This week-long series of mini-workshops combined theoretical insights with practical exercises, enabling participants to engage critically with AI technologies and apply them creatively in real-world contexts.
Students explored key advancements in Artificial Intelligence, including Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs). They learned how these models are built, trained, and aligned with human values, while also discussing their societal impact, energy consumption, and emerging capabilities. Open discussions covered topics like Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Collective Intelligence (ACI), encouraging reflection on AI’s future.
Hands-on activities focused on real-world applications, allowing students to interact with AI tools like GPT-4 and Claude for brainstorming and problem-solving. Case studies explored the complexities of interaction design, such as human-machine trust and current system limitations. Students also had the chance to think about AI-driven solutions like conversational agents and voice assistants.
These exercises provided experience in prototyping and optimising AI systems without coding expertise, helping students understand the capabilities, limitations, and design considerations needed to create effective and innovative AI applications.
Cristiano is a passionate theoretical physicist turned tech entrepreneur, dedicated to transforming cutting-edge ideas into impactful realities. Currently serving as a Lead AI Scientist, he collaborates with his team on projects addressing critical social and environmental challenges. His work spans a range of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing (HPC), and Quantum Computing, with applications in space and Earth observation in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA). His expertise also extends to Machine and Deep Learning, particularly in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs), while actively supporting deep-tech startups, especially in the climate tech sector.
An avid educator, Christiano is a sought-after Deep Learning lecturer at prestigious institutions, including the Master in High-Performance Computing (SISSA/ICTP, Trieste), the Quantum ML program at Ca' Foscari Challenge School, and universities such as Bicocca Milan and SIOS in Svalbard. His passion for teaching is matched only by his enthusiasm for public speaking, where he captivates audiences with both technical insights and popular science discussions.
Previously, Christiano spent four years as a Research Scientist specializing in Deep Learning, with three of those years dedicated to NLP at Samsung's Bixby Project (Harman - Samsung AI). He holds a Ph.D. in Statistical Physics from SISSA (Trieste), where he focused on Quantum Entanglement Entropy, and began his academic journey as a theoretical particle physicist.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Christiano is deeply interested in leveraging AI and quantum technologies for the greater good. He is skilled in scientific computing, with over a decade of experience delivering state-of-the-art projects, and he holds an EASA Private Pilot Licence (PPL), accumulating over 350 hours as Pilot in Command.
Francesco Paolo Gentile is the Tech Lead for the Generative AI business unit at Oròbix, focussing on developing cutting-edge AI solutions. He is based in Bergamo, Italy. Previously, he was a data scientist at Lumoa, a text analytics SaaS company based in Helsinki. From 2020 to 2021, Francesco was an NLP Engineer at Invitalia, the Italian national agency for inward investment and economic development.
He completed his doctoral studies in Linguistics at McGill University, Montreal, graduating in early 2020. His theoretical research there was on Natural Language Semantics, particularly the study of adjectives and questions. He also holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Nottingham, working on metaphors from a semantic and cognitive perspective.
Marco is an incurable optimist. He started his career very young - at the age of 15 he delivered innovative technology and algorithms for PC CD players to the Fidonet BBS community (back when the Web was just a nagging thought in the back of Tim Berners-Lee's mind).
During his studies in Physics, Marco continued to develop technical solutions, this time for the digital mapping market, information retrieval and image manipulation. In 1999, Marco created Translated, one of the first internet based-translation services and, today, one of the most innovative. Translated provides localisation services to many leading global companies and fast-growing businesses.In parallel, he created other successful e-businesses such as WebChatWorld (over 50M pageviews per month, ilsole24ore WWW nomination). WebChatWorld Ads management was later acquired by Doubleclick (now part of Google).
In recent years, Marco has created an exciting internet search technology for images, which he has sold to a well-known IT company. Today, besides being responsible for the overall administration of Translated, Marco is pursuing research in machine learning models for integrating machine translation in a human translation workflow.
Marco speaks fluent Italian, English and French .
He is constantly seeking for talent with great ideas to join his team.
Romolo Buondestino currently serves as the Director of User Experience at Translated, bringing over 15 years of expertise in crafting exceptional digital experiences. His work revolves around leading teams of designers and researchers, managing projects, design systems, and processes, mentoring talent, and fostering a user-centered culture within the organizations he collaborates with.
Romolo honed his skills with the renowned Nielsen Norman Group, earning the prestigious UX Master Certification with distinctions in three specialties: Interaction Design, UX Management, and Mobile & Multi-Channel UX. His deep understanding of user experience is further complemented by advanced front-end development skills, enabling him to anticipate and address design implementation challenges with ease.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Romolo is a devoted father, husband, and avid gamer. He has a passion for exploring creative cuisines, traveling the globe, and appreciating art in all its forms.
