A new project as part of Pordenone’s bid to become the 2027 Italian Capital of Culture is getting underway, confirming that the path toward 2027 is already in full swing. In fact, “Deep Tech for Future,” the 2026 Summer School dedicated to young women between the ages of 18 and 23 who wish to explore cutting-edge technologies, has begun at the LEF headquarters in San Vito al Tagliamento. The initiative is one of the 52 projects that make up the winning bid and is promoted in partnership with LEF, ITS Alto Adriatico, Polo Tecnologico Alto Adriatico, UniPordenone, and Confindustria Alto Adriatico.
Deep Tech for Future is part of the “Scuola Capitale” chapter, one of the cornerstones of the program that earned Pordenone the title. This continuing education initiative began in 2026 and is set to continue beyond 2027, with the goal of developing cross-cutting and multidisciplinary skills, and training active citizens and qualified professionals capable of contributing to the city’s revitalization and regeneration.
An intensive week of training that introduces participants to topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and augmented reality through hands-on workshops, guest speakers, and group projects, with the goal of building a community of young talent connected to local businesses and universities, and of viewing culture as a tool for understanding change, navigating innovation, and expanding educational and professional opportunities for young people.
Alberto Parigi, Councilor for Culture: “This initiative brings together many elements that define Pordenone 2027, such as culture and its relationship with work, entrepreneurship, education, and young people. It could not be otherwise in a region where culture and business, culture and work, and culture and ‘know-how’ go hand in hand. It also demonstrates that the title of Italian Capital of Culture brings tangible benefits: in this case, the opportunity to provide training aimed at young women.”
LEF General Director Marco Olivotto: “With Deep Tech for Future, we are proud to contribute to Pordenone’s journey as the 2027 Italian Capital of Culture, bringing to the program a project dedicated to the younger generations, the skills of the future, and the promotion of women’s talents. I would like to thank the City of Pordenone for believing in a vision of culture capable of generating knowledge, inclusion, and innovation: the Summer School offers a hands-on experience to introduce young women to deep tech and STEM disciplines through a program that combines learning, discussion, and experimentation, helping them develop skills and awareness regarding the professional opportunities of tomorrow. Thanks also go to the project partners—ITS Alto Adriatico, Polo Tecnologico Alto Adriatico, UniPordenone, and Confindustria Alto Adriatico—with whom we share a commitment to building skills and opportunities for the future.”
The Week's Schedule
Today’s opening day provided an overview of the main deep tech innovations and their impact, enriched by testimonials that showcased the future as an opportunity to be explored firsthand. Speakers included Sanda Aulic, Roberto Siagri, and, for the IT’S Girls Power segment, Georgeta Pojoga of BizAway. The program continues throughout the week:
Tuesday, June 30 – AI for Business and a Local Tour
Workshops on artificial intelligence and a discussion of its applications in industrial settings. The day includes a visit to the Alto Adriatico Technology Park, with presentations by Matteo Marchiori and Cinzia Lacopeta of Alfasistemi.
Wednesday, July 1 – Robotics
Hands-on workshops on robotics technologies and a talk on industrial automation, featuring Cristian Mungherli from ITS Alto Adriatico and a presentation on the IT'S Girls Power initiative by Marika Della Bianca of Capgemini.
Thursday, July 2 – Digital Security and Responsibility
An in-depth look at data protection, trust, and ethics in the use of technology, featuring speaker Marco Giacomini and visits to MHT and IRSE.
Friday, July 3 – Work, Innovation, and Global Complexity
A discussion with experts on the changes transforming the world of work and on the geopolitical scenarios linked to technological innovation, featuring presentations by Martina Benvenuti and Andrea Gaspardo. The day will conclude with an awards ceremony and the presentation of certificates of participation.
All information about the projects in the “Pordenone 2027: A City That Surprises” dossier is available on the website www.pordenonecapitale2027.it