VitalMatch Accelerator: the new accelerator focused on sport, health and wellness is launched and opens its first call4startup
Applications are open until April 3, 2026 for the new accelerator promoted by CDP Venture Capital, with the involvement of Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center and Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo. Investments of up to €400,000 are planned for five innovative startups.
The first call for startups of VitalMatch Accelerator is now open, the new acceleration program dedicated to innovative solutions in the sectors of sport, wellness and health, promoted by CDP Venture Capital with the operational support of Startupbootcamp and Wylab. The project also involves Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center and Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo as ecosystem partners, in addition to the collaboration of Lottomatica Sport and Juventus Football Club.
Interested startups can apply from March 10 to April 3, 2026. The initiative aims to identify innovative companies capable of improving athletes’ performance, enriching the fan experience and promoting people’s wellbeing through technologies and services dedicated to the world of sport.
VitalMatch represents the evolution of WeSportUp, the acceleration program that in the previous three cycles took place in Rome. With the new format, the project moves to Turin, where it will be based at Allianz Stadium. Juventus Football Club thus confirms its role as sport partner and also becomes host of the program.
The accelerator is part of the National Accelerator Network of CDP Venture Capital, the network designed to support the growth of innovative startups in the sectors with the highest potential. In this new edition the program will have a particular focus on solutions for wellbeing, health and longevity, enhancing the role of sport as a lever to improve quality of life.
How VitalMatch Accelerator Works
The program is aimed at startups in the seed or pre-Series A stage (the investment stage that comes after seed), which have already obtained an initial market validation. Five startups will be selected, which will receive an investment between €150,000 and €400,000 and will access a 13-week acceleration program, scheduled between April and June 2026, with a hybrid format between online activities and in-person meetings in Turin.
During the program, startups will be able to rely on the support of mentors, investors and industry professionals, in addition to mentoring sessions, business development activities and fundraising support together with the ecosystem partners. The program will conclude with the Demo Day, scheduled for September 2026 in Turin.
“Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center is a strategic partner supporting the competitiveness of territories, long committed to projects for the development of innovation ecosystems with an international scope, capable of generating new entrepreneurship, qualified skills and quality employment” - said Viviana Bacigalupo, General Manager of Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center. - “Participation in VitalMatch is part of the initiatives through which our Group supports entrepreneurship in high-potential sectors such as health, wellness and sport. With this program we aim to accompany promising startups and contribute to the growth of a dynamic and resilient entrepreneurial fabric, capable of generating value over time and developing innovative solutions for health and the improvement of lifestyles.”
Interested startups can apply by April 3.
