In San Francisco, in the middle of California, it is present INNOVATION, the first Italian Innovation and Culture Hub, which has recently launched the first accelerator for innovative startups and SMEs. The activity, which falls within the ambit of the Italian Innovation Centeris promoted by the Directorate General for the Country System of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Washington and the Consulate General in San Francisco. The project also benefits from the involvement of ICE and the Italian Cultural Institute.
An official INNOVIT press release reads:
“INNOVIT’s mission is to be a stimulus for innovative entrepreneurial ideas and initiatives, a catalyst for cross-border innovation projects and an accelerator for their international development, allowing Italian players to have a stable presence in Silicon Valley and , through California, throughout the United States. It is a long-term strategic initiative of the Italian Government for the promotion of innovation of the country system in the United States.”
INNOVIT presents the Startup Acceleration program
The programs presented are in fact two. The first is called “STARTUP ACCELERATION”, while the second “SME TRACTION”. Both are projects aimed at mature startups and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises, with a deadline of 26 January 2023. To participate in the selections, you can apply by following the procedures on the dedicated website at this link.
To access the orientation course will be the top 40 startups and the top 25 SMEs numberwise. These will benefit from two weeks of online mentorship, at the end of which the best 15 startups and 15 SMEs will be able to take part in a face-to-face course in San Francisco. This will be held in March at the INNOVIT spaces, located at 710 Sansome Street. Here they will have access to a unique and intensive programme, lasting one week for SMEs and two weeks for startups. The route will be characterized by opportunities for privileged interaction with the ecosystem of the Bay Area.