Vertiv and University of Bologna Forge Five-Year Partnership to Drive Digital Infrastructure Research and Talent Development

Vertiv, a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, has signed a five-year strategic framework agreement with the University of Bologna aimed at accelerating research, innovation and talent development in the digital infrastructure space.

The partnership with the University of Bologna — one of Europe’s most prestigious academic institutions and the oldest university in the Western world, founded in 1088 — will focus on advancing knowledge, strengthening skills and delivering tangible regional and international impact.

The agreement brings together Vertiv’s industry expertise in power conversion and critical infrastructure with the University’s academic excellence to support innovation across regional, national and European projects.

“For Vertiv, this collaboration with the University of Bologna is a strategic step that allows us to combine advanced research, technological innovation and talent development,” states Giovanni Zanei, vice president, large power conversion at Vertiv. “Joining forces with the University means contributing not only to regional growth but also to generating knowledge and solutions that will impact digital projects and infrastructure globally.”

Rector Giovanni Molari described the agreement as a blueprint for closer ties between academia and industry.

“This agreement,” notes Rector Giovanni Molari, “represents a model of virtuous collaboration between university and business, capable of generating shared value, concrete opportunities for students and researchers, and new trajectories for sustainable development.”

Research, innovation and shared laboratories

Under the framework, Vertiv and the University of Bologna will collaborate on research, development and innovation initiatives funded at regional, national and European levels. The agreement also covers technical-scientific consulting, scholarships, research grants and PhD programmes.

Plans include the creation of shared laboratories and research infrastructure to support cutting-edge work in digital infrastructure and power technologies. Both parties will promote and disseminate research outcomes through seminars, industry events and specialist forums.

Education, training and upskilling opportunities

The partnership extends to education and workforce development, with Vertiv experts contributing to programmes from undergraduate through to doctoral level. This includes specialised training courses, Summer and Winter schools, and interdisciplinary initiatives aligned with emerging industry needs.

The agreement also provides for upskilling and reskilling programmes for Vertiv employees, with the potential establishment of a dedicated Advanced Training School.

Students and graduates will gain access to curricular internships, recruitment events and international career opportunities within Vertiv’s global network.

Technology transfer and sustainable development

A further pillar of the collaboration is technology transfer, including joint work on patents, university start-ups and spin-offs. The two organisations will also support workshops, innovation contests and open innovation initiatives designed to foster entrepreneurship and applied research.

The framework places strong emphasis on public engagement, sustainability and social innovation, with projects designed to deliver measurable benefits to the wider community and regional economy.

The agreement positions Vertiv and the University of Bologna at the forefront of digital infrastructure research and innovation, reinforcing Bologna’s role as a hub for technological advancement and sustainable growth.