Despite the strong Savoy industrial tradition, in recent years our city has reinvented itself as a center of technological innovation, with a focus on startups in the digital, high-tech, green and sustainability sectors.

Below we explore the main services that a startup born in Turin can benefit from, offering you practical advice to start and develop your business.

But before you start, do you already know ToTeM Doorway? With our new matching platform we put you in touch with our partners and give you access to the best free or affiliated services offered by the innovative ecosystem to those who have a startup or an innovative idea to implement! Book a free call now and tell us what you need by clicking here.

And now, enjoy the reading!

1. Incubators and accelerators

One of the main advantages of founding a startup in Turin is the presence of business incubators and accelerators, which offer personalized support, mentoring and physical spaces for your project.

• I3P: incubator of the Polytechnic University of Turin is one of the most prestigious in Europe, specializing in high-tech startups in the fields of engineering, ICT, electronics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and sustainability. It offers support programs for innovative startups ranging from the idea phase to the scale-up phase, with networking opportunities with investors and customers.
  
• 2i3T: incubator linked to the University of Turin, which supports startups focused on life sciences, biotechnology and ICT. If your startup was born out of a university research project, this could be the perfect place to get assistance.
  
• LINKS Foundation: Specialized in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT), LINKS supports startups through applied research and innovation.
  
• Techstars Transformative World Torino: a specific program for startups working on sustainable solutions that can transform the world and have a fundamental impact in all sectors and geographies.

2. Access to investors and funding

Capital is essential for every startup and Turin offers several opportunities to access funding:

• Investor Club: is a network of over 370 business angels who invest in startups and offer mentorship. Receiving an investment from the Club means not only a financial contribution, but also access to a network of contacts and strategic support.
  
• Venture Capital and Corporate Ventures: Turin is home to a growing network of venture capital and corporate ventures, such as LIFTT and Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center, which offer venture capital for high-potential startups. This is ideal for startups looking to expand quickly.
  
• Foundations and public tenders: Turin is home to several foundations and public tenders (such as those of the Piedmont Region) that offer grants and incentives for startups, especially in the green and sustainability sectors.
  
• Torino Social Impact: an initiative for social enterprises and startups operating in the social innovation sector, with access to dedicated funding.

3. Coworking and networking spaces

A solid network of contacts is vital to growing a startup. In Turin, you can count on coworking spaces that facilitate interaction with other entrepreneurs and professionals:

• Impact Hub Torino: a space that promotes social innovation and offers a community of startups, freelancers and professionals. In addition to physical spaces, it organizes events and workshops to help startups grow.
  
• Talent Garden: European hub for innovation offering workspaces and training programs, as well as a network of startups, entrepreneurs and investors. It’s the perfect place to network and connect with the world of technology and creativity.
  
• OGR Tech: modern space dedicated to innovation, startups and technology companies. Here, events, hackathons, and meetings are organized that will allow you to connect with potential partners and customers.

4. University support and research

The universities of Turin play a crucial role in the development of new technologies and the creation of innovative startups. The Politecnico di Torino and the University of Turin offer entrepreneurship support programs, coworking spaces, and partnerships with the private sector.

In particular, the Politecnico di Torino is at the forefront of areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics and renewable energy, while the University of Turin offers excellence in biotechnology and life sciences.

These institutions not only train the human capital that a startup can benefit from, but also offer direct access to applied research projects.

5. Ecosystem of innovation and green technologies

Turin is standing out as a hub for sustainability and green innovation. If your startup is focused on eco-friendly or circular solutions, you will find a conducive environment here.

• Environment Park: technology park dedicated to environmental innovation and sustainability. If your startup operates in this sector, you will find support, laboratories and specialized consultancy to develop green technologies here.
  
• Torino City Lab: the city of Turin is also an open-air laboratory for startups that want to test innovative solutions related to the smart city and sustainable mobility.

6. Mobility and logistics

Turin, thanks to its proximity to important economic centers such as Milan, Switzerland and France, offers startups easy access to the European market. Its strategic geographical location and good infrastructure network allow companies to easily expand to other European countries. A significant advantage for startups that want, or need, a quick connection with foreign markets.

7. Tips for Starting a Startup in Turin

• Be part of the ecosystem: Attend events, workshops, and meetups to connect with other entrepreneurs and potential investors.
  
• Leverage universities: Collaborate with research centers and students to develop new ideas and technologies. The Polytechnic and the University of Turin are excellent allies.
  
• Access incubators: If you’re at the beginning of your journey, consider joining an incubator. You’ll be able to receive mentoring, access to workspaces, and network with startuppers and investors.
  
• Focus on sustainability: Turin is investing heavily in green and sustainable technologies. If your startup deals with these sectors, you will be able to access specific funds and facilities.

Turin is a city in full transformation, full of opportunities for those who want to start a startup. With a dynamic ecosystem that integrates universities, research centers, investors and public institutions, this city is establishing itself as a reference point for innovation in Italy and Europe.

If you are looking for the right place to grow your business, Turin offers all the support you need to turn your idea into a successful reality.

Do you have a startup or are you trying to develop your innovative idea? You can find the best services offered, free of charge or in agreement, by the Turin innovation ecosystem on our ToTeM Doorway portal: book a free call, we will find the perfect match between the needs of your project and the services offered by our partners!