Putting people at the center of the digital revolution by turning the algorithm into a shield against discrimination: this is the challenge launched by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies which, with a record allocation of over 7.2 million euros linked to Notice 3/2024, has entrusted 13 Third Sector entities with the task of shaping ethical, safe, and inclusive artificial intelligence.
THE SELECTION PROCESS AND THE NUMBERS OF THE CALL
The process that led to the selection of the projects was characterized by strong interest from the entities, with the submission of 52 project proposals. Due to the complexity of the topic and the need to involve experts with specific skills, the deadline for submitting applications on the dedicated platform was extended several times, finally closing on March 25, 2025.
At the end of the evaluation phase, 41 applications were declared admissible, subsequently assessed by a technical commission that drew up the final ranking based on quality and innovation criteria.
Initially, the financial allocation was 2.5 million euros, but it was increased by one million euros in August 2025 precisely to respond to the high number of proposals received.
WHO THE BENEFICIARIES ARE
The final ranking saw Arci Aps leading with a score of 89 points, obtaining funding of 600,000.00 euros. Following was the Italian Association for Culture and Sport (A.I.C.S.) which received 599,999.49 euros with 86 points, while the Citizens’ Defense Movement ranked third with 85 points and a contribution of 599,992.50 euros.
Other entities that obtained the maximum financial support or amounts very close to the maximum ceiling are O.P.E.S. with 600,000.00 euros, Salesians for Social Aps with 599,986.92 euros, and the National Federconsumatori with 599,917.50 euros.
The Digital World Foundation (among its members are the Municipality of Rome, Engineering, Unidata, Wind Tre, Microsoft, and Google) with 599,863.76 euros and the Fish federation with 599,250.46 euros also figure among the main beneficiaries engaged in this technological challenge.
Completing the picture of the funded entities are Engim with 597,557.88 euros, Moige with 562,838.86 euros, Informatici Senza Frontiere Aps with 542,475.73 euros, Anis Regione Puglia Aps with 538,958.56 euros, and the Italian Sports and Social Associations with a contribution of 250,200.00 euros.
THE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
The 13 winning projects revolve around four fundamental pillars defined by the Ministry to ensure a concrete social impact. The first concerns health and well-being, aiming to ensure ethical use of new technologies in healthcare. The second pillar is quality education, aimed at educating young people and families on conscious use of AI. There is also a focus on gender equality, promoting the development of advanced digital skills among young women, and economic growth, leveraging AI’s potential to foster new employment opportunities for new generations.
A WIDESPREAD ACTION ACROSS THE NATIONAL TERRITORY
The project activities will last between 12 and 18 months and will be carried out extensively throughout Italy. The operational aspect is characterized by a vast cooperation network involving a total of 187 partners.
The entities are required to use at least three innovative tools to activate local communities, organizing practical workshops, contests, training events, and digital literacy initiatives. Great attention will be given to combating risks arising from distorted use of technology, such as the spread of fake news, creation of deepfakes, and threats to privacy protection, while promoting responsibility in the language used online.
AN ANTHROPOCENTRIC VISION AND THE ROLE OF PARTNERS
The Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policies, Maria Teresa Bellucci, emphasized how the primary goal is to promote a “social and anthropocentric AI” that puts progress at the service of the person. The Third Sector is confirmed as a fundamental strategic partner for public innovation policies, capable of mediating between technological evolution and society’s inclusion needs. With this alliance, the ministry aims to provide every citizen, including parents and educators, with the necessary tools to engage with innovations in an informed way, transforming potential risks into tangible benefits for the community.
