Disclaimer: This English translation is provided for informational purposes only. In the event of any discrepancy, inconsistency, or difference in interpretation between this translation and the original Italian version, the original Italian version shall prevail.

Overall Description

Smart&Start Italia is a national incentive supporting the creation and growth of innovative, high-technology start-ups throughout Italy. It is promoted by the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) and managed by Invitalia.

The measure is specifically designed to facilitate the development of innovative businesses by financing business plans with a strong technological, digital or research-commercialisation component.

Funding Amount

Eligible business plans must have expenditure of between €100,000 and €1.5 million.

The standard financial support consists of an interest-free loan covering 80% of eligible expenditure, with no collateral required. The coverage increases to 90% where the start-up:

• Is composed entirely of women and/or people under 36 years of age; or
• Includes at least one expert who obtained a PhD or equivalent qualification no more than six years previously and has been continuously engaged abroad in research or teaching for at least three years.

Start-ups located in Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia or Sicily can additionally benefit from a non-repayable grant equal to 30% of the subsidised loan, meaning that only 70% of the financing received must be repaid.

Submission Deadlines

• There is no fixed submission deadline.
• Smart&Start Italia is an open, rolling application scheme (procedura a sportello)

Submission Conditions

Applications must be submitted exclusively online through Invitalia's personal area. Applicants must submit the application together with the required business plan and supporting documentation.

Applicants require:

• A digital identity: SPID, CNS or CIE;
• A digital signature;
• A PEC (certified electronic mail) address.

For an already established company, the application must be submitted and digitally signed by its legal representative. For a company that has not yet been established, it must be submitted and digitally signed by the individual acting as the project's representative, who must be one of the future shareholders of the company.

Evaluation consists of a formal eligibility check and a substantive assessment, including an interview with Invitalia experts. Approved investment programmes must be completed within 24 months of signing the financing agreement.

Eligible Types of Businesses

The principal beneficiaries are small innovative start-ups that:

• Have been established for no more than 60 months at the date of application; and
• Are registered in the special section of the Italian Companies Register for innovative start-ups.

Applications may also be submitted by teams of individuals wishing to establish an innovative start-up in Italy, including individuals resident abroad and foreign nationals holding an Italian Startup Visa.

Foreign companies may also apply if they undertake to establish an operational presence in Italy.

Eligible Countries

• Italy – all regions. Smart&Start Italia operates throughout the Italian territory.
• Foreign entrepreneurs and foreign companies can also access the measure, provided that the resulting innovative start-up establishes the required presence in Italy. For non-resident start-ups, the availability of at least one operational establishment in Italy must be demonstrated by the date of the first disbursement request.
• The eight regions Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily receive the additional 30% non-repayable component described above.