we receive e we publish the following Press release spread by Unicredit.
The winners of the2025 edition di UniCredit Start Lab, UniCredit's business platform aimed at the best Italian innovative "Tech" start-ups and SMEs which saw the bank, in 12 years of activity, evaluate approximately 9 thousand entrepreneurial projects and accompany 700 start-up of the country towards growth paths.
The companies admitted to the program are approximately 640 start-up who, in 2025, submitted their candidacy, were selected by evaluation committees, composed of over 40 experts and representatives of leading companies in their respective sectors,
Among the five sectors to which the initiative is dedicated, the majority of participation comes predominantly from the Digital world (43% of the total), followed by Impact Innovation (21%), Innovative Made in Italy (15%), Life Science (13%) and Clean Tech (8%).
The percentage of female-led start-ups who applied this year, 21% of the total applications received, almost doubles, reaching the share of 36% among those selected to access Start Lab. This percentage rises to 47% if we also count the female figures present in managerial positions within the startup.
They will be this year 8 i Corporate Partner – among the confirmations of Cisco, Fincantieri, Jakala, Iren and 4 new collaborations started with Chiesi Farmaceutici, Casillo Group, SERI Industrial, and TeamSystem – who will identify at least one startup among the finalists to support by making available their own mentor e facility (laboratories and company spaces), launching joint pilot projects and evaluating the possibility of capital injections.
states Remo Taricani, Deputy Head of UniCredit Italy"The Italian innovative startup landscape continues to show signs of growth and consolidation. Supporting these young businesses, as we have been doing with UniCredit Start Lab for over ten years, means promoting innovation, competitiveness, and technological transformation in our country, fostering the growth and development of our regions and communities.
To the best companies selected in each of the 5 categories mentioned, UniCredit awards a prize of 10.000 euros.
For the category Life Science, the start-up came in first place RoseBio, a company that develops diagnostic tests for molecular oncology with high specificity, sensitivity, and ease of use. The ZipArray platform makes genomic testing much more timely, accessible, and useful for informing and expanding the use of precision medicine in routine clinical practice.
in the category Clean Tech & Industrial the start-up excelled Flow-Nano, which develops nanostructured electrodes for flow batteries, one of the most promising technologies for storing energy from renewable sources, with the aim of increasing their performance and reducing their costs.
'SInnovative Made in Italy, the start-up was the winner Alkelux which develops antimicrobial additives obtained through a patented process using licorice plant waste, thus promoting a circular economy model. By incorporating this additive into the food packaging production process, it is possible to extend the shelf life of highly perishable foods.
In the field Digital first place was GetPica, a company that has developed a platform for real-time photo delivery to event attendees. Using a patented artificial intelligence system, photos uploaded by photography teams are processed and categorized so that the individuals featured have access only to their own content, ensuring maximum privacy and increasing attendee engagement and social media presence.
For the category Impact Innovation, the winner is Openstage, a company that has developed a technology platform designed to innovate urban entertainment in Smart Cities. Through a dedicated app, citizen-artists can book an Open Stage totem and access a wide range of audio equipment, including mixers, speakers, power outlets, and IoT sensors, free of charge.
All 59 selected companies also have access to specific Services and opportunities of the UniCredit Start Lab business platform including:
- Participation in meetings with UniCredit client companies to explore potential commercial, industrial, or technological partnerships, both as part of ad hoc sector initiatives (Tech Days) and in one-on-one meetings. The next scheduled meetings will be held in Turin, focusing on the energy business, and in Sicily, dedicated to the topic of water;
- the possibility of coming into contact with potential investors, including international ones (Business Angels, Venture Capital, etc.) specially selected by UniCredit;
- access to the Startup Academy, the managerial training program organized by the UniCredit Start Lab team;
- the identification of one or more Mentors chosen among professionals, consultants, entrepreneurs, UniCredit partners for periodic discussions on strategic aspects and company growth;
- the assignment of a UniCredit Relationship Manager to follow innovative start-ups and SMEs in their banking needs.
Below is the complete list of the winning start-ups and Special Mentions in the five categories of the initiative.
Life Science
- 1st place:- ROSEBIO (Brescia)
- 2nd place:- HEALTH TRIAGE (Naples)
- 3nd place:- SENSE4MED (Rome)
- Special Mention:- CLEAN OS (Milan)
Clean Tech and Industrial
- 1nd place:- FLOW NANO (Milan)
- 2nd place:- THERNESS (Turin)
- 3nd place:- NORTHERN LIGHT (Gorizia)
- 2 Special Mentions:- APOGEO SPACE (Brescia) / SIEVE (Bergamo)
Innovative Made in Italy
- 1nd place:- ALKELUX (Sassari)
- 2nd place:- ID EIGHT (Florence)
- 3nd place:- HYPESOUND (Perugia)
- 2 Special Mentions:- DEW (Fermo) / GLUTESENS (Milan)
Digital
- 1nd place:- GETPICA (Milan)
- 2nd place:- COSMIC (Catania)
- 3nd place:- HOTIDAY (Naples)
- Special Mention:- WEAGLE (Milan)
Impact Innovation
- 1nd place:- OPEN STAGE (Milan)
- 2nd place:- CULTIPHARM (Mantua)
- 3nd place:- GRAPHICORE (Milan)
- Special Mention:- WORLD4ALL (Brescia)
