Core42 and Assolombarda Sign MoU to Boost Sovereign AI in Lombardy Industry

In Dubai, Core42 has signed a memorandum of understanding with Assolombarda, the Italian territorial association linked to Confindustria that represents firms in Milan, Monza and Brianza, Lodi and Pavia.

Details of the Agreement

The MoU aims to unlock AI adoption, sovereign enabled cloud infrastructure and secure industrial data sharing through Assolombarda’s forgIA initiative, which covers its network of 7,158 member companies.

It creates a knowledge-sharing framework to promote AI use and sovereign enabled cloud via forgIA, a secure, interoperable industrial data environment that allows data sharing and the creation of industry-specific AI applications while protecting data sovereignty and intellectual property.

Collaboration Areas

The agreement outlines key cooperation areas to advance AI across Lombardy’s industrial base. Core42 will contribute its expertise in secure sovereign enabled cloud and AI architecture to support forgIA’s data governance, confidentiality and value chain security approach, drawing on lessons from deployments in the UAE and elsewhere.

A dedicated channel inside forgIA will let member companies access Core42’s technical know-how, including workshops and guidance on assessing sovereign enabled AI and cloud options.

A programme of roundtables, webinars and forums will address industrial data management and cybersecurity challenges.

Objectives and Benefits

The partnership intends to give Assolombarda’s members access to Core42’s experience in deploying AI at scale and to link Lombardy’s industrial ecosystem with Abu Dhabi’s technology ecosystem, helping firms explore advanced AI while meeting data governance and security requirements.

It also enables strategic networking between Assolombarda’s member companies and technology firms across the wider G42 ecosystem, connecting those interested in AI adoption with UAE partners that can support the next steps.

Background and Leadership Comments

The announcement builds on Assolombarda’s growing presence in the UAE, which started in January 2026 with the opening of a dedicated space inside the Hub for Made in Italy in Abu Dhabi and will be followed by an operational office in Dubai.

Talal M. Al Kaissi, chief executive officer of Core42, said: “For industrial businesses, sovereignty means keeping control of their data and meeting their governance requirements while gaining access to advanced AI capabilities. That is the experience we are sharing with forgIA. Together with Assolombarda, we are giving member companies across Lombardy access to the expertise we have built in taking sovereign enabled AI into production.”

Alvise Biffi, president of Assolombarda, said: “Today, the digital transition and data sovereignty represent the central challenges for the future competitiveness of businesses. The collaboration initiated between the ecosystems of Milan and Abu Dhabi transforms traditional bilateral trade into a systemic partnership capable of uniting our manufacturing excellence with the UAE’s strategic vision and global connectivity. In this regard, I believe this agreement provides further momentum to relations with the Gulf region.”

The MoU was announced on Wed 14 Oct 2026, 9:46 PM.