Leonardo opens its AI Factory and recruits young people in the metaverse

26 May 2025

In “Il Sole 24 Ore”, Antonio Larizza describes Leonardo’s Advanced Cognitive Solution and the company’s recruitment initiatives, in particular the launch of its metaverse “O.P.E.N.”, a virtual world designed to attract recent graduates in STEM disciplines.

The European Defence industry faces urgent and global challenges that demand technological and innovative solutions. Leonardo is addressing these challenges through a digital strategy built on two key pillars: a supercomputing infrastructure and cutting-edge digital research laboratories, brought together in its new Advanced Cognitive Solution centre.

As Greta Radaelli, Head of Advanced Cognitive Solution at Leonardo, speaking at the Trento Festival of Economics during the panel “Scaling up AI with supercomputing”, explained, it is “a kind of AI Factory that will bring together all of Leonardo’s digital laboratories focused on artificial intelligence, deep digital technologies, and quantum computing under one roof.”

To strengthen its technological capabilities and attract new professionals in STEM areas, the company has launched “O.P.E.N.”, a metaverse designed to open the doors of advanced innovation to younger generations. In this immersive virtual environment, avatars representing Leonardo’s professional roles interact with digital twins of the company’s products, guiding visitors through the Group’s high-tech career opportunities.