Launched in September 2026, Pianeta Accelerator is the international equity-free accelerator programme run by Factory Plus (formerly Cariplo Factory) in collaboration with UC Berkeley SkyDeck, one of the world’s leading accelerators, with the support of Fondazione Cariplo, Regione Lombardia and Principia as institutional partners.
Designed for high-potential start-ups, Pianeta offers a six-month programme based in Silicon Valley and Milan, with the aim of supporting entrepreneurial growth, facilitating access to international markets, fostering strategic partnerships and connecting young companies with global investors.
The offer of the initiative
Pianeta was set up to support start-ups during a crucial phase of their growth, offering expertise, connections and tangible opportunities to help them tackle global markets.
The programme combines the excellence of Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with the opportunities for innovation and development offered by the Italian ecosystem, creating a unique link between two major innovation hubs.
The selected start-ups will have access to:
- a 3-month acceleration programme with UC Berkeley SkyDeck, including dedicated mentorship, specialist workshops, meetings with international investors and an in-person placement in the Bay Area;
- 3 months at MIND – Milano Innovation District, to develop pilot projects, industrial collaborations and business opportunities with corporate partners;
- access to an international network of entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and industry experts;
- a final Demo Day in Milan, Italy in front of investors, corporate representatives and stakeholders from the innovation ecosystem; potential investment and follow-on opportunities for the most promising start-ups.
How to join the programme
The programme is aimed at innovative start-ups, both Italian and international, that have already validated their solution and are ready to accelerate their growth.
In particular, the initiative is looking for:
- software start-ups with a working MVP;
- hardware start-ups with a developed and tested prototype;
- young companies operating, preferably, in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, DeepTech, CleanTech and HealthTech.
Applications are open until Monday 5 October 2026. Interested start-ups can apply by completing the form available on the F6S platform.
