a project where I developed software for a mobile escape room set up inside a shipping container. The goal was to bring a sense of fun and relief to communities affected by the 2016 earthquake, particularly in Fabriano, Matelica, and Camerino (Italy). The system was relatively simple: one screen inside the room displayed the timer and clues, while another allowed the operator to communicate with participants. I believe this project had a meaningful impact, offering the community a brief escape from the challenges of that time.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from these experiences is that anyone, regardless of their job or title, has the potential to make a positive impact. Whether through technology, creativity, or collaboration, everyone can contribute to change.

What kind of positive impact would you like to have through your work (globally, in Switzerland, in Ticino)?

As a software engineer, I believe technology has the power to drive meaningful change.

One of the impacts I strive for is improving the accessibility and usability of digital products. We often see negative examples around us—just think about the fact that every time we use AI to write a 100-word email, the energy used to cool the servers equates to a small bottle of water. That’s why, in my own way, I try to use the tools available to us responsibly.

On a local level, I’d love to see more initiatives that combine technology with social impact, like the project with the NEXT Association, where I demonstrated how programming can be a tool for creating real value in communities. I want to continue working on projects that have a tangible impact, making technology not just more powerful but also more accessible and meaningful to people.

Why did you choose Impact Hub Ticino as your workspace? What value does it offer you?

I chose Impact Hub Ticino because it stands out as a coworking space that fosters collaboration and community, unlike other spaces that often create isolation among people. Since joining, I’ve had the chance to connect with over 100 people from different cultures, nationalities, and professional backgrounds.

This rich mix of perspectives is one of the most rewarding aspects of being here. Additionally, the informal but valuable moments—like aperitifs and breakfasts—are a real highlight.

Not only do they create a relaxed atmosphere, but they also offer great opportunities to build meaningful connections, making the work environment both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.

NEXT is an Italian cultural association dedicated to promoting scientific, technological, and artistic knowledge at both local and national levels.

Discover more about NEXT and their projects.