Med-Or Italian Foundation

What Med-Or Italian Foundation does

Med-Or Italian Foundation is a non-profit cultural, research, and training foundation established in Spring 2021 on the initiative of Leonardo S.p.A. It operates as a hybrid platform that combines Italian industrial sponsorships, government project grants, and academic partnerships to deliver geopolitical analysis, training, and diplomatic cooperation programs focused on the Extended Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa, Indo-Pacific, and Latin America. Its portfolio includes six recurring monthly analytical publications (Ingrandimenti, East Lines, Africa Report, Osservatorio Indo-Pacifico, Desde América, Med-Or Radar), annual yearbooks and special reports, executive training programs (Masterclasses, the AI & Cybersecurity Executive Course, the Winter School in Cyber Security, the MOVA Virtual Academy, and the CyberBridge Africa training program), scholarship initiatives (MIMES, LUISS Mediterranean Cooperation), and applied projects such as the telemedicine Homekit deployed with the University of Jordan and IRCCS San Raffaele.

The foundation is funded through a tiered membership model: a single founding partner (Leonardo S.p.A.), eight ordinary members (Enel, Eni, Ferrovie dello Stato, Fincantieri, Poste Italiane, Snam, Assolavoro, BF International), and five adhering members (Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, Edison, Intesa Sanpaolo, MBDA Italia, Terna). Additional revenue flows from project grants and institutional co-funding with MAECI, NATO SPS, Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, Fondazione CSF, and Italian universities including LUISS, Cattolica, Tor Vergata, Rome Tre, and Università della Tuscia. As of January 1, 2025, the entity was renamed from Fondazione Med-Or to Med-Or Italian Foundation, and a regional subsidiary (Med-Or Italian Foundation for Africa) was registered in Nairobi, Kenya. The foundation is led by President Marco Minniti (former Italian Minister of the Interior) and Director General Letizia Colucci (formerly Senior Vice President at Leonardo and President of MBDA Italia), supported by an 8-person management team drawn from Italian government, EU, and corporate backgrounds.

Med-Or's underlying delivery model is partnership- and content-driven rather than technology-driven. Distribution occurs through institutional MoUs (60+ partners across governments, diplomatic academies, and multilaterals including UNITAR, NATO, and the African Union), a monthly publication cadence, the MOVA digital training platform, and recurring convenings such as the annual Med-Or Day in Rome. The foundation does not develop proprietary software or commercial products; its 'technology' footprint is centered on analytical research output, the MOVA virtual academy platform, and program management infrastructure supporting cross-border scholarship, training, and capacity-building activities.

Name

Med-Or Italian Foundation

Legal name

Med-Or Italian Foundation

Website

https://med-or.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Med-Or Italian Foundation is a Rome-based non-profit research and training foundation founded in 2021 by Leonardo S.p.A., producing geopolitical analysis, training programs, and diplomatic cooperation initiatives focused on the Extended Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa, Indo-Pacific, and Latin America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Geopolitical Research and Policy Analysis

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211)

SIC

International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Research & Science Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAI)

Keywords

• Geopolitical research
• International relations
• Policy analysis
• Executive training
• Mediterranean affairs

Headquarters

HQ city

Rome

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Med-Or Italian Foundation is a non-profit foundation that produces geopolitical research, policy analysis, and training programs focused on the Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa, and Indo-Pacific regions. It delivers publications, masterclasses, scholarships, and specialized projects (such as telemedicine and digital geopolitics initiatives) in collaboration with Italian corporate and academic partners.

