A new Italy is already possible; one in which the road network is monitored in real time, breakdowns in water and energy networks are predicted in advance, and the costs of operating and maintaining civil works are significantly reduced. Artificial Intelligence and IoT can transform infrastructures into smart networks, make them more efficient, reduce waste, minimise risks and ensure greater resilience – resulting in more reliable and sustainable services for citizens.
This is the vision set out in the new 'Smart Infrastructure' report produced by TIM Research Centre, in collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center, Politecnico di Milano's 5G & Digital Connected Industry and IoT Observatories and Comtel Innovation. The report was presented today at TIM Innovation Lab in Rome.
Artificial intelligence, drones and intelligent sensor and robotics technologies – supported by high-performance 5G connections and advanced cybersecurity solutions – can be a major driver of development to reshape Italy's energy, water and road networks, while also reducing operating and maintenance costs of civil works by up to a third.
According to the research, smart monitoring systems can prevent up to 27% of breakdowns of the oldest structures and reduce the overall operating costs of road networks (tunnels, bridges, roads) and other civil works by up to 31%, extending the life of the infrastructure. This would have enormous economic benefits for Italy, achieving total savings of over EUR 54 billion over the useful life of new critical infrastructure based on planned investments in the five-year period 2026-2030.
In electricity grids, the use of IoT sensors and advanced management platforms would make it possible to optimise distribution, reduce losses and cut overall costs by almost EUR 700 million per year. Furthermore, the transformation of electricity grids from the centralised to the smart grid model would increasingly allow the integration of energy from renewable sources (wind, solar, etc.).
In the water sector, the challenge is even more urgent: water losses have reached about 42% nationwide, with peaks of more than 55% in the south. With smart meters and advanced monitoring and management systems, Italy can generate savings of around EUR 2.6 billion by 2030 by monitoring consumption and detecting hidden faults in real time.
“The digital challenge of Italian infrastructure can no longer be postponed. It is the backbone of the country's economic development,” says Elio Schiavo, TIM’s Chief Enterprise and Innovative Solutions Officer. “Investing in its digitalisation guarantees security, efficiency and sustainability, allowing us to transform our country into a ‘smart land’ – an essential step for the development of Italy. To innovate in this area, we have to network and create a collaborative ecosystem with start-ups and cutting-edge companies, so as to accelerate this technological revolution and strengthen skills.”
In line with this commitment, TIM Enterprise today announced the winners of the 'TIM Smart Infrastructure Challenge'. This is part of the Group's Open Innovation programme, carried out in collaboration with Arduino, Cyber 4.0, eFM, Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center, Politecnico di Milano's 5G & Digital Connected Industry and Internet of Things Observatories, SOCOTEC Italia, 28DIGITAL, and with the support of Alaian.
The challenge, which saw the participation of over 100 start-ups, scale-ups and innovative companies from all over the world, identified a number of excellent solutions based on Artificial Intelligence and IoT. The winners will be offered a technological, commercial or research collaboration with TIM Enterprise and its partners in order to accelerate their growth.
TIM itself awarded CAEmate, whose platform integrates Digital Twins, real-time IoT sensor data and predictive AI for preventive infrastructure maintenance.
The other prizes awarded were:
- PipeIn, winner of the Arduino award, specialises in modular robotics, advanced sensors and AI for predictive inspection of hidden pipes and infrastructure;
- Hermes Bay, recognised by Cyber 4.0, for advanced digital security solutions that combine strategic intelligence, cyber-security and customised SaaS platforms;
- GiPStech, winner of the eFM award, for its scalable indoor location technology based on the magnetic field of the smartphone;
- Xplora, recognised by Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center, for using sensor fusion and AI to create reliable 3D maps for underground excavations;
- TOKBO, selected by the Politecnico di Milano's 5G & Digital Connected Industry and IoT Observatories, for innovation in IoT predictive monitoring using sensorised bolts;
- TITAN4, awarded by SOCOTEC Italy, for its AI-powered platform to facilitate predictive maintenance through satellite data and sensors;
- Entopy, recognised by 28DIGITAL, for its Decision Intelligence platform based on Digital Twin and AI to interpret complex data.
The full ‘Smart Infrastructure’ report can be found at the following link.
TIM Press Office |
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timpressoffice@telecomitalia.it www.gruppotim.it |
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Rome, 27 November 2025
