A path to growth with AI. Entrepreneurs have their say
The training course Small businesses, big opportunities is an integral part of the Ital.IA Lab programme, an initiative promoted by Fondazione Mondo Digitale with the support of Microsoft Italia.
The main objective is ambitious but fundamental: to encourage the adoption of artificial intelligence as a tool for inclusion and growth, not only for people and communities, but specifically for small and medium-sized Italian businesses.
The free online course was designed to guide entrepreneurs and employees in exploring generative AI platforms and technologies. Topics covered included generative AI and Copilot, generative AI tools and applications (such as speech-to-text and text-to-speech solutions, image generation with Copilot), automation and intelligent agents, and concrete examples with Microsoft Power Automate and Copilot Studio.
The final challenge at RomeCup 2025
The training course culminated in a stimulating final challenge, held on 7 May 2025 as part of RomeCup 2025 [read the news item Small businesses, big opportunities with AI].
In this dynamic setting, 50 entrepreneurs, selected from among those who had participated in the training course, had the opportunity to work in teams to design AI-based innovation processes to be implemented in their work contexts. The challenge proposed a concrete use case: to develop AI-based solutions for Villa Tuscolana, a historic 16th-century residence converted into a hotel and event venue. The goal was to improve the guest experience before, during and after their stay, focusing on generative artificial intelligence, integrated communication and sustainability.
What the protagonists tell us
We had the pleasure of interviewing some of the participants, who shared their motivations and first impressions of how AI is transforming their businesses.
- Cristian Fossoni of Tecnoficio srl
Cristian's company, Tecnoficio srl, with 35 years of history in Reggio Emilia, is an IT system integrator serving mainly SMEs. He participated in the programme because generative AI is a topic that is very important both internally and among their customers, who often lack in-depth knowledge and seek support in implementing this technology. Cristian believes that Fondazione Mondo Digitale is a crucial vehicle for spreading AI culture among Italian SMEs, which are the backbone of national entrepreneurship. - Fabio Orlando of CDI Consulenti d'Impresa
Operations consultant for CDI Consulenti d'Impresa in Pescara, Fabio participated to integrate AI with operational tools, considering it essential for creating better managed and customer-centric solutions. He emphasised how AI can streamline repetitive and tedious procedures, making employees' work less burdensome and ensuring fast and stable results for the customer. - Francesca Perrone of Assing Spa
Based in the province of Rome, Assing Spa is an engineering company with integrated divisions ranging from large plant design to support for universities and research centres. Francesca explained that they decided to participate because AI must be integrated into business processes to support daily activities. The experience was useful for developing awareness and understanding how to best use this technology, while recognising that this is only a first step given the vastness of the subject. - Giacomo Bizzarri of GCube srl
Giacomo is CEO of GCube, an innovative start-up and benefit corporation based in Senigallia. His company is a digital company offering digital services, marketing, communication, marketplace management and e-commerce, combined with the world of subsidised finance and tenders. He participated to learn from other national companies how they integrate AI processes, what challenges they face and what tools they use to optimise and grow. He found the challenge exciting, highlighting the speed with which participants connected, and compared AI to a “puzzle” to be solved for the added value of their companies. - Valeria Puca from APF Valtellina
Project manager at APF Valtellina in Sondrio, a company that provides training and promotion in the tourism, hospitality and hotel/catering sectors, with a particular focus on promoting Valtellina as a destination. Valeria believes that AI should be a daily tool for content creation, email automation and tourist loyalty. It is important to note that Valeria Puca was a member of Team 4, the winning group of the final challenge at the RomeCup, with the project “Villa Tuscolana AI”. Together with her team, she designed an intelligent personal assistant to create a tailor-made experience for each guest, from sending personalised video teasers before their stay to an “AI diary” as an emotional souvenir after their departure.
[Watch Valeria's interview on RaiNews].
The “Small businesses, big opportunities” programme and the RomeCup 2025 challenge have shown how it is possible not only to learn theory, but also to design change togeth.
