I-Tech Innovation Program 2025/2026 is the acceleration program promoted by Fondazione Golinelli and CRIF, implemented by G-Factor, in collaboration with BI-REX Competence Center, Emil Banca, AgroFood BIC, and Guglielmo Marconi Airport of Bologna, with the institutional support of the Metropolitan City of Bologna, the Municipality of Bologna, the Municipality of Imola, and ART-ER.
The program
Now in its seventh edition, the program targets 12 teams and early-stage companies operating in six strategic sectors:
- EdTech in Life Science, in partnership with Fondazione Golinelli;
- AI & Data in Finance & Green Economy, in partnership with CRIF;
- AgriTech & FoodTech, in partnership with Agrofood BIC;
- Industry 4.0, in partnership with BI-REX Competence Center;
- Social Impact, in partnership with Emil Banca;
- TravelTech & Smart Mobility, in partnership with Bologna Marconi Airport.
The selected projects will access a free acceleration program designed to support business development, foster connections with potential industrial partners and investors, and build international growth opportunities. The four-month program will run from January to May 2026, combining both in-person and remote activities.
The initiative is free of charge and equity-free: selected participants are required to attend at least 80% of the scheduled activities. The entire program will be held in Italian language.
Applications can be submitted until 11:59 PM on October 15, 2025, by filling out the dedicated form.
The opportunities for start-ups
In previous acceleration rounds, more than 1,100 projects applied, in seed and pre-seed stages. Of these, 58 were selected for acceleration and 24 received direct investment from G-Factor, in the form of participation as a minority partner. Over the past editions, more than 85 mentors, more than 80 industry partners and more than 100 investors have been involved, helping to strengthen the value of the track through training, matchmaking and networking activities.
I-Tech Innovation targets new companies, spin-offs, innovative start-ups, PhD students and researchers with high-potential entrepreneurial projects. The most promising applications will be those capable of proposing highly innovative and distinctive solutions in terms of science and technology, with a solid, sustainable development plan consistent with market needs. Particular attention will be paid to the strength of the team, knowledge of their field, and determination to embark on a long-term entrepreneurial path.
During the four-month activity, each selected reality will benefit from about 100 hours of customized training, divided into an intensive acceleration phase and subsequent follow-up through individual mentoring.
For more information, it is possible to visit G-Factor's website and write an e-mail to info@g-factor.it.
