The Italian industrial sector is undergoing a period of profound transformation: the transition towards a more sustainable, circular, and competitive Made in Italy is increasingly driven by entrepreneurial innovation. The growing focus on environmental sustainability, limited resources, and consumer needs is prompting companies and supply chains to rethink processes, products, and business models according to the principles of the circular economy. In particular, sectors such as clothing, furniture, and automation are at the center of this transition, thanks to their significant economic impact and potential for technological and sustainable innovation.
In this context, January 2026 saw the launch of the “MICS Futuro Made in Italy Award – Call 4 Circular Start-ups”, the new initiative promoted by Fondazione MICS together with Circular Economy Lab, with the aim of supporting high-tech solutions capable of redesigning Italian production models in a circular key.
With a total budget of one million euro, the award represents an important opportunity for start-ups, university spin-offs, and innovative micro/small businesses operating in Italy that want to make a concrete contribution to the transformation of the Italian industrial system.
The call for innovative start-ups
The call for proposals is part of the activities funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) through PNRR funds, and aims to promote entrepreneurship as a strategic lever for the sustainable development of the country.
Applications are open until February 13, 2026, and will allow for the selection of up to 10 winning projects, each of which will receive a cash prize of up to €70,000. In addition to the financial contribution, the selected start-ups will have access to a bootcamp and engage program designed to strengthen their competitive positioning and foster co-innovation collaborations with the industrial system.
The competition is divided into several phases: an initial selection of applications, an in-depth evaluation phase involving online interviews with the jury, and finally a final pitch and award ceremony, scheduled for March 2026, during which the winning projects will be announced.
Participation is free of charge and applications must be submitted exclusively online via the dedicated platform, accessible from the official websites of Fondazione MICS and Circular Economy Lab.
Who it is aimed at
The MICS call for proposals is aimed at innovative start-ups, university spin-offs, and innovative micro and small businesses operating in Italy and engaged in the development of advanced technological solutions for sustainability and the circular economy. Particular attention is paid to entities capable of generating impact in key sectors of Italian manufacturing, leveraging scientific, industrial, and digital expertise.
Applications may be submitted within four strategic areas considered central to the circular transformation of the production system:
- advanced materials and circular design: solutions that integrate principles of eco-design, durability, recyclability, and reduced environmental impact right from the product design stage;
- smart manufacturing, automation, and robotics: technologies for more flexible, efficient, and sustainable factories, based on artificial intelligence, digital twins, and advanced automation;
- industrial symbiosis, bioeconomy, and waste-to-value: projects aimed at waste recovery, resource reuse, and closing material and energy cycles;
- digital, supply chain, and sustainable traceability: digital solutions to make value chains more transparent, measurable, and compliant with ESG criteria.
Evaluation criteria and awarding factors
Proposals will be evaluated by an institutional jury composed of initiative partners, investors, managers, university professors, and industry experts. The main evaluation criteria include:
- team composition and skills;
- product or service quality;
- degree of technological innovation;
- market potential;
- robustness of the business model;
- adherence to circular economy principles.
Other rewarding factors include a focus on diversity and inclusion, location in southern Italy, and membership in the fashion, furniture, and automation sectors, which are considered strategic for Italian manufacturing.
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., an informative webinar - held in Italian language - will present the objectives and content of the Award, the areas of intervention, the methods of participation, and the opportunities for collaboration with the industrial system. To participate, one must register at this dedicated link.
