Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo and AI4I Join Forces to foster research excellence, attract international talent, and accelerate technological innovation.

Publication date: 24 January 2025
Institutional

Turin, 17 January 2025 – Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo and the Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence for Industry (AI4I) have signed a strategic agreement to enhance advanced scientific research and establish a cutting-edge innovation centre with far-reaching local and national impact: the Compagnia di San Paolo Institute for Advanced Study.

This new initiative, located within the OGR in Turin at the AI4I headquarters, is set to attract top international researchers, foster collaboration between fundamental research and industry, and drive advancements in artificial intelligence and its industrial applications. Above all, it aims to create a development hub that will strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem on a national scale, serving the growing network of advanced artificial intelligence and its key research centres.

The project aligns with the new strategic direction of Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, as part of its ‘Harnessing the Value of Research’ mission within the Planet Goal. Its aim is to foster synergy between academic and industrial research while supporting the development of cutting-edge skills in Italy.

The Compagnia di San Paolo Institute for Advanced Study will focus on four key areas of action:

  • Attracting international experts and reinforcing the central role of the AI4I ecosystem.
  • Promoting collaboration between academic and industrial research to develop advanced solutions in artificial intelligence, robotics, and aerospace.
  • Expanding networking opportunities for researchers and companies.
  • Advancing high-quality education through seminars, workshops, and PhD programmes.

The CSP IAS will operate under a shared governance model, with a Strategic Committee made up of representatives from both Foundations, and an Advisory Board ensuring broad international expertise and engagement. The Institute will serve as a catalyst for advanced research, concentrating on artificial intelligence, robotics, and aerospace, with a strong emphasis on promoting ethical and sustainable technological solutions.

“With the Compagnia di San Paolo Institute for Advanced Study, we aim to enhance the visibility and reputation of the AI for Industry Foundation, creating a dynamic ecosystem that encourages collaboration with talented experts and researchers from the world’s leading academic and industrial research centres,”   says Marco Gilli, Chair of Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo. The CSP IAS,” he continues, “is established with a vision that goes beyond the local context; it is designed to serve as a key reference point for Italy and to strengthen connections between Italian centres specialising in AI and Big Data.” Looking ahead, we are committed to supporting the region’s and the country’s competitiveness by planning additional initiatives to support AI4I, including advanced training programs and technology transfer efforts.”

“The support of the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation,” comments Fabio Pammolli, Chairman of AI4I, “enables us to establish the Institute for Advanced Study, helping us attract researchers and scientists from around the world. This partnership allows AI4I to strengthen its role as Italy’s Institute of Artificial Intelligence for Industry, combining cutting-edge research with the training of highly skilled talent. A key aspect of this will be the creation of an open ecosystem, built in collaboration with Cineca for the Italian AI Factory, which will serve both research and higher education.”

“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape,” says Francesco Ubertini, President of Cineca, “one of our main challenges is developing the skills necessary to drive continuous innovation,” says Francesco Ubertini, Chairman of Cineca. Attracting top-tier international researchers while nurturing young talent is vital for enhancing the competitiveness of both the region and the country In this context, the launch of the Institute represents a tremendous opportunity for all involved.”

This partnership is backed by a €4 million investment from Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo for the period 2025-2028, aimed at strengthening scientific innovation and technology transfer in key sectors critical to the development of the local and national economy. The Institute will also serve as a central hub for attracting young researchers and visiting professors, facilitating a continuous exchange of knowledge and innovation between universities, start-ups, SMEs, and large companies.

The agreement between the Foundation and AI4I is designed to implement an open science and innovation model, featuring talent-matching initiatives and training opportunities for young people. These efforts will support technology transfer activities that engage directly with companies. A primary goal is to foster the creation of research and collaboration networks both nationally and internationally, with a special emphasis on highlighting the role of Turin and Italy within the global innovation landscape.

The inauguration of the Institute marks an important milestone for both Turin and Italy, providing a platform that will drive competitiveness and advance innovation in technology and science on a global scale.

 

 

 

PRESS OFFICE

Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo

Francesca Corsico | Head of Communication

francesca.corsico@compagniadisanpaolo.it | T. 333 – 3869911

Delia Dimasi | Planet Goal Communication

delia.dimasi@compagniadisanpaolo.it | T. 335 – 6866547

 

AI4I, Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence for Industry

Monica Nardi | Senior Advisor Communication and Industrial Relations

monicanardi360@gmail.com | T. 338 – 5895287