Italy is shifting its economic focus toward domestic artificial intelligence development to compete in the global technology market, according to Sergio Strozzi, head of the Office for Technological Innovation and Startups at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). By moving beyond the role of a technology consumer, the nation aims to establish a sovereign AI industry capable of attracting venture capital and fostering homegrown “unicorns.”
Why is Italy prioritizing a sovereign AI industry?
Italy’s strategy hinges on the belief that AI development is as critical to the modern economy as electricity or the internet. According to Strozzi, speaking at the 2026 World Tech Conference in Milan, the nation must transition from importing foreign AI models to producing proprietary algorithms and solutions. This shift is intended to ensure technological sovereignty and secure a role in the sectors expected to drive global economic growth over the coming decades.
The Italian government is actively working to unite its fragmented innovation landscape by establishing coordination tables across three macro-sectors: life sciences and biotech, cybersecurity, and the combined axis of AI and quantum technologies.
How does the government support international expansion?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs operates INNOVIT, an innovation hub designed to connect Italian startups with global ecosystems. Since January 2023, the initiative has facilitated connections between nearly 400 Italian startups and Silicon Valley investors. Strozzi reports that many of these firms have successfully opened commercial branches in the United States and secured international funding, signaling a newfound interest from foreign venture capitalists in the Italian tech sector.
What role do quantum technologies play in the national strategy?
While Italy acknowledges a slight lag in AI compared to more advanced nations, Strozzi identifies quantum technology as a critical area where Italy can still secure a position among global leaders. Applications in biotechnology, scientific research, and secure communications are already underway. By consolidating existing clusters of excellence, the government aims to create a unified strategy for the internationalization of these high-frontier technologies.
Startups looking to scale internationally should leverage government-backed trade agencies like ICE, which coordinates national pavilions at major global tech fairs to help firms present their solutions to international observers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Italy currently producing its own AI models?
Yes. According to MAECI, there are already Italian startups and enterprises actively developing proprietary solutions, models, and algorithms, moving the country away from a dependency on imported technology.
What is the goal of the INNOVIT program?
INNOVIT serves as an innovation center that helps Italian SMEs and startups connect with mentors, investors, and industry experts in global hubs like San Francisco, New York, and India to facilitate commercial expansion and capital raising.
How does the government address the “dispersion” of Italian tech?
The government has launched three coordination tables to bring together institutional actors, private companies, and research agencies. The goal is to define unified strategies and reduce the fragmentation that has historically held back Italian tech clusters.
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