Agorai Innovation Hub’ was presented in Trieste as an ecosystem of centres of excellence, created with the aim of establishing one of the most important hubs in Italy and Europe for both applied and basic research in advanced Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as for cutting-edge education at European level.

‘The University of Trieste, having initially promoted the initiative, is now one of the founding members of Agorai Innovation Hub. Thanks to its pioneering role in AI education in Italy, the University will be able to make a significant technical and scientific contribution,’ said Rector Roberto Di Lenarda. ‘We were the first university to offer a complete set of degrees in Artificial Intelligence – from the bachelor’s degree to the PhD – aimed at preparing future professionals in the field. Our next goal is to develop interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary applications of the subject across other degree programmes. Thanks to support from Generali, a new course in Responsible and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence will also be introduced as part of the Master's Degree in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. This will equip students with new tools to understand and address the social and ethical implications of AI technologies.’

THE STRUCTURE OF ‘AGORAI INNOVATION HUB’

The ecosystem will consist of a Foundation, primarily responsible for basic research, and a joint stock company named ‘Agorai Innovation Hub’, which will focus on applied research through the implementation of case studies in various sectors. It will develop innovative solutions that leverage advanced AI algorithms and the potential of big data. Based on these solutions, the Hub will promote start-up support and development, attract talent, and foster a digital culture, showcasing the region’s excellence within an international context.

An ‘open academy’ will also be established – a centre for providing training and outreach services to both members and third parties. It will draw on the expertise and networks of academic institutions and corporate training schools, such as the Generali Group Academy. 

HEADQUARTERS AT PALAZZO CARCIOTTI

Agorai Innovation Hub will be based in Palazzo Carciotti, an iconic Trieste building and the original headquarters of Generali, which will once again embody the city’s spirit of innovation. Acquired by Generali in early 2025, Palazzo Carciotti will undergo extensive renovation and restoration by Generali Real Estate.

To bring the vision of Agorai Innovation Hub to life, architect, engineer and urban planner Carlo Ratti (Director of the MIT Senseable City Lab and curator of the 2025 Venice International Architecture Exhibition) has been appointed.

While Palazzo Carciotti is being restored, the Hub will be temporarily based in the neighbouring Palazzo Berlam. 

WHY AGORAI INNOVATION HUB

The name ‘Agorai’ reflects a fusion of past and future, combining the concept of the Greek ‘agorà’ – a place of exchange and collective growth – with innovation as the engine of tomorrow. This link resonates with the history of Palazzo Carciotti as a crossroads of economic and social exchange. 

AN ECOSYSTEM OF OUTSTANDING PARTNERS 

The initiative brings together key players from the Italian and international landscape, divided across three sectors:

• Private: In addition to the Generali Group – including Assicurazioni Generali, Banca Generali and Generali Italia – leading companies such as Fincantieri and illycaffè are involved. Goldman Sachs joins as a research partner in the Finance & Capital Markets Union area. Deloitte is the business partner supporting the implementation and go-to-market strategy for the Hub’s assets and services. Google Cloud is a strategic innovation partner, providing advanced AI technologies, infrastructure optimised for artificial intelligence, and training courses on the use of cutting-edge AI models.
• Public: The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region is a key institutional partner, actively supporting the initiative and recognising its strategic value for the area.
• Academic, research and training: A network of prestigious institutions – including the Universities of Trieste and Udine, the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), the Italian Institute of Technology, MIB Trieste School of Management, and the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) – ensures the project’s strong scientific foundation.

‘HUMANAIZE THE FUTURE’: THE MISSION OF THE SCIENTIFIC HUB

The ecosystem’s goal is to place the major challenges facing humanity and the planet at the centre of scientific and technological research. The motto ‘Humanaize the Future’ expresses the ambition to foster a form of intelligence that is not only artificial but also culturally transformative.

The ecosystem’s activities will be structured around three main areas:

• Basic Research: carried out by scientific institutions to explore the frontiers of AI and its applications;
• Applied Research: conducted by companies in partnership with Agorai Innovation Hub to translate scientific discoveries into practical, innovative solutions;
• Open Academy: an academic initiative focused on talent development, knowledge transfer, and start-up creation.

Ethics and the measurement of technological impact will be fundamental guiding principles across all areas of activity.

KEY RESEARCH AREAS TO ADDRESS FUTURE GLOBAL CHALLENGES

The research centre will initially focus on four key areas, with the possibility of expanding further. Drawing on the expertise of its partners, the Hub aims to generate new business models that have a positive impact on people’s lives:

• Health and Wellbeing
• Regenerative Agriculture and Nutrition
• Mobility and Transport
• Finance & Capital Markets Union