What This Project Is All About
This initiative is all about investing in Italian researchers who are making waves as successful deep-tech entrepreneurs abroad. It’s focused on supporting founders, co-founders, or key Italian individuals who have earned a master’s or PhD from top-tier universities and have carved out impressive careers as researchers and entrepreneurs outside Italy. The technologies they develop come from cutting-edge research in the world’s most prestigious labs and research centers, backed by strong patent protection and a powerful potential to impact today’s and tomorrow’s world. Timing is key here — investments are made in startups that already have pre-seed or seed funding, often through grants and research awards, and are ready to raise capital with qualified international venture capitalists stepping in as main investors.
The Numbers You Need to Know
Here’s a quick snapshot of the key figures that highlight why this project matters:
- 2nd: Italian young researchers rank as the 2nd most awarded group at the European level.
- 50%: On average, at least half of the top 100 Italian researchers leave Italy every year.
- 2/3: Of the Italian researchers awarded by the ERC carry out their projects abroad.
- 3 Billion Euros +: The opportunity cost lost annually due to the Italian “brain drain” abroad.
Deep-Tech Focus: The Future Is Now
The project zooms in on high-potential deep-tech startups that are set to change the future across four main sectors. These include:
- Enabling Technologies: Think edge AI, advanced computing, chips, quantum computing, laser tech, sensors, and photonics.
- Robotics Automation: Drones, industrial robots, air taxis, service robots, autonomous vehicles, exoskeletons, agricultural and logistics robots.
- Cleantech: Hydrogen tech, energy storage, batteries, carbon capture, graphene, polymers from renewable sources, and circular economy solutions.
- Med-Tech: AI applied to research and diagnosis, imaging & diagnostic technologies, lab-on-chips, rehabilitation and surgical robotics.
Clear Objectives That Drive Success
The project has crystal-clear goals that guide its investments:
- People: Focus on Italian founders and key individuals with advanced degrees from prestigious universities who have built careers abroad.
- Technologies: Investing in innovations born from top-notch research labs, protected by solid patents and with strong potential impact.
- Timing: Targeting startups that already have early-stage funding and are ready to scale with international VC involvement.
A Project That Truly Stands Out
This initiative isn’t just about funding; it’s about creating real value for everyone involved — members, companies, and co-investors alike. It’s fast, revolutionary, smart, ambitious, effective, and solid. Investments happen quickly to build a portfolio that has time to mature. The focus is on revolutionary scientific startups backed by strong patents. The investment conditions are ideal for members, co-investors, and entrepreneurs. Ambition drives the projects, aiming for tangible positive societal impact. Even when entrepreneurs are thousands of kilometers away, the support remains close. And all investments are co-led with qualified venture capital funds with proven track records.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy — through cleantech innovations like hydrogen technologies and energy storage.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — by supporting cutting-edge deep-tech startups.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — via robotics automation and smart technologies.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — through circular economy solutions and sustainable materials.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being — with med-tech advancements in diagnostics and rehabilitation robotics.
Portfolio Highlights: Innovation in Action
The portfolio showcases a diverse range of startups pushing boundaries worldwide. For example, Zaphiro Technologies in Switzerland leads in smart grid solutions, optimizing energy networks with innovative software. Synthara AG is making in-memory computing accessible across various chips, collaborating with giants like Bosch. Renaissance Fusion in France tackles nuclear fusion with revolutionary reactor designs. UK-based TOffeeX automates thermofluidic component design using generative AI, while DeepMirror AI from Cambridge accelerates drug discovery with structural machine learning. Other notable names include NodeQ’s quantum network solutions, Hylomorph’s biomaterials for medical implants, and Fluorok’s sustainable fluorination technology. Each company reflects the project’s commitment to groundbreaking tech with global impact.
