Led by Paola Agnese Bongini of Milano-Bicocca University, the digital platform aims to bridge the knowledge gaps on innovative finance and foster new collaborations among SMEs, startups, investors, and universities.

Matchmaking Platform is a digital ecosystem designed to bring small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups closer to the opportunities offered by alternative finance. The project was developed by researchers from the University of Milano-Bicocca, with the support of the company Switchup, within MUSA Spoke 3. The goal is twofold: to enhance the training of entrepreneurs on innovative finance topics and to foster strategic connections capable of stimulating collaboration, growth, and innovation.

As explained by Paola Agnese Bongini, Professor of Economic-Business Sciences and Law for the Economy at Milano-Bicocca University and scientific director of the project, “this platform aims to be a digital ecosystem to bring small and medium-sized enterprises and startups closer to all the opportunities offered by alternative finance. The idea is to make accessible tools and knowledge, especially practical knowledge, that can bridge the training gaps identified when accessing the platform.”

Access to the platform is gained through an initial questionnaire, which helps to uncover the entrepreneur’s needs. Based on the responses, the user is directed towards a tailored training path, consisting of videos and informative modules consistent with their level of knowledge and needs. “There are three levels of depth – basic, advanced, and technical – which address the different aspects of the main alternative finance instruments, from crowdfunding to tokenization, all the way to minibonds,” explains Bongini.

The content design was also realized thanks to a focus group organized last July with Lombard entrepreneurs associated with API – Associazione Piccole e Medie Industrie (Association of Small and Medium Industries). “We wanted to build the platform starting from the real needs of businesses,” adds Bongini, “and the interaction with API was invaluable for identifying the most relevant topics and the necessary skills.”

Thanks to a hybrid training offer – which combines video snippets, webinars, and in-person workshops – the Matchmaking Platform makes practical tools and knowledge accessible to fill training and information gaps. In parallel, some of the main players in the Milanese financial ecosystem have been involved, including Finlombarda, Red Fish Kapital, Borsa Italiana, Arrow Global, KT&Partners, and Sagitta SGR, who have contributed to defining the content and educational paths.

“Borsa Italiana, for example, illustrated the operation of its markets and the minibond market, while Finlombarda delved into the topics of sustainable and subsidized finance. We also involved intermediaries and consultants who explain, step by step, how SMEs can access alternative financing instruments,” says Bongini.

The platform, however, is not just intended as a training tool, but also as a networking and mentoring space. “The objective,” the professor emphasizes, “is to create a digital meeting point between entrepreneurs, investors, and universities, to foster connections, collaborations, and shared projects.” In the future, it will also be possible to organize physical meetings at the Bicocca Pavilion, which will serve as a hub for in-person workshops and discussions.

The project also includes a section dedicated to university researchers interested in developing academic spin-offs, with specific training modules to build entrepreneurial, managerial, and operational skills.

Researchers from the universities involved in the MUSA project, including the Politecnico di Milano, collaborated on the realization of the Matchmaking Platform, together with a network of partners from the traditional and innovative financial system. The involvement of a bank that will share its expertise in sustainable loans is also planned.

“The platform,” concludes Bongini, “is designed as a dynamic and inclusive environment where universities, businesses, and financial actors can interact, train, and create new opportunities for collaboration and growth.”

The public version of the Matchmaking Platform will be released by the end of 2025 and officially presented on December 3, 2025, during the MUSA General Meeting to be held at the University of Milano-Bicocca.