A research project ranked first among those submitted to a Call by the Italian Ministry of Education and Research (MIUR), Cantico is led by Naples-based Innovaway and aims to immerse audiences in opera through augmented reality, immersive technology, and greater accessibility. It marks a major leap forward in making opera and cultural heritage digitally inclusive and attractive to younger, tech-savvy audiences.

“The economic revival of the arts relies on the targeted use of new technologies,” says Antonio Giacomini, CEO of Innovaway.

The Cantico project was selected as the top-ranking initiative in the Horizon 2020-PON “Research and Innovation” 2014/2020 program—Design, Creativity and Made in Italy specialization area. The consortium includes:

• University of Sannio of Benevento (research body)

• Meditel Srl, Officina Rambaldi Srl, Digitalcomoedia Srl

• Nicola Sala State Conservatory (public institution)

• Eai Software Srl, Step Srl

• Innovaway SpA as project leader

Headquartered in Naples, Innovaway today counts over 1,300 employees and an aggregated revenue of €50 million, providing cutting-edge ICT solutions and services.

Transforming Opera with Digital Innovation

With Cantico, opera becomes a 360-degree experience, enhanced by:

• Augmented reality to immerse spectators in performances

• Wearable technologies enabling inclusive and low-invasiveness interactions

• Remote access tools, both real-time and on-demand

• Smart learning systems to train tomorrow’s performers

• Inclusive teaching models and tools for data-driven decision-making in theaters

“Cantico is designed to extend access beyond traditional live performances,” explains Giacomini, “helping younger generations and people with disabilities to experience opera in new, more engaging ways.”

Italy’s cultural industry generates more than €40 billion annually, roughly 2.5% of GDP. However, live theater and opera alone account for €3 billion, with 60% of revenues derived from public and private contributions.

The project addresses this imbalance by helping theaters become more self-sufficient, through audience growth and richer service offerings.

From Vision to Reality: Testing Begins

“We’ve completed the design and research phase,” says Antonio Burinato, General Manager of Innovaway. “Starting January, we’ll launch real-world testing in theaters like Teatro Regio in Parma to explore the customer experience.”

This phase reflects Innovaway’s capacity for adaptive innovation, as seen in other projects:

• Fever Pass: AI-based health screening during the COVID era

• Mobile Control: IoT-enabled smart surveillance for public safety

“Technologies are cross-cutting enablers,” concludes Burinato. “As the PNRR teaches us, digitalization is the engine of Italy’s economic rebirth.”