Vertiv and University of Bologna collaborate on research and skills development

Vertiv partners with the University of Bologna to drive digital infrastructure advancement and foster knowledge development over a five-year collaboration.

  • Tuesday, 17th February 2026 Posted 2 hours ago in by Sophie Milburn
Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure, has entered into a five-year collaboration agreement with the University of Bologna. The partnership aims to combine research capabilities with a focus on talent development, regional growth, and outcomes with wider impact.

The collaboration is designed to support knowledge development and skills advancement across multiple areas. Giovanni Zanei, Vertiv's vice president of large power conversion, notes the partnership’s potential to support regional and global growth by combining expertise and research.

Key initiatives under the agreement include research and development projects at regional, national, and European levels, technical-scientific consulting, scholarships, research grants, and PhD programmes. Shared laboratories and research infrastructure will be established, with results disseminated through seminars and forums on advanced topics.

In education, Vertiv will contribute to academic programmes by providing access to specialised training courses, Summer and Winter schools, and interdisciplinary programmes. The partnership also includes up-skilling and res-killing opportunities for Vertiv employees.

The agreement encourages technology transfer through joint work on patents, university start-ups, and spin-offs, alongside workshops, contests, and open innovation initiatives. Sustainability and social innovation are emphasised throughout the collaboration.

Students and graduates will have opportunities for internships, recruiting events, and international exposure within Vertiv's network, supporting career development in the digital infrastructure sector.

This collaboration is structured to channel academic and technological expertise into practical initiatives, supporting both regional priorities and broader digital infrastructure development.