MILAN (AP) — Italian Premier Matteo Renzi is proposing a research center focused on improving human health at the former site of Expo 2015.

Renzi said Tuesday that the government is prepared to invest 150 million euros ($160 million) a year over the next decade to spark the creation of a global medical research hub that would draw together universities, private enterprises, startups and research institutes in the image of high-tech Silicon Valley.

The project would include research on the Expo theme of food and nutrition as well as cancer, neural degeneration and sustainable waste and water technology.

Renzi proposed launching the project on the Expo 2015 site just days after the Milan world's fair ended its six-month run. More than 21 million people visited Expo, exceeding the target of 20 million.