This is the start of the edition 2024 of UniCredit Start Lab, the business platform dedicated toinnovation and aimed at innovative startups and SMEs established no more than 5 years ago.
The programme offers all-round support to selected startups, accompanying them at all stages of their company life with specific actions aimed at supporting their growth and network development. The initiative, which celebrates its 11th edition this year, aims to support the selected innovative companies by fostering the creation of connections with corporations and investors and offering targeted technical support through managerial training and mentorship programmes.
Among other novelties, the 2024 edition will involve as Corporate Partners Barilla, Cisco, Fincantieri, Granarolo, Iren and Jakala, who will identify one or more startups among the finalists to whom they will offer various collaboration opportunities.
At the same time, thanks to the partnership with ICE, a shortlist of innovative companies selected by Start Lab will have the opportunity to take part in the “Global Start Up Program” initiative and enhance their internationalisation path, straddling Europe, the United States and Asia.
To meet the startups in the territories, UniCredit has organised a Roadshow that will pass through several Italian cities and involve numerous partners supporting new technologies and next-generation entrepreneurship, who will delve into industry dynamics and the main trends observed. The Turin leg is scheduled for 9 February and will address the topic "How ESG dimensions impact business prospects and equity research for startups". Subsequently, the Roadshow will touch upon Padua, Palermo, Rome, Naples and Milan.
The target sectors for UniCredit Start Lab are:
- Innovative Made in Italy (agrifood, fashion, design, tourism, mechanics, robotics, nanotechnology and Industry 4.0)
- Digital (mobile apps, internet of things, B2B services and platforms, cloud systems, hardware and artificial intelligence)
- Life Science (biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, digital health care and assistive technologies)
- Clean Tech (energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste treatment and sustainable mobility)
- Impact Innovation (services and products that can generate a social or environmental benefit)
In order to participate in the selection process for access to UniCredit Start Lab, it is necessary to develop and submit an entrepreneurial project concerning original initiatives with high innovative content. For this purpose, the Proponent will necessarily have to complete and submit in the manner indicated in the online application platform the required forms.