Intesa Sanpaolo announced the launch of the new edition of Up2Stars, the acceleration program dedicated to startup launched in 2022. The initiative aims to support the growth of technological and innovative companies, in line with the group's strategies and the objectives of the PNRR.
From two o'clock previous editions, the program has registered over 1.000 independent applications and accelerated 80 startups, with 12 of these accompanied to Silicon Valley and 50 included in the Lounge Elite-Intesa Sanpaolo path. Over 500 stakeholders including companies, investors and experts have taken part in the project ecosystem.
Up2Stars 2025: more startups, more opportunities
An new important this year is the integration with In Action Esg Climate, the initiative of Intesa Sanpaolo Insurance now in its fourth edition. This includes three grants of 100 thousand euros each for startups with concrete projects to accelerate the ecological transition. Applications can be submitted by July 28 via the dedicated sites.
The 2025 edition of Up2Stars focuses on four sectors key: New Materials, Robotics, Aerospace Logisticse Design Tech, with the selection of 40 startups (10 per sector) that will access a free acceleration path, managed by Cariplo Factory, including mentorship, Demo Day and networking with companies and investors. The program also benefits from collaborations with Microsoft, Elite, Digit'Ed and four National Research Centers.
Focus on the first call: New Materials and environmental sustainability
La first call is dedicated to the New Materials sector, with particular attention to the development of sustainable solutions that contribute to reducing environmental impact and replacing critical materials. Startups can apply in the various identified areas, such as composite materials, nanomaterials, 3D printing materials and circular economy materials.
According to Intesa Sanpaolo, since the launch of the program, approximately 850 million euros have been disbursed to over 3.800 innovative startup clients, with 14,4 million through the Convertibile Impresa instrument.
Innovation and growth of startups in the Italian production system
The press release also presents an overview of theinnovation in the Italian production system. The data of Community Innovation Survey indicate that over 60% of Italian companies have introduced product or process innovations between 2020 and 2022, with significant diffusion also among small businesses. Robotics, artificial intelligence and cloud computing are among the most adopted 4.0 technologies, contributing to automation and the smart factory.
The number of innovative startups registered in the Chamber of Commerce register at the end of May 2025 is approximately 12.000, with approximately 900 new registrations in the first five months of the year alone. These companies operate in various sectors, from software and IT to artificial intelligence, health, industry 4.0, agriculture, culture, training, fintech and professional services.
Comments
“The new edition of Up2Stars confirms Intesa Sanpaolo's commitment to supporting innovation and accompanying Italian startups in high added value development paths, working in synergy with the other structures of the group – states Anna Roscio, executive director sales & marketing for businesses at Banca dei Territori di Intesa Sanpaolo -. After the positive experience in Silicon Valley in collaboration with Hub Innovit, this year's new program is the In Action Esg Climate initiative by Intesa Sanpaolo Assicurazioni. Since its launch, Intesa Sanpaolo has disbursed approximately 850 million euros to over 3.800 innovative startup clients, of which 14,4 million through the Convertibile Impresa instrument, confirming a solid and continuous contribution to the potential of our emerging businesses”.
