The Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo has launched the renewed call “Paving the way to research excellence, talent attraction and results valorization”, a strategic initiative aimed at reinforcing the competitiveness of regional research systems in alignment with the priorities of Horizon Europe.
Within this framework, AI4I has been identified as a potential host institution for projects under Line 2 of the call, dedicated to researchers awarded the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Seal of Excellence.
This recognition reinforces AI4I’s role within the European research ecosystem and highlights its capacity to attract high-level talent and support advanced research in artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
The call is part of the Compagnia di San Paolo’s 2025–2028 multi-year strategy to consolidate scientific excellence and improve the ability of regional ecosystems—particularly in Piedmont and Liguria—to compete for European funding. It introduces two complementary lines of intervention:
• Line 1 supports high-quality research projects positively evaluated in international and European calls but not funded due to budget constraints
• Line 2 targets Seal of Excellence holders, enabling them to develop their research projects within selected institutions, including AI4I, through structured capacity-building pathways and technology transfer support
In this context, AI4I contributes as an enabling node for advanced research in AI and industrial digitalization, offering access to scientific infrastructure, international networks, and a highly specialized innovation ecosystem. Its inclusion among host institutions is consistent with the growing relevance of deep-tech domains identified by the European Union, particularly within Cluster 4 – Digital, Industry & Space.
The initiative also reflects the broader collaboration between AI4I and Compagnia di San Paolo, already partners in the development of the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), and confirms a shared commitment to strengthening Italy’s positioning in global research and innovation.
The call opened on March 9, 2026, and foresees two application windows, with the first deadline set for June 3, 2026.
More information and application details are available here
