Supply chain Hybrid path · 4 months Open
Sicilia Startup Landing
The acceleration program of the INN-SO project - Western Sicily Innovation Hub
Project co-funded by the European Union – PR FESR Sicilia 2021-2027 (Sicily's ERDF Regional Programme), Action 1.1.3 – «Open Innovation Sicilia» public call – CUP G61F25000800006
Grow your startup with funding for acceleration and advanced services. Choose our path, where innovation meets real market demand.
- 21.000 €
- acceleration services
- 50.000 €
- non-repayable grant
- 4 months
- hybrid path
Application deadline 15.11.2026
A four-month hybrid path for innovative startups that want to develop their business model, connect with real market demand in the key supply chains of western Sicily – from agrifood to the circular economy, from energy to tourism and culture – and prepare for cross-selling opportunities.
Benefits for your startup
21.000 €* in acceleration services
Access a funded path worth 21.000 euros*, with assessment, mentorship, specialist consulting, training and networking opportunities.
Up to 50.000 €** in non-repayable grants
At the end of the program, companies that successfully complete the path will be able to access an additional contribution of up to 50.000 euros** for advanced services to develop their project further.
- exchange with companies and production supply chains;
- support on the business model and financial planning;
- connections with mentors, experts, partners and investors;
- access to local expertise and international relationships;
- financing to cover advance payment of expenses***;
- administrative support for opening an operational site in Sicily and for reporting expenses to the Region.
Who it is for
The program is aimed at innovative startups that develop technologies, products or services for the extended sustainable agritech supply chain and the other specialisation areas of the S3 Smart Specialisation Strategy.
The program is also open to companies from other regions or abroad interested in developing an operational presence in Sicily, covered by the acceleration services.
Areas of interest
- Smart Farming & Autonomous Systems
- Drones, robotics, AI, sensors.
- Water, Climate & Resilience
- Drought, irrigation, environmental monitoring.
- Food Quality & Traceability
- Certification, food safety and nutraceuticals.
- Packaging, Circularity & Sustainable Materials
- New materials, reuse, shelf life.
- Logistics, Export & Port Innovation
- Supply chain, cold chain, intermodal transport, port.
- Bio Economy & Green Chemistry
- Biorefineries, bioplastics, green chemistry from agricultural and forestry waste.
- Energy & Smart Grids
- Renewable energy communities, energy efficiency, smart grids and storage.
- Culture, Tourism & Heritage
- Experiential tourism, revitalisation of historic villages and archaeological sites, digital storytelling of local heritage.
How it works
- 01
Assessment
Analysis of the company's current status and definition of the path's objectives.
- 02
Acceleration
Mentorship, consulting and training on business model, financial planning and growth strategy.
- 03
Networking
Exchange with companies, production supply chains, mentors and experts from the ecosystem.
- 04
Demo Day
Presentation of the project to investors, partners and stakeholders.
- 05
Implementation
Possibility to access the additional contribution to turn the work done into concrete actions.
Why western Sicily
The program is delivered through INSSULA, the innovation hub with operational headquarters at the G55 space in Partanna, in the Belice Valley: an open-air laboratory for innovation, rooted in agrifood (wine, olive oil and dairy supply chains) and open to the circular economy, energy, the environment, culture and tourism.
Want to take part?
For any questions or information, contact us at:
* The acceleration services qualify as innovation aid under Art. 28 of EU Regulation 651/2014. The Sicilian Region reimburses them in full (100%) to companies that successfully complete the path, within the limits set by the public call.
** The contribution of up to 50.000 € is granted by the Sicilian Region under the de minimis regime (EU Regulation 2023/2831) to companies that successfully complete the path, based on an implementation project validated by the Hub. It is paid as reimbursement of expenses actually incurred.
*** To make participation easier, BCC Don Rizzo offers selected companies financing solutions to advance the costs of the path while awaiting public reimbursement. The offer is subject to the bank's assessment and is not part of the public contribution.
Participation in the program is subject to signing GATE REI's free incubation agreement.
Download the agreement →The project
The project «INN-SO - Western Sicily Innovation Hub» (CUP G61F25000800006) is carried out by GATE REI (lead partner), CRESM and Impact Hub and funded under Action 1.1.3 of the PR FESR Sicilia 2021-2027 of the Regional Department of Productive Activities, with the contribution of EU resources from the ERDF, the Italian State and the Department of Productive Activities.
Contacts: info@innsula.it · INNsula – Spazio G55, Via Garibaldi 63, 91028 Partanna (TP), Italy
