The agreement will connect Lombardy’s industrial ecosystem with Abu Dhabi’s AI capabilities, supporting secure data sharing and industry-specific AI applications.
Core42, a G42 company specialising in sovereign-enabled cloud and AI infrastructure, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Italian business association Assolombarda to accelerate AI adoption across Lombardy’s industrial ecosystem.
The partnership will leverage Assolombarda’s forgIA initiative, a secure and interoperable industrial data environment designed to enable data sharing and the development of sector-specific AI applications while protecting data sovereignty and intellectual property. Assolombarda represents 7,158 companies across Milan, Monza and Brianza, Lodi, and Pavia, connecting the collaboration to a broad industrial base.
“For industrial businesses, sovereignty means keeping control of their data and meeting their governance requirements while gaining access to advanced AI capabilities.” — Talal M. Al Kaissi, CEO, Core42
Under the agreement, Core42 will share expertise in sovereign-enabled cloud and AI architecture, helping companies evaluate infrastructure approaches that address data governance, confidentiality and cybersecurity requirements. Planned activities include workshops, roundtables, webinars and forums focused on industrial data management and secure AI deployment.
The collaboration will also explore a dedicated channel within forgIA through which member companies can access technical guidance and connect with technology providers across the wider G42 ecosystem. The aim is to help businesses move from AI experimentation towards practical deployment while maintaining control over sensitive industrial data.
“Today, the digital transition and data sovereignty represent the central challenges for the future competitiveness of businesses,” said Alvise Biffi, president of Assolombarda, highlighting the importance of secure infrastructure and advanced expertise for member companies.
The agreement builds on Assolombarda’s growing presence in the UAE, including its dedicated space at Abu Dhabi’s Hub for Made in Italy, established in January 2026, and plans for an operational office in Dubai.
By linking Lombardy’s manufacturing expertise with Abu Dhabi’s technology ecosystem, the partnership seeks to strengthen cross-border collaboration and expand access to sovereign-enabled AI capabilities for industrial enterprises.
