TLDR: The International Foundation Big Data and Artificial Intelligence for Human Development (IFAB) has been officially established, aiming to be a global reference point for scientific and cultural debate on sustainability and new science, connecting high-performance computing to industry and society.
The International Foundation Big Data and Artificial Intelligence for Human Development (IFAB), a participatory foundation, has marked a significant milestone in its journey, aiming to consolidate, enhance, and promote scientific research with a particular focus on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. While founded in late 2019 within Italy’s Data Valley, specifically in the Emilia-Romagna Region, the news of its ‘official establishment’ on July 21, 2025, signifies a pivotal moment, potentially a formal launch of new initiatives or the solidification of its advisory structure.
IFAB’s core mission is to serve as an independent international reference point for the scientific and cultural debate surrounding sustainability and new science. It endeavors to bridge the gap between the rapidly evolving technologies of high-performance computing (HPC), Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence, and the practical needs of businesses—including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—and public authorities. The foundation aims to support these entities in leveraging new technologies for effective problem-solving and fostering innovation.
Functionally, IFAB connects the world of HPC to industry and society, facilitating the use of advanced computing for novel applications through national and European networking projects. This enables SMEs and public administrations to explore cutting-edge technologies, create new opportunities, and engage in pioneering experimentations. Furthermore, IFAB actively selects innovative projects through its calls and is an integral part of significant national and international networks, such as the Italian Research Center on HPC, Big Data, and Quantum Computing, and the EuroCC Italy Competence Centre.
The impact of IFAB’s work is far-reaching, holding immense potential for industrial development and the resolution of complex challenges across diverse sectors, including medicine, energy, transport, aerospace, procurement, and climate. The foundation also champions clear, modular, and immediately applicable learning pathways designed to empower teams and organizations in achieving a concrete and informed digital transformation.
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A notable development coinciding with the July 21, 2025, announcement is the involvement of Luciano Floridi, a globally recognized figure in the philosophy of information and digital ethics. Floridi serves on the Advisory Board of IFAB, underscoring the foundation’s commitment to the ethical development of digital technologies and its role in shaping the global discourse on AI, data governance, and digital ethics.
