Terra Next evolves and gives rise to the Scale-Up Program

Terra Next is the acceleration program for startups and innovative SMEs operating in the bioeconomy sector, which from this year is also becoming a Scale-Up program. It is promoted by Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center and managed by Cariplo Factory, at the S. Giovanni a Teduccio campus in Naples

In addition to the traditional program for innovative startups, this year Terra Next is evolving and introducing the Scale-Up Program: a new pathway designed to support Italian bioeconomy startups in the challenge of structuring, growing, and expanding into national and international markets, with the involvement of Nestlé as a corporate partner.

Terra Next is promoted by Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center, as co-creator and promoter, and by Cariplo Factory, which is responsible for the operational management of the project.

Terra Next: three years of growth

After three years of activity that have seen the creation, development, and consolidation of innovative startups and SMEs in the bioeconomy sector, the Terra Next acceleration program is evolving to support the growth of accelerated companies. Since 2022, 22 startups have been accelerated over three batches, with over €3.6 million invested by Terra Next, more than €10.5 million raised by participating companies, around €9 million in grants and non-dilutive funding, and 7 follow-on investments completed thanks to the program. These results demonstrate the solidity of the model, its ability to attract capital, and the quality of the solutions developed. An ecosystem that has already generated value, relationships, and impact, and that now looks with renewed ambition to the new Scale-Up Program.

The evolution into the Scale-Up Program and the new call4startup

Through the Scale-Up Program, Terra Next aims to enhance the value already created while also opening the door to new opportunities.

On one hand, 3 startups (Isuschem, PlantBit, and Smush Materials) that have already completed the Terra Next acceleration program will have the opportunity to develop Proofs of Concept and pilot projects together with the corporate partner, turning experimentation into real industrial applications.

On the other hand, scouting is open until December 19 for new entrepreneurial ventures in three key bioeconomy areas:

• Integrated Nutraceuticals, with solutions aimed at transforming agri-food waste into high-value nutraceutical and functional products using advanced formulations (e.g., nano-encapsulation and controlled release) and personalized nutrition protocols based on microbiome, nutrigenomics, and biometric data.
• Circular & Biomaterials, with innovative, biodegradable, and regenerative materials capable of replacing plastics and fossil-derived products, integrating circular design and traceable solutions throughout the product life cycle.
• Regenerative Agriculture, with technologies to restore soil fertility, increase the resilience of agricultural ecosystems, and reduce dependence on chemical inputs through practices and technologies oriented toward carbon farming and sustainable natural resource management.

The selected startups will have access to an acceleration path and the opportunity to interact with corporate partners, develop concrete collaborations, and undertake a journey toward international expansion—an opportunity to match corporate innovation needs with the most promising startup solutions.

The Call for the selection of startups dedicated to the Integrated Nutraceuticals, Circular & Biomaterials, and Regenerative Agriculture segments is open until December 19.