Lazio Launches €41.7M Tech District for Cultural Heritage

Nicola Zingaretti, President of the Lazio Region, together with Vice President Massimiliano Smeriglio and Minister of University and Research Valeria Fedeli, presented the Technological District for Cultural Heritage and Activities of Lazio. The project aims to enhance the region's cultural heritage through innovative technologies, with a total investment of €41.7 million (€20.7 million from the Lazio Region and the remainder from MIUR). The initiative includes five interventions: a Center of Excellence and Innovation Hub for training and research in cultural heritage technologies (€6 million), with a public call to be published shortly; projects for valorization, conservation, and digital fruition of cultural heritage, including an 'Impossible Museum' focusing on seven selected sites and itineraries (€23.2 million, call in September); investment in startups, spin-offs, and SMEs (€3 million, starting in 2018); development of technologies for live performances (€6 million, activation between late 2017 and spring 2018); and communication and promotion activities (€3.5 million). Smeriglio noted that the funds were at risk of being lost since 2008, but collective effort secured them. Fedeli emphasized the project's national significance and collaborative method.