Naples hosts the final event of “Up2Stars” 2024

On November 13, the second edition of Up2Stars, the acceleration program for startups by Intesa Sanpaolo, concluded in Naples. The program selects and supports the most innovative startups to promote technology transfer to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Over two editions, Up2Stars received more than 1,000 applications, selected 80 startups, held 8 Demo Days, and engaged over 250 players, including companies, investors, experts, and venture capitalists. Up2Stars is the first international startup acceleration program by an Italian bank and a premier initiative supporting the growth of Italian startups. This success is fueled by Intesa Sanpaolo’s network and partnerships with key players like Microsoft, Cisco, Gellify, Elite-Euronext Group, and Digit’Ed. Through this program’s ecosystem, 49 startups gained access to the ELITE Lounge of Euronext Group, preparing them for the capital market and fostering collaborations with companies and SMEs across various industries. Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center has supported the program from its inception, helping to evaluate, select, and promote visibility and collaboration opportunities for startups.

For the first time, 12 startups were accelerated in Silicon Valley, where they connected with U.S. investors, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs. Additionally, thanks to Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center's efforts, several innovative companies were introduced to Intesa Sanpaolo’s internal departments, invited to join the ARTES 5.0 Program with an opportunity to develop a POC with partner companies, and participated in the ESG Climate In Action Program (where NOVAC won second place). Other startups were proposed for the MOST Mobility Competition 2024 and invited to various initiatives and competitions, including We Make Future, Maker Faire Rome, the GammaDonna Award, and the Women & Innovation Tech Tour in London.

The closing ceremony of the second Up2Stars edition, which celebrated startup stories, projects, and growth prospects, was held at the University of Naples Federico II. Opening remarks were delivered by Matteo Lorito, Rector of the University of Naples Federico II, and Giuseppe Nargi, Regional Director for Campania, Calabria, and Sicily at Intesa Sanpaolo, followed by Serena Fumagalli, Economist from Intesa Sanpaolo’s Research Department, who presented an overview of innovation in Italy. Marianna Ronzoni, Head of Startup Evaluation and Acceleration at Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center, then introduced five startups—Joule srl from Campodarsego (PD), Keplera from Palermo, Novac from Modena, Oraigo from Padua, and Plino from Turin—who shared their experiences with Up2Stars, discussing their achievements, new business partnerships, and networking and visibility opportunities, especially following their time in San Francisco, in which four of them participated. The event concluded with insights from Alberto Acito, Managing Director of the Italian Innovation Hub, joining remotely from Hub Innovit in San Francisco, Anna Roscio, Executive Director of Sales & Marketing for Enterprises at Intesa Sanpaolo, and Marta Testi, Chief Executive Officer of Elite - Euronext Group, on growth opportunities for technology-driven startups.