Ai
The project
Leading player in the development of Multimodal Generative Artificial Intelligence
Villanova project has been selected as part of the
European IPCEI-CIS Project (8ra.com)
for the development of Multimodal Generative AI services.
IPCEI-CIS
The IPCEI, an acronym for Important Projects of Common European Interest, represents a key digital initiative for Europe led by more than 100 companies and research organizations across 12 EU member states. The initiative aims to create the first “Multi-Provider Cloud-Edge Continuum.”
The primary objective is to develop a completely new decentralized environment that will support a software infrastructure for advanced use of data processing resources, from the cloud to the edge.
This innovative open ecosystem, managed by multiple vendors, will reduce technology dependencies and lock-in effects.
It will also enable a new dimension of data-driven business models, in fields like AI and IoT for example, spanning a wide range of sectors and industries such as manufacturing, mobility, energy, and tourism.
Over the course of the IPCEI Cloud projects, a total investment of several billion euros is anticipated.
Cloud
Major Projects of Common European Interest
Cloud Services and Infrastructure
The European Commission has approved state aid of up to €1.2 billion for Italy and six other member states, to support a Project of Common European Interest, the IPCEI-CIS. This effort aims to promote the research, development, and first industrial deployment of advanced cloud and edge computing technologies within an open-source and multi-provider environment in Europe.
The project has been jointly notified to seven member states: France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain.
This is the first IPCEI project in the cloud and edge domain to develop an original European interoperable and openly accessible data processing ecosystem, known as the “cloud-to-edge multi-provider continuum.”
EUROPE’S WAY TO THE DIGITAL TRANSITION
New possibilities for businesses and citizens
Projects carried out under the IPCEI CIS initiative will develop data processing capabilities, software and data sharing tools that will in turn enable federated, energy-efficient and reliable technologies for distributed data processing within the cloud-edge continuum.
As highlighted by the European Commission, the innovation provided by IPCEI CIS will create new opportunities for European businesses and citizens, promoting the digital and green transition in Europe.
Participating companies will develop open-source software that will enable real-time, low-latency services through distributed computing resources close to the user. This approach will reduce the need to transmit large volumes of data to centralized cloud servers.
Individual projects span the entire cloud-edge continuum, from the basic software layer to industry-specific applications.
Common Reference Architecture:
A common architecture will be developed to serve as a model for setting up and managing cloud and edge systems.
Advanced Cloud and Edge Services:
The project envisions the creation of a suite of advanced services that can be seamlessly deployed across provider networks, ensuring an optimal user experience.
Vertical Specific Cases:
Specific solutions will be developed gaining in-depth insights into key sectors such as energy, healthcare, and maritime to address the unique challenges of each industry.
The First Objective
The Open-Source Infrastructure.
The research, development and first industrial deployment phases will be carried out between 2023 and 2031, with deadlines varying depending on the projects and the companies involved.
The first goal of the IPCEI is to establish an open-source reference infrastructure.
At least 1,000 highly skilled direct and indirect jobs are expected to be created during these phases, including positions such as data scientists, software engineers, cloud architects, cybersecurity engineers, and artificial intelligence specialists. In the commercialization phase, an additional 5,000 new jobs are anticipated.
Flywheel effect on the ecosystem
Commissioner Reynders’ suggestions
Open Source
Companies developing open-source software will provide permissive and non-restrictive licenses to any interested party, while actively engaging in and contributing to the development of open-source communities.
Access to interested parties
Companies with peripheral nodes or labs supported by state aid will provide free access to at least 20% of their capacity to any interested party. These parties can make advantages of the acquired know-how for their own research and testing activities.
Cross-industry application
Participating companies will test their solutions in real-life scenarios and expand technologies and know-how to other sectors. This will enable other companies to adapt the new technologies to their own solutions.
the villanova project
The Villanova project is an ambitious initiative aimed at revolutionizing the field of artificial intelligence through the research, development, testing, and implementation of two innovative solutions in different scenarios:
Multimodal Generative Artificial Intelligence: Models that will generate high-quality text and multimedia content in real time, while providing accurate time series predictions.
User-Friendly Open-Source Framework Based on Generative AI: A framework designed to facilitate collaboration between humans and AI, simplifying the creation and maintenance of advanced applications.
Multimodal Generative Artificial Intelligence Models.
Villanova aims to help overcome current technological and linguistic barriers that delay the widespread adoption of generative artificial intelligence. This will be achieved through the development of large-scale language models (LLMs) specific to five European languages, in compliance with European privacy regulations.
The Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) models, components, and technologies implemented in the Villanova project will enable the dynamic creation of high-quality text and multimedia content in real-time while providing accurate time series predictions.
This is made possible by harnessing the power of cloud-edge computing, which enables efficient and adaptable AI-based intelligent applications.
Generative Artificial Intelligence Composable Applications.
Villanova also aims to provide advanced tools for the development of GenAI Composable Applications, advanced applications built using reusable software components based on GenAI.
The goal is to develop a user-friendly open-source framework based on generative AI, designed to facilitate collaboration between humans and AI by simplifying the creation and maintenance of advanced applications.
By providing reusable components, this approach democratizes AI, making it accessible to a wider range of users, including non-technical individuals and small businesses with limited budgets.
The Villanova Project
SME & Open Source Focus
Our approach will simplify the development of state-of-the-art solutions and democratize access to the most advanced artificial intelligence technologies, making them accessible even to small businesses with limited resources.
By adopting open-source principles, Villanova aims to build a broad ecosystem of developers, companies, and institutions, promoting the training of future experts and scientists in fields which are crucial to the country’s technological and social future.
Once again, Tiscali demonstrates its leadership in technological evolution and innovation, following a path that is perfectly aligned with its Industrial Plan, which outlines the implementation of new development models to ensure the profitable evolution of its business.
In this context, promoting the use of Multimodal Generative Artificial Intelligence is of paramount importance and relevance for redefining our future.
