Artificial intelligence is becoming a key driver of international competitiveness, opening new opportunities for companies looking to scale beyond national borders.
On october 9, 2026, AI4I joined WAVE by Vento 2026 as a partner of the side event “AI & Global Markets: Artificial Intelligence for the International Competitiveness of Made in Italy,” organized in collaboration with ItaStartup, ICE Agency’s program dedicated to innovative Italian companies in international markets .
The event brought together representatives from institutions, innovation organizations, and AI companies to discuss how Italy can strengthen not only the adoption of AI technologies but also the growth of a national ecosystem capable of developing and exporting AI solutions worldwide. Contributions from Sergio Strozzi (MAECI) and Maurizio Forte (ICE Agency) highlighted the initiatives being launched to support the international expansion of Italian AI providers through dedicated programs, international trade fairs, acceleration opportunities, and strategic promotion activities.
Fiorenza Succu, Chief Evangelist at AI4I, presented the role of the SUK (System for User Knowledge), the national matchmaking platform designed to connect companies seeking AI solutions with qualified technology providers. Through a structured process of provider assessment, matchmaking, and business support, SUK helps foster the growth of Italy’s AI market while enabling SMEs to identify and adopt solutions tailored to their needs.
The discussion also featured direct testimonials from Hidoly and IdentifAI Labs, two AI providers from the SUK ecosystem. Their experiences demonstrated how Italian companies are developing cutting-edge technologies in areas ranging from AI-powered business automation to cybersecurity and deepfake detection, successfully competing in international markets while building proprietary expertise and technologies in Italy.
A common theme emerged throughout the event: Italy possesses the talent, research capabilities, and entrepreneurial strength needed to play a leading role in the global AI landscape. Unlocking this potential requires stronger connections between institutions, technology providers, investors, and end users, alongside a shared commitment to promoting Italian innovation on the international stage.
