On Italian territory Intesa Sanpaolo proves to be the bank that believes most in the power of innovation. In the first half of this year I am 117 new projects started by his Innovation Center, bringing the total number of initiatives launched since 2022 to 763 in areas ranging from supporting startup growth, developing innovative ecosystems, applied research projects, business transformation, and spreading the culture of innovation. The result: approximately 400 startups have been promoted and developed since 2022, while, with regard to ecosystem initiatives alone, since 2019 the Bank has contributed to the acceleration of approximately 250 startups, raising more than €150 million in capital.
Neva SGR, Intesa Sanpaolo Group's venture capital company, wholly owned by Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center, has invested in the first six months of the year 53,3 million euros in startups also thanks to the first operations carried out by the two new Neva II Funds e Neva II Italy launched in September 2024. A result that leads to approximately Total investments: 172 million euros
made from 2022.
A network of accelerators spread across the country
Intesa Sanpaolo's action is divided into numerous vertical programs, who have contributed to the development of local ecosystems with an international vision, thanks to the Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center network and partners and stakeholders in the region and the country.
Turin – Techstars Transformative World Turin: Acceleration program for startups in AI, robotics, quantum computing, and energy transition. Since its launch in 2019, it has accelerated 69 startups (28 of which
with Italian teams), with over 130 million euros raised;
Florence – Italian Lifestyle: an initiative dedicated to startups working in the digitalization of Made in Italy products (fashion, tourism, food & wine). Active since 2021, it has supported 18 Italian startups, raising €5 million;
Naples – Terra Next: a bioeconomy acceleration program supported by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security. Since its launch in 2022, 22 startups have been accelerated and €9 million has been raised;
Venice – Argo: Hospitality and Tourism program launched in 2023 in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism. 16 startups accelerated, €4 million raised;
Genoa & Trieste – Maritime Venture: a venture building program for the innovation of SMEs operating in the nautical and port sectors. The Innovation Ecosystem Development Fund (SEI Fund) of Neva SGR is also involved, with an investment of €0,75 million. Three potential spin-offs have already been selected.
Rome/Turin – Galaxia – National Aerospace Technology Transfer Hub: promoted by CDP Venture Capital to finance and develop proof-of-concept projects developed by Italian research centers and deep-tech startups in the aerospace sector. Neva SGR's SEI Fund is also involved, investing €1,5 million;
Life Science: partnership agreement with Bio4Dreams (a certified Italian incubator focused on supporting high-potential startups in the life sciences sector), aimed at fostering the sector's growth with non-financial services/activities. Neva SGR's SEI Fund has also been involved, investing €1 million;
Acceleration Programs: “Next Age” (Silver Economy) in Ancona and "Faros" (Blue Economy) in Taranto. Since launch, over 30 startups have been accelerated and €6 million in capital raised;
The Up2Stars program, promoted by the Banca dei Territori Division, and the In Action ESG Climate program, promoted by Intesa Sanpaolo Assicurazioni, focused on supporting Italian startups operating in specific fields. The 2025 edition of Up2Stars is dedicated to startups operating in the New Materials, Robotics, Designtech, and Aerospace sectors. Since its launch, 80 startups have been accelerated through the Up2Stars program, and 11 startups have received €1,75 million under the In Action program.
ESG.
