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Startup opportunities program
Bring Innovation to the next level
Overview
Startup Opportunities within SOFIA
Startup Opportunities is a program within SOFIA, the innovation ecosystem that fosters collaboration among startups, corporations, research centers, and technology partners. SOFIA provides a dynamic environment where innovation can thrive, addressing the most pressing market challenges.
Within this ecosystem, the program dedicated to startups aims to gather innovative solutions from startups to meet the specific needs of companies seeking new technological and business solutions. The goal is to bridge the gap between innovation supply and demand, creating collaboration opportunities that can evolve into real, impactful projects.
Participate
Perché Partecipare ?
Our goal is to foster collaboration and,
to encourage mutual growth and the adoption of solutions
that can effectively address market challenges.
Access to New Opportunities
Your startup will have the chance to connect with leading companies in the industry and gain access to new collaboration and development opportunities.
Development of a Proof of Concept (PoC)
If selected, your startup will have the opportunity to work closely with companies to develop a joint experimentation project, clearly demonstrating the value of your solution.
Access to Expertise and Resources
Participate to benefit from the expertise of leading companies, research centers, and technology partners, while exploring innovative solutions to address strategic market needs.
Scalability of Your Solution
Through collaboration with large companies and partners, your startup will have the opportunity to test and adapt your solution at scale, increasing its growth potential and market reach.
Selection
How does it work Work?
From 21/05/2025 to 20/07/2025
Startup
Application
- Fill out the form by describing your needs and providing as many details as possible.
- Download the operational guide for instructions on how to complete the form.
From 30/07/2025 to 30/08/2025
Analysis & Selection
- Our innovation team will review all submitted requests.
- The most innovative and high-priority needs will be selected for a targeted search of startups capable of offering concrete solutions.
From September 2025
Startup Matching & Experimentation
- For the selected projects, we will begin scouting startups with relevant solutions.
- Once the most suitable startup is identified, you will have the opportunity to collaborate directly to test and develop an innovative solution.
- We will keep you informed throughout each phase of the process and share any collaboration opportunities that arise.
Focus Areas
Aree tematiche
The
Startup Opportunities initiative focuses on
key innovation areas to concretely address
the needs of our partners:
Solutions for more efficient waste management and recycling.
Technologies to accelerate the shift toward sustainable energy.
Innovations for the treatment and management of water resources.
Technologies aimed at reducing environmental pollution.
Artificial intelligence applications to optimize processes and services.
Robotics-based solutions to automate and enhance operational efficiency.
Technology areas
The technologies we focus on include:
Need support?
FAQ’s
Startups, SMEs, and innovators with relevant solutions to the proposed challenges are welcome to participate.
SOFIA supports open and concrete collaborations, such as joint development of pilot projects or proof of concept initiatives.
Your proposal will be reviewed by the innovation team and, if aligned with identified needs, may be selected for a potential collaboration.
Proposals are assessed based on relevance to the challenges, level of innovation, sustainability, scalability, and solution maturity.
Yes, each new call is a standalone opportunity open also to previous collaborators.
Your data will be processed in accordance with applicable privacy regulations and used solely for the purposes of managing the program.
Join Now!
A dynamic and inclusive system where companies, startups, universities, research centers, venture capital firms, and technology partners work together to develop solutions with real impact on the future.
Present Your Startup!Download the Operational Guide
Want to participate? Download the guide to follow the necessary steps and submit your application.
Download Here