Introduction

Welcome to the “ITRI for AI” campaign! My name is Roberto, and I am the founder of the Italian Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence (ITRI for AI). With your support, we aim to transform Italy into a global leader in AI research and innovation.

Our Vision

Italy has immense potential in the field of artificial intelligence, but currently lacks the necessary infrastructure to fully harness it. Our goal is to address this by creating a world-class AI research center in Itri, which will provide an ideal working environment for researchers and help Italy become a global AI leader.

Why Itri?

Strategically located between Rome and Naples, Itri offers excellent connectivity with major universities such as La Sapienza in Rome, the University of Naples Federico II, and the University of Cassino. This prime location ensures access to a rich pool of talent and collaborative opportunities.

Similar to how Silicon Valley in California thrived due to its proximity to leading universities like Stanford and Berkeley, and Research Triangle Park in North Carolina succeeded through university-industry collaboration, Itri can become a tech hub by leveraging its strategic location and cultural heritage.

Current Challenges in Italy’s AI Sector

• Lower salaries compared to international standards hinder the attraction of top talent.
• Research facilities are not on par with global standards.
• Lengthy and complex bureaucratic processes slow down progress.
• Few partnerships with global research institutes and companies.
• Limited funding dedicated to AI research and development.

The Plan

As the founder, I aim to create a comprehensive environment centered around our research hub, offering competitive international salaries, housing for researchers, and essential services such as English-speaking schools for researchers’ families and partnerships with leading universities and companies. Additionally, we will offer the unparalleled quality of life in Italy, with the benefits of living in a small town rich in traditions, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

How We Will Use the Funds

• Covering legal and administrative expenses to create a robust and well-structured foundation.
• Building a modern R&D hub, including laboratories, offices, and living spaces for researchers.
• Acquiring cutting-edge hardware and software necessary for AI research.
• Offering competitive international salaries to attract top talent in AI.
• Initiating innovative pilot projects in collaboration with local entities, universities, and companies.

Our Goals

With your support, we can transform Itri into a focal point for AI research, attract international talent, and bring tangible benefits to the entire region. Our goal is to raise €1,000,000 to kickstart this ambitious project and begin building the future of AI in Italy.

Even if we don’t reach our entire funding goal, every contribution will still make a significant impact. Here’s how we will utilize the funds at various stages of completion:

Initial Phase (€100,000): Establish the foundation and cover initial legal expenses; Hire architects and designers to create detailed plans for the research hub; Begin with essential renovations and set up temporary research spaces.

Intermediate Phase (€300,000): Acquire essential research equipment and software for initial projects; Start recruiting talented researchers and administrative staff; Organize local events and seminars to raise awareness and build partnerships.

Advanced Phase (€600,000): Continue building the research hub, including laboratories, offices, and living spaces; Initiate pilot research projects and collaborate with local universities; Increase efforts to attract international talent and additional funding.

Full Goal (€1,000,000): Complete the construction and setup of the state-of-the-art research center; Attract top-tier international researchers and offer competitive salaries; Launch comprehensive AI research initiatives and partnerships with global entities.

The Impact

Your contribution will make a profound difference in the following ways:

• This project will put Italy on the map as a leader in AI research, fostering innovation and technological advancements.
• Creating jobs and stimulating the economy in Itri and surrounding areas by attracting international talent and investments.
• Establishing partnerships with local universities will provide students with cutting-edge research opportunities and resources.
• Facilitating international collaborations that will accelerate AI development and its applications worldwide.

Risks & Challenges

Transparency is key, and we are committed to being open about the challenges we may face:

Funding Shortfalls:

Challenge: Not reaching the full funding goal.

Solution: Utilize phased development and seek alternative funding sources such as grants and private donors.

Recruitment Difficulties:

Challenge: Attracting top international talent.

Solution: Offer competitive salaries, a high quality of life, and robust support for researchers and their families.

Regulatory Hurdles:

Challenge: Navigating bureaucratic processes.

Solution: Work with experienced legal teams and leverage local government support to streamline processes.

Join Us

Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our goal. Your contribution will help us create a cutting-edge research environment, develop advanced AI technologies, and contribute to Italy’s technological progress.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you can’t contribute financially, there are still plenty of ways to support our campaign:

• Share our campaign on social media, with friends, and through community networks.
• Use Indiegogo’s share tools to amplify our message.
• Offer your time and skills to help with marketing, event organization, or administrative tasks.
• Your input is valuable. Share your thoughts and suggestions to help us improve and succeed.

Thank you for considering supporting “ITRI for AI – Italian Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence”. Together, we can build a brighter future through cutting-edge AI research and innovation.