R. ROCKEFELLER S.C.Augusto Innovation HubHomeMILAZZO · SICILY · EUROPEAN UNION
A strategic technology partnership for a Mediterranean innovation campus: sovereign AI, advanced geothermal energy and digital infrastructure on the former Montecatini industrial site.
THE PROGRAMME
R. Rockefeller S.C. participates as technology and engineering partner for Augusto Innovation Hub, led by President Fabrizio Crimi. The architectural design is by Giancarlo Zema Design Group.
The programme brings together three complementary areas: AI and digital sovereignty, geothermal AGS and energy infrastructure, and virtual production. Its purpose is to connect research and engineering with practical applications for public institutions, critical infrastructure and industrial clients.
The first phase is described in the project programme at €100 million over 2026–2028. A prospective second phase of a further €100 million, within an Italian national and European framework over 2027–2030, would bring the combined programme to €200 million.
The campus is in development. The second phase, employment figures and full-capacity configuration are programme targets.
Implementation proceeds through the relevant approvals, public and project-owner funding arrangements, and defined project orders. RRSC’s engineering and technology activities are commissioned and paid for in stages by the project client.
RRSC’s role is the provision and integration of technology, engineering and software capability.
01 · ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
The Milazzo collaboration includes the first Italian pilot within RRSC’s AGS geothermal programme, developed for the Augusto Innovation Hub with RePG as the industrial and technological partner.
The pilot is intended to demonstrate how geothermal energy can support the campus’s data-centre infrastructure and other continuous energy requirements. Its capacity and performance depend on the site investigation, engineering design and the operating conditions validated for the project.
The work connects Milazzo with the main global engineering and Green Energy research centre in Bursa, Türkiye, and with RRSC’s wider Italian engineering network.
02 · AI & DIGITAL SOVEREIGNTY
The AI partnership is directed towards projects with Italian public institutions and European Union programmes, with a focus on strategic sectors and sovereign control of software, data and infrastructure.
Custom software, data architectures and AI systems engineered for the specific requirements of institutional and industrial clients.
Secure data environments, infrastructure supervision and cybersecurity integrated into the technical programme.
Applied research, technical teams and knowledge exchange connected with RRSC’s international AI and engineering centres.
03 · VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
Virtual production is a distinct part of the campus programme, bringing immersive audiovisual environments and digital production together with its wider research and technology ecosystem.
PROJECT LEADERSHIP · EUROPE & MALTA
Director of Public Relations for Green Energy / AI Innovation for Europe and Malta
Fabrizio Crimi represents the Milazzo project and its collaboration with R. Rockefeller S.C.
Europe & Malta
His role supports public and institutional relations for the Group’s green energy, geothermal and AI innovation activities, connecting the Augusto programme with wider European and Maltese opportunities.
PROJECT MATERIALS