Product overview

Med-Or Italian Foundation operates as a research and training organization rather than a traditional product company. Its portfolio consists of analytical publications (EAST LINES, Med-Or Monthly Africa Report, Osservatorio Indo-Pacifico, Med-Or Radar, Desde América, Ingrandimenti, Annual Reports, and Special Reports), executive training programs (masterclasses, cybersecurity courses, Winter School, MOVA Virtual Academy), scholarship initiatives (MIMES and LUISS Mediterranean Cooperation scholarships), and specialized projects (telemedicine with Homekit, digital geopolitics research). These offerings are interconnected through the foundation's mission to strengthen Italy's international relations and provide geopolitical analysis for the Extended Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa, and Indo-Pacific regions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• East Lines Geopolitical publication analyzing the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, providing policy analysis and strategic insight for Italian institutions, corporations, and partner audiences.
• Africa Report Research publication covering political, economic, and security developments across Africa, providing insights for Italian corporate and institutional partners.
• LATAM Analysis publication covering Latin American geopolitics and transatlantic relations, with content delivered in Spanish (Desde América).
• Indo-Pacific Observatory Research program tracking geopolitical, economic, and security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region for Italian strategic stakeholders.
• Med-Or Radar Analytical brief providing timely geopolitical intelligence and updates across the foundation's focus regions.
• Desde América Spanish-language publication analyzing Latin American geopolitical issues for Med-Or's transatlantic audience.
• Ingrandimenti In-depth analytical essays and research papers examining key geopolitical themes.
• Masterclasses Executive-level training courses delivering specialized instruction in geopolitics, international relations, and regional affairs for professionals and students.
• AI/Cyber Course Specialized training course in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, developed for professionals and students engaged in geopolitical and security studies.
• CyberBridge Capacity-building program focused on cybersecurity skills and policy, bridging technical and strategic audiences.
• Winter School Intensive winter training program delivering advanced education in geopolitical and international relations topics.
• MOVA Specialized training program focused on Mediterranean and international affairs, developed in partnership with academic institutions.
• MIMES Scholarship Scholarship program supporting postgraduate students in international relations, Mediterranean studies, and related disciplines.
• LUISS Mediterranean Scholarship Scholarship program delivered in partnership with LUISS University, supporting students in Mediterranean and international affairs studies.
• Telemedicine Homekit Project Project deploying telemedicine home kits to deliver healthcare services in partner regions, particularly in Mediterranean, Middle East, and African countries.
• Geopolitica del Digitale Research and project initiative examining the geopolitical implications of digital technologies, including AI, cybersecurity, and data governance.

Quantifiable outcome

• Annual reports and monthly publications distributed to institutional stakeholders
• +1 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

