AVANT: the Project
AVANT (dAta and infrastructural serVices for the digitAl coNTinuum) is the project launched by the Engineering Group within the framework of IPCEI CIS (Cloud Infrastructure and Services), a European strategic initiative aimed at developing next-generation Cloud infrastructures and services.
AVANT fits into this context as a key element in creating an advanced digital ecosystem capable of ensuring interoperability, security, and technological sovereignty at the European level, committing to deliver cutting-edge solutions for the future of Cloud Computing in Europe.
The future of Cloud in Europe
Project “AVANT” – Project no. IPCEI-CL_0000005 – Application ref. no. 108421 dated 14 May 2024 – CUP B89J24002920005 – Grant Decree no. 1322 of 8 August 2024 – funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU (IPCEI Fund).
Public-private partnership for innovation and competitiveness
IPCEIs are a key instrument of the European Union to promote innovation, growth, and competitiveness among its Member States, fostering cooperation between the public and private sectors on initiatives of strategic relevance for our economic future and the achievement of real progress.
They offer significant opportunities for companies to access new technologies, skills, and funding, enhancing their reputation and networking capabilities.
In this context, the European Commission Decision (2023) 8552 final of 5 December 2023 authorized State aid from 12 countries (France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Croatia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, and Hungary) to support the first IPCEI dedicated to technologies for establishing a European value chain in next-generation Cloud Infrastructures and Services, called IPCEI CIS.
Engineering participates in IPCEI CIS (Cloud Infrastructures and Services) with the AVANT project and is part of the Facilitation Group, the technical-administrative governing body of IPCEI supporting the Supervisory Board, within which Italy is also represented.
AVANT Project: Digital Twin and Cloud as drivers of change
AVANT develops cutting-edge solutions for managing complex systems through the use of Digital Twins, actively engaging stakeholders and open-source communities, aiming to strengthen Europe’s technological leadership. The goal is to facilitate the transition to distributed and cognitive Cloud systems, capable of adapting to the continuously evolving needs of users. AVANT also aims to improve coordination within the fragmented European market, reducing the time needed to implement advanced resources for data analysis and Digital Twin development.
Main objectives of AVANT:
- Digital Twin as a Service: making Digital Twins scalable and accessible across various sectors
- Cognitive Cloud: creating flexible ICT infrastructures, enhancing sustainability and efficiency
The impacts of IPCEIs are manifold: from accelerating technological innovation to creating skilled jobs and improving environmental sustainability.
In particular, AVANT’s main objectives include creating economic and social value, stimulating international cooperation, and promoting sustainable growth through a set of “spillovers.” These represent the benefits derived from the project in various areas, including education, the publication and sharing of relevant scientific results, and active participation in open-source communities, with a commitment to producing material that facilitates and encourages community engagement.
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AVANT: advanced services in strategic vertical domains supporting economic development
Industry
Platform integrating Digital Twin and AI to optimize production processes, reduce costs, and improve quality, supporting Industry 5.0.
Cultural Heritage
Platform for the development and management of Digital Twins of cultural and artistic heritage objects and sites, enabling virtual access, conservation, and preservation.
Smart Communities
Digital Twin solutions to improve policy‑making and provide services that are closer to citizens’ needs.
Energy & Utilities
Digital Twin for the management of distributed renewable energy, making transportation, distribution, and supply processes sustainable and efficient.
Healthcare
Software framework for healthcare applications that uses AI and Digital Twin to support clinical decision-making, enhancing the effectiveness of prevention and treatment actions.
