Slow Food – A digital future for activism, sustainability, and social impact

An innovative project by Slow Food and the DIG421 Foundation to unite technology, sustainability, and inclusion and promote a culture of sustainable food.

Combining the potential of artificial intelligence with the vision of a better, cleaner, and fairer world: this is the goal of the project born from the collaboration between Slow Food, the DIG421 Foundation, and 2i3T – the Business Incubator of the University of Turin (UniTO). Today, they officially present an advanced AI-based language platform designed to promote inclusive communication that reaches all communities in the network and beyond.

The innovation, developed in the heart of the technology hub in Roreto di Cherasco (Italy), is the result of joint work between experts in computational linguistics, artificial intelligence, and intercultural communication. It represents a concrete step toward increasing access to the philosophy and content of Slow Food.

Slow Food is a global movement that brings together local groups and activists around a shared vision: ensuring that everyone has access to food that is good for them, good for those who produce it, and good for the planet.

“The communication we aim to adopt must reflect the principles at the core of our movement, telling the stories of those who produce our food every day, and making them feel part of the same network, beyond linguistic, environmental, and cultural differences,” said Edward Mukiibi, President of Slow Food.

Technology serving food culture and sustainability
The platform will be developed with technical support from KPMG, a global leader in professional services for businesses. Operating in over 140 countries, KPMG supports public and private organizations in digital transformation processes, offering advanced expertise in AI, data analytics, and technological innovation.

The goal is to design a scalable architecture based on Microsoft technologies – including Azure OpenAI, SharePoint, and Power Platform – to enable Slow Food to enhance multilingual content management, automate workflows, and facilitate effective collaboration across its global network.

The project stems primarily from a shared desire to strengthen inclusivity, starting with a universal element: food as a crossroads of cultures, knowledge, and culinary traditions capable of transcending boundaries and differences. The new AI-powered language platform will be able to translate and simplify complex content, respecting cultural contexts and adapting to local linguistic specificities.

Slow Food has chosen to develop this tool to ensure alignment with its values and cultural vision. Powered by carefully curated content, materials, and knowledge gathered over more than thirty years of global activity, this technology is not only an operational support but a new way to amplify and spread the movement’s voice. In an era where digital technologies deeply shape access to information and human interaction, it is essential to have tools that embody inclusive, mindful, and respectful communication rooted in local contexts.

A synergy between research, business, and civil society
The DIG421 Foundation and Tesisquare have contributed their technological expertise to a project that looks not only to the future but also to the dignity of people, equity, and the sharing of knowledge. It’s a clear example of how technology can have a positive ethical and social impact.

“We strongly believe in the importance of adopting artificial intelligence in a sustainable way that serves humanity. Supporting Slow Food on this journey was inspiring—it marks a first step toward a use of technological innovation that can enable international projects with real social impact. When guided by values, technology can truly become a tool at the service of people,” said Elio Becchis, Director of the Foundation, and Diego Gosmar, AI Advisor at DIG421 Foundation and Head of Artificial Intelligence at the Tesisquare group.

Toward a more equitable global network
This technology will be integrated into Slow Food’s portals and platforms, supporting local communities in sharing their stories, struggles, knowledge, and culinary traditions—contributing to the creation of a world where good, clean, and fair food is truly accessible to everyone.

The launch of this tool is just the first step: further developments and applications are already planned in the educational, agroecological, and social fields, with the aim of making language technology an empowering tool for the movement’s communities.

“As an innovation hub and enabler of ecosystem players in the territory, the 2i3T Incubator enthusiastically embraced the role of project promoter. Through innovation, technology, and social impact, this initiative reflects the core pillars of our mission,” commented Fiorella Altruda, President of 2i3T.
“The availability of this new advanced tool will certainly allow for broader participation on global issues such as food, culture, and sustainability, and 2i3T will continue to support this initiative in the future through its expertise and network.”

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🌐 www.slowfood.com
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