Aline Martins is a Global Business & Partnerships Lead at Connected Places Catapult where she spearheads the Global stream work for the prestigious DIATOMIC programme – a locally-led innovation accelerator being delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the West Midlands Combined Authority. With a robust background in designing, managing, and delivering global innovation projects, Aline is a recognised expert in place-based innovation, smart cities, and transport solutions. Over the last few years, Aline has been instrumental in empowering innovative businesses to expedite the commercialisation of their solutions and explore international markets. Her expertise lies in orchestrating place-based and human-centric innovation projects and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams. She has worked with prominent entities such as Innovate UK, Newton Fund, the Department of Science, Innovation & Technology, and the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office. Prior to her current role at Connected Places Catapult, Aline served as a Knowledge Transfer Manager – International Development at Innovate UK Business Connect, where she played a pivotal role in fostering international collaborations and driving innovation across borders. Throughout her career, she has held diverse roles in both the public sector and industry, with a keen focus on economic development, trade, and investment. She also acted as an International Affairs Advisor for the City of Sao Paulo and as a Trade Promotion Manager at the Brazilian Trade and Investment Agency (APEX). Aline's international footprint spans across continents, having worked extensively in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Aline holds a Master of Science degree in International Public Policy from University College London (UCL) and specialises in Corporate Strategy and Innovation from the London School of Economics (LSE).