The competition promoted by Lombard universities returns with €215,000 in prizes for innovative business ideas in sustainability, social impact, tourism, and advanced technologies. Open to students, researchers, and startups.
Applications for StartCup Lombardia 2025 officially opened on June 9. The competition targets those who want to turn an innovative idea into a high-potential startup. Promoted by Lombardy’s universities in collaboration with Regione Lombardia, the initiative offers a total prize pool of €215,000, reaffirming its role as a key event in the regional innovation ecosystem.
StartCup Lombardia is open to aspiring entrepreneurs, established companies, and project teams that include at least one qualifying aspiring entrepreneur. This group includes university students, PhD candidates, researchers, research fellows, professors, and alumni—essentially anyone connected to the academic world. Eligible companies must be either limited liability companies (S.r.l.) or joint-stock companies (S.p.A.) based in or operating within Lombardy.
Of the total prize pool, €175,000 is provided by Regione Lombardia, while an additional €40,000 comes from two corporate partners based in the region: Autogrill and Thales Alenia Space. Participating universities will also award seven special mentions, each granting direct access to the National Innovation Award (PNI).
The 2025 edition of StartCup Lombardia will feature three thematic special prizes, each worth €25,000, aimed at supporting business ideas in sectors that are strategic for the region’s future. The first prize, dedicated to Sustainability – Climate Change, will reward projects focused on circular economy, energy savings, sustainable mobility, and the efficient use of natural resources. The second, Social Impact, targets initiatives that create tangible benefits for society and local communities—such as healthcare or cultural services, inclusion projects, or programs for vulnerable populations. The third, called Lombardia Style, is promoted by the Regional Directorate for Tourism and supports innovative ideas that enhance the territory through responsible, integrated, and off-season tourism offerings.
Two corporate special prizes, each worth €20,000, are offered by companies headquartered in Lombardy. The Autogrill S.p.A. Award is intended for projects that propose innovative technological solutions to improve customer experience in retail locations and through the My Autogrill app, with a focus on personalization, engagement, and meaningful interaction. The Thales Alenia Space S.p.A. Award is aimed at projects with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) above 4, focused on mitigating interference in GNSS receivers, with the goal of improving the precision and reliability of satellite systems.
Finalist projects will be evaluated by a jury of investors, venture capitalists, and industry experts. The award ceremony will take place on November 12, 2025.
