The Foundation

The ELICSIR Foundation was founded in October 2023 as an Italian non-profit “Ente del Terzo Settore (ETS)” and is registered with the Registro Unico Nazionale del Terzo Settore (RUNTS) as 04154681201.

ELICSIR was founded with a simple yet ambitious goal: to increase the value of Italian computer science and give young talents the tools, mentors, and opportunities to express their full potential. We believe that computer science is not just technology, but also culture, research, and impact on society: this is why we invest in paths that connect study, vision, and practice.

We accompany capable and motivated students to make a quantum leap in quality. We do this by creating a demanding and inclusive learning environment, where curiosity, merit, work ethic, and a desire to participate are what count. Every person we meet is more than a resume: they are a story that can change the trajectory of innovation in Italy. We call our approach “orthogonal” because it complements – without replacing – traditional academic paths. We offer new perspectives, critical thinking exercises, and encounters with outstanding teachers, researchers, and professionals. The goal is to integrate theory and practice, rigor and creativity, research and real-world applications.

What we do

Scuola Ortogonale
A two-year program of excellence, parallel to a master’s degree, based on personalized mentorship, high-impact seminars, projects, and connections with the academic and industrial worlds.
Scholarships and opportunities
We support talent with dedicated scholarships and initiatives that encourage cross-pollination between computer science and other STEM disciplines, to discover vocations and develop skills.
Programs and events
We organize summer schools, workshops, and public meetings that focus on ideas, important issues, and the people who want to solve them. This is also how we build a community of peers, mentors, and alumni.

If you share this vision of the future, get involved: as a candidate for our programs, as a partner, mentor, or supporter. Together, we can shape a generation that doesn’t just follow innovation, but leads it.

The foundation’s statutes