As reported by Toscana24 last week “An innovative technology lab to design projects and prototypes of new services: it is the First Lab (Florence Smart working Lab), promoted by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, CRF Foundation and University of Florence together with a group of local operators (Research and Innovation Foundation, Computer Gross, TT Tecnosistemi, Var Group, Webkorner and Nana Bianca).

A total investment of € 4 million will make it possible to have 400 sqm of space at the Social Sciences Hub of the University of Florence starting next year, where graduates and doctoral students will integrate their educational paths by participating, over three years, in 18 projects regarding energy control and saving, e-government, e-health, infomobility, security, intelligent surveillance and intelligent tourism.

These projects can also become entrepreneurial initiatives for the young people who will have developed them, having available the software and hardware technology platforms of the partner companies and the University, and the help of company tutors who will supervise them through specific educational steps.

Mr Stefano Venturi, CEO of Hpe Italia, had expressed the desire to invest in Florence as a smart city laboratory of a metropolitan area. «In Florence – he says – there is a convergence of companies, people and cultural interests that represent in a very significant way what can be a ‘Future City’ from the Smart perspective, so it seems important to make this investment here».”