AI4I is among the organisations featured in “Umanesimo Tecnologico. Le eccellenze italiane nell’Intelligenza Artificiale”, the editorial project developed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and scientifically curated by AIRI. Riccardo Di Maria’s contribution presents the Institute’s model as a national infrastructure connecting AI research, engineering and technology transfer to industry.
AI4I is among the organisations featured in “Umanesimo Tecnologico. Le eccellenze italiane nell’Intelligenza Artificiale”, the volume developed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and scientifically curated by AIRI – Italian Association for Industrial Research, presented on 30 September 2026 in L’Aquila, during the 78th edition of Prix Italia.
The project brings together 84 Italian experiences in the application of Artificial Intelligence to research and industry across 11 strategic sectors, ranging from automotive and energy to logistics, aerospace, agri-food and healthcare. Companies, startups, universities, research centres and innovation hubs provide a broad picture of Italy’s AI ecosystem and its integration with the country’s scientific, engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
Alongside AI4I, the organisations featured include Comau, Leonardo, STMicroelectronics, Brembo and Pirelli, as well as Unioncamere and the Italian Institute of Technology – IIT. Turin’s academic ecosystem is also represented by Politecnico di Torino (Chilab-ITEM) and the University of Turin.
The AI4I model
AI4I’s contribution to the volume is authored by Riccardo Di Maria, Head of HPC/AI and Engineering, under the title “A National Infrastructure for Industrial Artificial Intelligence”.
At the core of the contribution is a vision of Artificial Intelligence as a scientific, industrial and technological infrastructure: models and software combined with computing capacity, advanced research, engineering and simulation systems, with the objective of transferring these capabilities directly into production processes.
From this perspective, AI4I is described as a national platform integrating applied research, High Performance Computing, technology transfer, enterprise support, advanced education and the attraction of international scientific talent, connecting research, engineering and industrial applications.
From research to industry
The contribution describes this architecture starting with the “Peano” AI Foundry, AI4I’s advanced computing infrastructure supporting research, simulation, training and deployment of computationally intensive AI models, and the network of R&D Labs, where research and engineering converge around industrial applications and use cases.
Research and computing capabilities are complemented by tools supporting AI adoption by companies. These include SUK – System for User Knowledge, which connects industrial demand with AI solutions, and its integration with IT4LIA AI Factory, expanding access to advanced technologies and computing capabilities, particularly for SMEs.
The model also includes scientific talent attraction and advanced education through the IAS – Institute for Advanced Study, developed with Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, and the AI4I Academy, focused on the skills required for AI-driven industrial transformation.
Around the world
“Umanesimo Tecnologico” was also conceived as an instrument of growth diplomacy. The volume will be distributed internationally through the network of Italian Embassies, Consulates and Italian Cultural Institutes, presenting abroad an Italian ecosystem in which scientific research, manufacturing capabilities, innovation and skills contribute to the development and adoption of Artificial Intelligence.
Its first international showcase will be the Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara in Mexico, taking place from 28 November to 6 December 2026, one of the world’s leading publishing events. Italy will be the Guest of Honour in 2026.
