PMI Hybrid path · challenge-based Upcoming
UniCredit PMI Innovation Program
Bring your solution to real challenges faced by SMEs in the UniCredit group's ecosystem.
A hybrid path connecting startups with mature solutions to SMEs looking for concrete answers to their innovation needs.
The challenges come directly from companies' operational needs. Scouting is therefore targeted and geared toward the possible activation of proof of concept, pilot projects and collaborations.
Benefits for your startup
Access to companies with real needs
Present your solution to SMEs selected based on operational challenges, defined priorities and a concrete interest in innovation.
Qualified matching
Take part in targeted meetings with companies for which your technology has been selected as a potential answer to a specific need.
- direct access to company decision-makers;
- early insight into the challenges and objectives;
- one-to-one meetings during the Open Innovation Day;
- comparison with other solutions and technological approaches;
- structured feedback from companies;
- opportunities for technical and commercial deep-dives;
- opportunities to develop proof of concept, pilots or collaborations.
Who it is for
The program is aimed at startups and scaleups with B2B solutions already developed and applicable to SME processes.
Solutions must have a sufficient level of maturity to be presented through concrete use cases and, if there is interest, explored further with a view to possible testing.
Areas of interest
- Operational efficiency
- Solutions for automation, process optimization, energy management, cost control, KPI monitoring and reducing inefficiencies.
- Growth and markets
- Technologies for internationalization, new sales channels, data intelligence, supply chain and industrial partnerships.
- Financial evolution
- Solutions for cash flow management, dynamic planning, scenario analysis, risk management and fintech services.
How it works
- 01
Defining the demand
The needs gathered from companies are analyzed and turned into clear, concretely addressable operational challenges.
- 02
Scouting and selection
Startups are sourced and selected based on how well their solution fits, their technology maturity and their ability to address the challenges.
- 03
Preparing for matching
Selected startups receive guidance on companies' needs, the program's objectives and how to present their solution.
- 04
Open Innovation Day
Companies present their challenges and meet individually with the selected startups to explore solutions, use cases and integration possibilities.
- 05
From meeting to implementation
The most promising opportunities can continue through technical meetings, proof of concept, pilot projects or industrial and commercial collaborations.
Why take part
Startups don't present their solutions to a generic audience: they are selected based on needs already identified within the companies.
This approach increases the quality of the engagement, reduces the risk of poorly matched meetings and creates the conditions to develop concrete opportunities in the short and medium term.
The program is co-promoted by GATE REI and UniCredit, with the involvement of the Università di Modena for the design and methodological analysis of the challenges.
Want to take part?
Tell us about your startup and the solutions you've already developed. We'll keep you updated on the challenges, the selection criteria and the next phases of the program.
Participation is subject to the alignment of the solution with the identified challenges and an assessment of its level of maturity. Selection and participation in the Open Innovation Day do not guarantee the start of proof of concept, pilot projects or commercial collaborations, which will be assessed independently by the parties involved. Dates, operating procedures and participating companies will be communicated in the program's official documentation.
Participation in the program is subject to signing GATE REI's free incubation agreement.