Overview
Artificial intelligence has been discussed since the 1950s, from the Turing test to the Dartmouth conference (1956), where the term was first used. The real turning point in the field, however, came only after 2017, when advances in research made it possible to introduce the deep-learning models known as transformers. In particular, large language models (LLMs) of the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) type, capable of generating long, coherent texts, have spread extremely rapidly in recent years.
Today, generative and agentic artificial intelligence promises to bring far-reaching changes across a number of sectors. It can accelerate scientific research, increase productivity and reshape processes in the world of work, but it also requires stronger energy capacity and a regulatory framework capable of preventing abuse.
The sector is highly dynamic in Italy as well, as shown by the spread of startups, the approval of AI legislation — which entered into force in October 2025 and was the first of its kind in the European Union — and the recent launch of a dedicated investment fund by CDP Venture Capital.
Innovation diplomacy and AI
Through its growth diplomacy and innovation diplomacy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports the development and internationalisation of Italian companies operating in this field.
The Ministry coordinates Italy’s participation, organised by the Italian Trade Agency, in sector-specific events such as the World AI Cannes Festival, the AI Summit in London and major general technology events, including Gitex and Web Summit.
INNOVIT, the Italian Innovation Hub in San Francisco established at the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, devotes significant attention to artificial intelligence. Each year, INNOVIT offers acceleration and soft-landing programmes in the US market for Italian startups and innovative SMEs. These programmes focus on sectors of strategic national interest. Over time, INNOVIT has dedicated several programmes to companies operating in the field of artificial intelligence.
To date, INNOVIT has chosen to treat AI as an enabling and therefore cross-cutting technology: within each acceleration programme, preference is given to companies that integrate artificial intelligence into their products or into their development processes.
The Country System and AI
Cooperation with other national actors in the sector is essential in supporting internationalisation, including AI4I, the institute dedicated to AI applied to industry, and the inter-university consortium CINECA, which manages the Leonardo supercomputer.
As of November 2025, Leonardo ranked as the world’s tenth most powerful supercomputer, helping to make Italy the fourth country in the world in terms of computing power. CINECA also manages IT4LIA, Italy’s AI factory, established with funding from the Government and the European Union and inaugurated in September 2025. The aim of the facility is to make its very substantial computing power available to businesses. The Ministry works with CINECA to ensure that these tools are accessible to all innovative Italian companies interested in expanding internationally.
Last updated: January 2026