The Leonardo Group fosters innovation and the development of disruptive technologies through the Leonardo Innovation Labs, the Digital Twins and Advanced Simulation Lab, and the Advanced Cognitive Solutions Centre of Excellence (CoE).

The Leonardo Innovation Labs consists of a network of six research labs acting as technology incubators, supporting the Group’s long-term research and development activities and the advancement of cross-disciplinary skills relevant to all the company’s business areas. The Labs include Quantum Technologies, Optronics, Materials, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, and Advanced Power & Energy Systems.

These facilities, which collaborate with industrial partners and global research leaders in their respective areas of expertise, are integrated into Leonardo's industrial sites in order to identify needs and challenges from the Divisions and streamline technology transfer consolidating collaboration with local institutions.

The Digital Twins and Advanced Simulation Lab (DTAS) drives advanced research in digital twin enabling technologies. Its activities span multiphysics simulations, Model-Based Systems Engineering, Multidisciplinary Design Optimization, reduced‑order modeling, and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning‑based ROM modeling, leveraging high‑performance computing and automated workflows to accelerate innovation.

The Advanced Cognitive Solutions CoE leverages digital technologies to drive product innovation and accelerate the Group’s digital transformation, working closely with all business areas to enhance and evolve the company’s product portfolio.

The CoE develops solutions designed to emulate and augment cognitive functions, exploiting advanced algorithms—including Artificial Intelligence—and next-generation computing infrastructures such as High-Performance Computing, Edge Computing, Cloud Computing and Quantum Computing. These capabilities enable the analysis of complex data, enhance decision-making processes, automate operations, and improve overall system performance.

The Innovation Labs, the DTAS Lab, and the CoE pursue an integrated approach to innovation, in which all areas of technological research are interconnected to address the multi-disciplinary nature of the Group's areas of application. Moreover, they nurture a continuous flow of national and international talent, ensuring flexibility and the ongoing renewal of professional skills and competences.