Major technological innovations like Artificial Intelligence raise questions and the need for shared practices regarding their application and integration.

Cosmano Lombardo

Events like the AI Festival serve as crucial moments for dialogue to outline a shared vision and guide development at both national and European levels.

With these words, Cosmano Lombardo, founder and CEO of Search On Media Group and creator of AI Festival and WMF - We Make Future, opened the press conference launching the second edition of the AI Festival.

On February 26-27, Milan will host over 160 world-renowned experts across the Plenary and 14 Training Halls, more than 50 sponsors and exhibitors in the exhibition area, as well as leading companies, institutions, and innovative startups. The city will transform into the stage for a true AI summit, now a key event shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

  • Cosmano Lombardo, during the press conference

    In a historical moment when artificial intelligence is revolutionizing strategic sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and mobility, the AI Festival, organized by WMF - We Make Future and Search On Media Group, will offer a unique opportunity to discuss emerging trends and industrial applications.

    Thanks to contributions from experts in the tech, academic, institutional, and entrepreneurial fields, the debate will aim to strengthen Europe's technological leadership, accelerate investments in research and development, and foster an ecosystem that supports innovation to ensure growth and competitiveness in the global digital economy.

    During the press conference, Cosmano Lombardo stated: "The AI Festival is a high-level decision-making forum where institutions, academia, businesses, and professionals discuss crucial topics such as the defense of democracy and digital sovereignty in Europe.

  • It is essential to build a third path between the tech giants of the United States and China, outlining an independent and sustainable model. Discussions will also cover the integration of AI into business and production chains, with a particular focus on SMEs, which are the backbone of the Italian economy." He added: "As Search On Media Group and WMF, we have been addressing these issues for years through WMF for AI initiatives, which aim to use WMF and related initiatives, including our upcoming event in Silicon Valley, as platforms for meeting, dialogue, and collaboration. For this reason, the involvement of institutions like the City of Milan, partners such as Cineca, Intel, and ESA, and academic excellence such as Bocconi University, the Main Partner of this edition, is fundamental. This event is concrete proof of the desire to be active leaders at the European level in shaping the future of a technology destined to revolutionize every sector .

Also present at the press conference was Layla Pavone, Head of the Innovation Technology Digital Transformation Board of the City of Milan, who stated:

“At a time when the impact of Artificial Intelligence is profoundly shaping our way of life and the agendas of both international and local institutions, only a shared commitment between the public and private sectors, at all levels of governance, can ensure that AI’s growing applications become a true driver of development and a means to create greater and more equitable opportunities for all—rather than a factor of inequality and economic, social, and, even more profoundly, cultural divides..

With the AI Festival, Milan hosts a valuable opportunity to share tools, strategies, and, most importantly, inclusive models and a shared responsibility in making Artificial Intelligence a lever for inclusive growth.

  • Also speaking at the press conference was Dirk Hovy, Dean for Digital Transformation & AI and Vice-Rector at Bocconi University, who stated:

    “Today, it is unthinkable to conduct research, even in the social sciences, or enter the job market without having Artificial Intelligence as part of one’s skill set and tools. This is why Bocconi has been investing for years in both fundamental and applied research, as well as in the design of educational programs that integrate AI and contribute to its advancement.

    At the same time, however, it is essential to foster awareness and a widespread culture regarding the opportunities and risks of this technology.”

  • The presence of ESA, the European Space Agency, at the AI Festival underscores the importance of artificial intelligence in Earth Observation," says Chiara Cocchiara, Senior Innovation Officer at ESA. "AI is essential for tackling global challenges such as sustainability and environmental management, and the ESA Φ-lab, our innovation laboratory, is committed to developing innovative solutions that can transform our ability to monitor our planet and advance scientific research."

    The 2025 edition of the AI Festival boasts a Main Partnership with Bocconi University and collaborations with prestigious partners such as ESA - European Space Agency, Intel, CINECA, Yes Milano, as well as the patronage of the City of Milan.

The Plenary Hall will be the heart of the AI Festival, hosting two days of keynotes and talks by international experts, institutional representatives, and leading companies in the sector, including OpenAI, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, Intel, Lenovo, IIT - Italian Institute of Technology, and the Human-Centered AI group from Stanford University.

On stage, discussions will focus on the importance of developing a strategy that differentiates Italy and Europe from the global tech giants, strengthening the competitiveness of our regions. The debate will also address AI governance, new technological frontiers, and the role of AI in economic, territorial, and business development, with a vision aimed at a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Prompt Magazine will be at AI Festival

Prompt Magazine is a media partner of the AI Festival in Milan, second edition 2025.

Additionally, there will be a special talk featuring AI artist Barbara Fumarola / Candydesign, one of the winners of the AI Design Contest held in Bologna last June. We extend our gratitude for supporting AI art and emerging talents in this field.

The event will take place in the afternoon of February 27.

Blog posts

View all
1 3
View all