Telecom Italia teamed with a host of organisations to arrange a contest encouraging start-ups, scale-ups, national and international companies to develop systems enabling utilities and road network operators to capitalise on AI and IoT advances.
The TIM Smart Infrastructure Challenge forms part of the operator’s Open Innovation programme and focuses on encouraging public and private energy organisations, water services companies and road network players to strike partnerships to drive digital transformation.
TIM is working with hard and software provider Arduino; Italian cybersecurity competence centre Cyber 4.0; property player eFM; educational facility EIT Digital; the Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Centre; and relevant 5G and IoT units with the Politecnico di Milano and SOCOTEC Italia.
The operator explained the initiative is backed by innovation-focused global telecoms operator alliance Alaian.
TIM noted action is desirable as use of AI and IoT sensors increases, with systems promoting predictive monitoring a key area of focus.
The operator quoted research by the Politecnico di Milan’s IoT observatory showing the domestic sector was worth €9.7 billion in 2024.
TIM stated the contest comprises two elements, the first focusing on “advanced technologies for diagnosing and controlling the health of critical and complex infrastructures” and the second “aimed at any type of structure that consumers energy for operation”.
Systems judged by a jury to be suitable are set to be incorporated into TIM Enterprise’s portfolio.
TIM opened the application process today (19 June) with a deadline of 12 September.