The Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) is a scientific research center established by law in 2003 by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Its mission is to promote excellence in both basic and applied research and to facilitate national economic development. IIT began its scientific activities in 2006 at its Central Research Laboratory in Genoa (IIT headquarters), with additional research conducted at 11 satellite centers across Italy and two outstations in the U.S., at MIT and Harvard University.

IIT employs 1880 people, with about half of the researchers coming from abroad: 31% are scientists from more than 70 countries, and 20% are Italian researchers who have returned after professional experiences abroad. IIT has extensive experience in managing and supervising research projects, with a portfolio of over 860 externally funded projects, including those financed by EU funding programs and the European Research Council (ERC). IIT has produced more than 20400 publications, 421 inventions, and 34 start-up companies.

Currently, IIT is implementing its 2024-2029 strategic plan, which prioritizes artificial intelligence as a fundamental tool in addressing two of the most pressing social challenges of our time: health (Healthcare) and sustainability (Earthcare).