57 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Leonardo SpacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Leonardo Spa is the founding partner of Med-Or Italian Foundation. The foundation was established on Leonardo's initiative in Spring 2021 to promote cultural, research, and scientific training activities to strengthen international relations between Italy and countries of the Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa, and Indo-Pacific.
• EnelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnel is an ordinary member of Med-Or Italian Foundation, contributing to the foundation's activities in the energy and sustainability sectors.
• EnicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEni is an ordinary member of Med-Or Italian Foundation, contributing expertise in energy and international cooperation.
• Ferrovie dello Stato ItalianecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFerrovie dello Stato Italiane is an ordinary member contributing to the foundation's infrastructure and transportation-related international cooperation activities.
• FincantiericoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFincantieri is an ordinary member contributing to naval, maritime, and industrial cooperation activities.
• Poste ItalianecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPoste Italiane is an ordinary member contributing to logistics, communications, and digital services cooperation.
• SnamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSnam is an ordinary member contributing to energy infrastructure and sustainability cooperation.
• AssolavorocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssolavoro is an ordinary member contributing to labor and employment-related international cooperation.
• BF International Best Fields Best Food LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBF International Best Fields Best Food Ltd is an ordinary member contributing to agricultural and food security cooperation.
• Cassa Depositi e PrestitiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCassa Depositi e Prestiti is an adhering member supporting financing and investment-related cooperation.
• EdisonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdison is an adhering member contributing to energy sector cooperation.
• Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntesa Sanpaolo is an adhering member contributing to banking and financial cooperation.
• MBDA ItaliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMBDA Italia is an adhering member contributing to defense and security cooperation.
• TernaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTerna is an adhering member contributing to energy transmission infrastructure cooperation.
• Luiss School of GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or collaborates extensively with LUISS School of Government on research projects, training programs, and events including the Geopolitica del Digitale project and Executive courses on AI and Cybersecurity.
• Fondazione Compagnia di San PaolocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or won the 'Geopolitica e tecnologia' grant from Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo and Fondazione CSF for the 'Geopolitica, tecnologie e sicurezza nel Mediterraneo' project.
• UNITARcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or collaborated with UNITAR on training programs for Somali diplomats in preparation for Somalia's entry into the UN Security Council.
• INGV (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed a Protocollo d'Intesa with INGV for scientific research collaboration and co-funded 2 research grants in geosciences for the Mediterranean and North African region.
• CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed a memorandum of collaboration with CNR for joint research projects directed at Mediterranean allargato countries.
• Agenzia per la Cybersicurezza Nazionale (ACN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or and ACN launched the CyberBridge project - Strategic Training Programme for Digital Resilience in Africa, with support from Leonardo and MAECI.
• Republic of AlgeriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed a Protocollo d'Intesa with the Democratic People's Republic of Algeria for cooperation in various key sectors.
• Federal Republic of SomaliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with Somalia for cooperation in higher education, culture, and training. Supporting 6 scholarships for Somali students at University of Tuscia.
• Republic of NigercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with Niger Presidency for cooperation in higher education, research, and cultural initiatives. Jointly donated 50 oxygen concentrators with Leonardo.
• Republic of SudancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with Sudan for cooperation in higher education and culture.
• Islamic Republic of MauritaniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with Mauritania for cooperation in higher education and cultural heritage preservation.
• Republic of YemencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with Yemen Ministry of Planning for cooperation in higher education and culture.
• Republic of LebanoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed agreement with Lebanon for Italian language promotion, higher education, and culture.
• Hashemite Kingdom of JordancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed Letter of Intent with Jordan for academic and professional training cooperation. Delivered telemedicine Homekit to University of Jordan.
• State of QatarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed Letter of Intent with Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs for partnerships in technology, innovation, and higher education.
• Kingdom of MoroccocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed agreements with Morocco's Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Youth for educational and cultural cooperation. Partnership with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.
• Kingdom of Saudi ArabiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with King Saud University for higher education and research. Conducted training courses with Saudi Telecom Company.
• Kingdom of BahraincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with Nasser Vocational Training Centre of Bahrain for higher education and research cooperation.
• United Arab EmiratescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) and Emirates Policy Center for research cooperation. Participated in Abu Dhabi Strategic Debates.
• State of IsraelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with INSS (Institute for National Security Studies) Tel Aviv for security and technology research cooperation.
• Republic of TürkiyecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed collaboration agreement with Center for Strategic Research of Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• VietnamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed collaboration agreement with Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam for international cooperation.
• IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed collaboration agreement with CSDR (Council for Strategic and Defense Research) in New Delhi for research cooperation.
• Ukraine (Mechnikov University Odessa)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed cooperation agreement with Mechnikov National University of Odessa for academic exchange and cultural collaboration.
• IRCCS San Raffaele di RomacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or collaborated with IRCCS San Raffaele on telemedicine project with University of Jordan, developing telerehabilitation Homekit.
• MAECI (Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with Italian Foreign Ministry for analysis and research cooperation. MAECI supported CyberBridge project and various training initiatives.
• NATO Science for Peace and Security ProgrammecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or won NATO SPS Programme funding for an event on climate change and environmental security in the Mediterranean with Jordan and INGV.
• European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with ECES for mediation and peacebuilding initiatives. Collaborated on Executive Peer Learning Mission on Electoral Leadership and Cyber Resilience.
• European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or collaborates with ECFR on international relations research and analysis.
• LeonardocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeonardo is the founding industrial partner. Collaboration includes CyberBridge project support, Global Security Operation Center visits, and joint donations (oxygen concentrators to Niger).
• SparklecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or and Sparkle organized telecommunications training in Saudi Arabia with Saudi Telecom Company Group Academy.
• CIHEAM BaricoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with CIHEAM Bari (International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies) for agricultural cooperation.
• CRUI (Conferenza dei Rettori delle Università Italiane)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with CRUI for promotion of higher education in international cooperation.
• e-GEOS / TelespaziocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or collaborates with e-GEOS and Telespazio on cultural projects including 'Mediterranea' exhibition and Love Planet Earth calendar on Mediterranean agriculture.
• Delphi Economic ForumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with Delphi Economic Forum for international cooperation and cultural promotion.
• International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with Rasanah Institute in Riyadh for Iranian studies research cooperation.
• Università Cattolica del Sacro CuorecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or renewed support for MIMES (Master in Middle Eastern Studies), funding scholarships for students from Palestine and Tunisia.
• Università degli Studi Roma TrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with Rome Three University for cultural, scientific, and academic cooperation. Funded doctorate scholarship and Nuclear History Boot Camp.
• Università degli Studi di Tor VergatacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed partnership with Tor Vergata University for training and research projects.
• Università della TusciacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or promotes 6 scholarships for Somali students at University of Tuscia for the second consecutive year.
• Università Campus Bio-Medico di RomacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or signed MoU with UCBM for cultural promotion and higher education cooperation. Funded PhD scholarship in Bioengineering.
• Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (Morocco)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or partnership with LUISS and Mohammed VI Polytechnic for scholarship program and academic exchange.
• African UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMed-Or participates in AU initiatives including CyberBridge project and electoral support programs.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• CIDOB (Barcelona Centre for International Affairs): CIDOB is a Barcelona-based Mediterranean-focused think tank producing analysis on international politics with strong ties to Spanish and EU institutions. Comparable as a Southern European international affairs research foundation with similar Mediterranean focus, though CIDOB's geographic emphasis is more Eurocentric and its funding base is different.

