Professional excellence
Education, credential frameworks, and continuous training set the bar. Members hold themselves to verifiable competencies and a written code of conduct.
Our first AI course in English with the European credential. Twelve editions already delivered in Italy — first English cohort now forming. Contact us for the dates
First AI course in English — twelve editions in Italy About AIPIA
The institutional home for AI practitioners in Italy
AIPIA (Associazione Italiana Professionisti dell'Intelligenza Artificiale) is Italy's first and largest non-profit professional association for AI practitioners. We represent the profession, set ethical standards, issue European-recognised credentials, and bridge Italian AI expertise with international AI networks.
Our story
Built for a profession that did not have a home
AIPIA was founded on 23 May 2025 from a straightforward observation: Italy's growing community of artificial intelligence professionals had no institutional representation. Engineers, researchers, consultants, and academics worked across ministries, universities, multinationals, and start-ups, but no single body advocated for them, defined ethical standards, or issued recognised credentials.
The association was constituted as a non-profit under Italian Law 4/2013, which governs unregulated professional bodies, and received tax-agency registration on 19 June 2025. Within twelve months it became Italy's largest AI professional association by membership and the first nationally to issue European Digital Credentials for AI competencies, sealed with eIDAS and verifiable through the European Commission's Europass infrastructure.
AIPIA operates as independent and non-profit, with no commercial interests dictating its positions. This independence allows AIPIA to engage credibly with Italian ministries, the European Commission's AI Alliance, the Council of Europe, UNESCO, and the OECD on policy and practice.
The association is structured as an Assembly of Members electing a Board of Directors, supported by a Scientific-Technical Committee (STC) chaired by Rafael Patron. The STC sets technical guidelines, validates training, and ensures every AIPIA initiative meets verifiable quality standards.
Mission & values
What drives everything we do
Three principles shape AIPIA's mission: advancing professional standards, embedding ethics into AI practice, and connecting Italian and European expertise with international innovation hubs.
Ethical AI
A rigorous Code of Ethics aligned with the Rome Call for AI Ethics, UNESCO AI Recommendation, OECD AI Principles, and the Council of Europe Framework Convention on AI.
Transatlantic bridge
A working channel connecting Italian and European AI practitioners with peers in Boston, Silicon Valley, the UAE, and Latin America. Italy as the EU founding-member gateway to the European AI landscape.
Scientific-Technical Committee
Led by practitioners, not just academics
The STC brings together specialists in machine learning, software engineering, research, applied ethics, digital marketing, and full-stack development. Its work guides AIPIA's training, the European Credential, and the framework of the twelve AI professional profiles promoted at European level. It sets technical guidelines, validates training, and ensures every AIPIA initiative meets verifiable quality standards.
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Rafael Patron
STC President
Growth Hacker and AI Program Manager with twenty years in digital marketing across Italy, the UK, the UAE, Boston, and Latin America. Leads AIPIA's international strategy and partnerships with MIT, Harvard, and MassRobotics.
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Federico Pichetto
Vice President
Priest and educator working at the intersection of ethics, education, and technology. Bridges humanistic reflection with the responsible development of AI systems.
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Francesco Levet
STC Member
AI engineer specialised in geographic information systems. Applies artificial intelligence to territorial analysis and to software development for digital infrastructure.
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Alessandro Pighetti
STC Member
PhD in artificial intelligence, with a focus on human-machine interaction and cognitive environments. Brings the academic research perspective to the Committee's technical work.
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Umberto Luciani
STC Member
Specialist in AI applied to business growth and commercial processes. Twenty years of experience across Microsoft, BMG, EMI, and Mondadori in marketing and innovation roles.
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Andrea Varesi
STC Member
Developer and social media management specialist. Integrates artificial intelligence into digital communication workflows and content production for organisations and brands.
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Franco Fassone
STC Member
Full-stack developer with experience in software architecture and the integration of AI systems into production applications operating at scale.
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Fabio Cassinelli
STC Member
Software engineer and project manager. Delivers enterprise AI projects, combining engineering rigour with structured management of technical teams and timelines.
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Federico Tardani
STC Member, Honorary
Science communicator specialised in generative AI. Works on translating technical concepts for professional and educational audiences through writing and public engagement.
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Andrea Murchio
STC Member
Specialist in marketing applied to AI and in digital strategy. Connects technology and brand positioning across B2B and B2C projects for Italian and international clients.
Board of Directors
Elected by the Members' Assembly. Oversees strategy, partnerships, and budget. In addition to the STC members, the Board includes Andres Parra (management and international relations), Claudia Sanguineti (communications and institutional affairs), and Filippo Fassone (technical and operational governance).
Ready to plug in?
Become a member, partner with us, or get in touch about a specific project. AIPIA welcomes practitioners, companies, and institutions from anywhere.