The incubator of the University of Turin 2i3T celebrates its first 18 years of activity, retracing a growth path that has made it a point of reference in the Piedmontese innovation ecosystem. Founded in 2007 with the support of the University of Turin, Finpiemonte, the Metropolitan City of Turin and the Links Foundation, the incubator has been a University Incubator Certified by the Ministry of Economic Development since 2016, boasting one of the longest experiences at national level. The incubator’s mission is to support the birth and development of innovative companies with a high knowledge content, promoting technology transfer and enhancing the results of academic research. It proposes itself as a “bridging institution” between the academic world and the business system. Currently led by President Fiorella Altruda, it has seen Professor Silvio Aime at its helm from its foundation until 2020.
Over the course of 18 years, he has supported 122 startups and spin-offs, operating in strategic sectors such as life sciences, agritech, cleantech, digital and cultural and creative industries, with projects largely born from scouting activities conducted in the 27 Departments of the University of Turin.
The numbers testify to the impact generated on the territory: over 83 million euros of capital raised, including successful operations such as the 21 million euros raised by EuremAb, the 5.6 million by Kither Biotech, the 2.5 million by Addax Biosciences, 1.4 million by i-TES and 1 million by Corion Biotech.
Two important awards were obtained at the National Award for Innovation, the main Italian competition dedicated to innovation: the first victory in 2016 with Panoxyvir, a spin-off engaged in the development of antiviral therapies, and the second in 2024 with Inflant, a startup active in the development of new therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases.
The incubator has also played a key role in spreading entrepreneurial culture, promoting training projects aimed at university and high school students. In the last three years, over 150 eventshave been organized, including workshops, laboratories, seminars and PCTO activities, involving hundreds of young people.
At the same time, the incubator has built a network of qualified partnerships with institutions, bodies and companies, contributing to the development of open innovation models and the strengthening of the local innovation ecosystem. Among the most important collaborations is the partnership with Fresenius Medical Care and the University of Turin for the creation of a center of excellence in biomedical through Unicyte AG.
Finally, the incubator has consolidated its role by taking part in strategic projects such as NODES – Digital and Sustainable North West and CTE NEXT – House of Emerging Technologies.
(Source: 2i3T press release)