Emerging players

• Limes: Limes is an Italian geopolitical journal and research outfit, founded by Lucio Caracciolo, focused on Mediterranean, Middle East, and global geopolitics. Comparable as an Italian-language geopolitical analysis brand with significant editorial reach; Med-Or's Anna Maria Cossiga already collaborates with Limes, indicating direct overlap in audience and contributor base.

Broad incumbents

• Atlantic Council: The Atlantic Council is a US-based international affairs think tank producing analysis on transatlantic security, Middle East, Africa, and emerging technology. Comparable as an institution with strong industrial/military partner ties and policy publications, but with a much larger budget and broader global footprint.
• Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Carnegie is a global think tank with centers in Washington, Brussels, Beirut, and other cities, focused on geopolitics, technology, and international order. Comparable as a research and policy-oriented foundation with multiple regional research streams—Carnegie's Carnegie Middle East Center and broader Mediterranean/Sahel work overlaps materially with Med-Or's regional scope.
• Brookings Institution: Brookings is one of the oldest and largest US-based think tanks, conducting in-depth research on foreign policy, governance, and economics. Comparable as a multi-program research institution with corporate and foundation funding, though Brookings' scale, budget, and global brand recognition are several orders of magnitude larger than Med-Or's.
• German Marshall Fund (GMF): GMF is a US-based transatlantic policy institution with offices across Europe, focused on democracy, security, and international cooperation. Comparable in producing geopolitical analysis with multiple regional programs and strong government/industrial backing—though GMF's transatlantic lens and broader mandate differ from Med-Or's Mediterranean/Indo-Pacific focus.
• ECFR (European Council on Foreign Relations): ECFR is a pan-European foreign policy think tank with pan-European offices and a wider global footprint. Comparable in producing analysis and events on geopolitics, ECFR is a broader incumbent that Med-Or already partners with; ECFR's broader geographic mandate and larger budget make it a more established but less regionally focused peer.
• Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs): Chatham House is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious international affairs think tanks, producing research and convening senior policymakers globally. Comparable in mission (independent analysis on international affairs), but vastly larger in scope, budget, and brand—representing the global incumbent Med-Or competes with for institutional mindshare.

Direct peers

• ISPI (Istituto per gli Studi di Politica Internazionale): ISPI is Italy's leading international affairs think tank based in Milan, producing geopolitical analysis, training programs, and events with strong institutional and corporate backing. Directly comparable as a fellow Italian geopolitical analysis and training organization, though Med-Or has more industrial partner integration and a narrower regional focus.
• IAI (Istituto Affari Internazionali): IAI is a Rome-based Italian think tank focused on international politics, European integration, and security policy, with strong ties to academia and government. Closely comparable in geographic co-location, Italian government access, and publication-oriented model, though IAI has a more academic/European Union orientation versus Med-Or's industrial and Mediterranean allargato lens.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/medorfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/med-or-italian-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Med-Or Italian Foundation