The Cloud is Not in the Sky, it’s in the ocean

Registration Now Open
Via Energy Park, Italy | November 10th, 2026
Why Wave?

Join us to explore the hidden network behind the Internet.

The cloud isn't in the sky. It's on the ocean floor. Most people believe our digital world is powered by satellites. The reality is far more complex and far more exciting. It lives on the ocean floor.

The SubOptic Foundation and Nokia invite you to join fellow students for a unique deep dive into the digital backbone of the Mediterranean. Step out of the classroom and into the industry building the AI revolution. Every video call, AI application, online purchase, financial transaction, and social media interaction depends on a vast network of submarine cables that silently connect continents and enable the global digital economy.

During this event, you will discover the technology, innovation, and engineering behind this critical infrastructure directly from the experts who design, build, deploy, and operate it.

But this event is about much more than technology. It is an opportunity to explore the full spectrum of careers that make global connectivity possible. You will gain first-hand insight into the diverse professional paths that shape the submarine telecommunications industry, from optical engineering, network design, marine operations, and scientific research to business development, project management, strategy, policy-making, regulation, and international cooperation.

By engaging directly with industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers, you will better understand how technical, commercial, and policy expertise come together to create and protect the infrastructure that connects the world. Whether your interests lie in engineering, business, innovation, sustainability, or public policy, this event will help you discover how your skills and ambitions can contribute to one of the world's most strategic, global, and fast-evolving industries.

Agenda

Agenda

Everything you need to know about the programme of talks and activities.
Opening Session 09:30 to 10:15
Opening Session 09:30 to 10:15
Opening Session
Opening Session

From the First Telegraph Cable to the AI Era: The Evolution of Global Subsea Connectivity

Opening Session
Opening Session

Subsea Cables and Global Resilience: The Strategic Importance of Digital Infrastructure

Opening Session
Opening Session

Careers Beneath the Surface: Opportunities Across the Subsea Industry

Technical Deep Dive 10:40 to 12:40
Technical Deep Dive 10:40 to 12:40
Technical Deep Dive
Technical Deep Dive

Building a Subsea Cable System: From Survey and Manufacturing to Installation and Lifecycle Management

Technical Deep Dive
Technical Deep Dive

The Technology Powering Global Connectivity: Inside Modern Submarine Line Terminal Equipment (SLTE)

Technical Deep Dive
Technical Deep Dive

From Network Design to Service Delivery: Operating Global Connectivity at Scale

Technical Deep Dive
Technical Deep Dive

Connecting Landing Stations to the Cloud: The Critical Role of Backhaul Networks

Technical Deep Dive
Technical Deep Dive

The Future of the Subsea Industry: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities

Technical Deep Dive 2: 14:00 to 15:10
Technical Deep Dive 2: 14:00 to 15:10
Technical Deep Dive 2
Technical Deep Dive 2

Subsea Networks in the Age of AI: Enabling Hyperscale Connectivity and Data Growth

Technical Deep Dive 2
Technical Deep Dive 2

Italian/European ecosystem focus Panel

Innovation Hub Visit 15:30 to 17:20
Innovation Hub Visit 15:30 to 17:20
Closing Session 17:25 to 17:45
Closing Session 17:25 to 17:45
Speakers

Inspiring speakers

Vittorio Curri
Vittorio
Curri
Professor, Politecnico di Torino
Linkedin
Venue

Via Energy Park, Milan

The SubOptic Foundation and Nokia invite students to Nokia's home at Energy Park, just outside Milan, for a deep dive into the submarine cables powering the Mediterranean's digital economy. Hear from the experts who design, build and operate this critical infrastructure, and discover careers spanning engineering, marine operations, business, policy and beyond in one of the world's most strategic industries.
Via Energy Park, 14, 20871 Torri Bianche MB
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