UniCredit focuses on innovation with two initiatives aimed at startups and SMEs, with the aim of providing concrete support to the development and growth of innovative projects, focusing on issues relevant to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. For several years now, the banking group has been promoting the meeting between emerging realities and the main players in the sector, thus promoting networking, access to useful resources and tools and the opportunity to share experiences and skills. The goal is to promote innovation and support the growth of new entrepreneurial realities, in a competitive and constantly evolving scenario.

UniCredit Start Lab Roadshow: Turin, 27 February 2025

The Roadshow of the UniCredit Start Lab program, which offers support to innovative startups and SMEs, will be held in Turin on February 27, 2025 at the UniCredit University headquarters in Via XX Settembre 29.

The event will start at 11:00 and will offer a series of talks and networking moments. After the accreditation of the participants, Paola Garibotti, Regional Manager North West of UniCredit, will introduce the meeting. Afterwards, Francesca Perrone, Head of ESG & Start Lab Italy at UniCredit, will present the program and opportunities for startups.

Other speeches will address topics such as the civil economy in the companies of the future, with Marco Piccolo, CEO of Reynaldi, and the acceleration of the growth of tech companies, with contributions from experts such as Giancarlo Rocchietti, President of the Club degli Investitori, Matteo Vacchetti, Corporate Venture Capital Coordinator of Iren Group, Antonia Verna, Partner of the Portolano Cavallo Law Firm, and Pietro Balda, Co-Founder and Head of Tech & Product at Reefilla. During the event, Ivan Ferraresi, Head of Buddy Value at UniCredit, will talk about initiatives dedicated to supporting startups.

The meeting will end with a light lunch, which will offer an informal opportunity to network, learn more about the topics discussed and get to know other professionals in the sector.

To participate , please send a request to hxterritorialdevelop-Italia@unicredit.eu

UniCredit Start Lab 2025 call: applications open until 7 April 2025

In parallel with the roadshow, UniCredit has opened the UniCredit Start Lab 2025 Call, which will remain active until 7 April 2025. The call is intended for innovative startups and SMEs operating in various sectors, including:

• Life Sciences (e.g. biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices)
• Clean Tech (e.g. renewable energy, sustainable mobility, energy efficiency)
• Digital (e.g. artificial intelligence, fintech, IoT, SaaS)
• Innovative Made in Italy (e.g. agrifood, fashion, nanotechnology)
• Impact Innovation (e.g. solutions with social or environmental impact)

The selected startups will have the opportunity to participate in the Startup Academy and will have access to support from corporate partners, networking opportunities with investors and other entrepreneurs, an advanced management training course and personalized mentoring. In addition, ESG advice and dedicated support from a UniCredit Relationship Manager will be available.

Applications can be submitted by registering your startup on the UniCredit Start Lab website by the deadline of 7 April 2025.

Why participate?

These initiatives offer the opportunity to connect with experts, access useful resources for the development of your business and expand your professional network. UniCredit Start Lab has already supported numerous startups in Italy, offering them practical tools to face market challenges and foster growth.

For more information visit the official website of UniCredit Start Lab