Applications open for the new free 'Great-ER' advanced start-up incubation programme
Applications are now open for the new free advanced incubation programme for start-ups and deep tech research spin-offs 'Great-ER' - Growing and Empowering Advanced Technologies in Emilia-Romagna, a project realised thanks to the European Funds of the Emilia-Romagna Region.
The proposal stems from the collaboration between four universities in the Emilia Romagna region - Unimore, University of Bologna, University of Parma and University of Ferrara - and Almacube srl (the Innovation Hub and incubator of the University of Bologna and Confindustria Emilia Area Centro).
For Prof. Gianluca Marchi, Pro-rector and Third Mission Delegate of Unimore, "the Great-ER project is an interesting example of collaboration between the universities of Emilia Romagna. The four universities of Bologna, Modena and Reggio, Parma and Ferrara, together with Alma Cube, have been awarded a project by the Emilia Romagna Region whose aim is to foster the development of an extended ecosystem to support the birth and initial consolidation of companies operating in the strategic area of deep tech. Working together with other universities means bringing together very valuable skills and experience. It will also be an important opportunity for projects and spin-offs that are emerging at Unimore in these frontier technological areas".
Prof. Bernardo Balboni, a member of the Technology Transfer Commission, continues: "the programme is an excellent opportunity for Unimore spin-offs, particularly those founded by students, who can compare themselves with other entrepreneurial realities on a regional scale and work closely with Emilia-Romagna companies on the validation processes of their solutions".
"Great-ER aims to make the region's innovation ecosystem increasingly fertile by combining the academic research capabilities of the region's universities with Almacube's experience in incubating spin-offs and start-ups and managing Open Innovation processes. The programme gives participants access to a network where they can benefit from the skills, knowledge and laboratories of regional universities,' adds Shiva Loccisano, Managing Director of Almacube.
The programme will offer specialised support to participants and facilitate collaborations between research, businesses and investors. The duration is 11 months, starting in February 2025 and ending in December 2025.
To apply, you must be an already established early-stage start-up/spin-off or an entrepreneurial project not yet established with at least one person with a VAT number within the core team. It is required to propose solutions with a high scientific and technological content and to establish an operational headquarters in Emilia-Romagna.
The strategic sectors Great-ER will focus on are: Clean, Safe and Accessible Energy, Circular Economy, Innovation in Materials, Digitisation, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Manufacturing 4.0 and Future Evolutions, Future Cities and Communities.
Twelve deep tech projects will be selected to receive free services worth around EUR 20,000 each. Among the services provided: customised coaching, mentorship with sector experts, specialised consultancy, training, networking. Additional ad hoc services will also be provided based on the needs and stage of development of each start-up.
To apply for the programme, you must complete the online application form by 11 October 2024, at: www.almacube.com/landing/great-er/
Categorie: Notizie_eng
Articolo pubblicato da: Ufficio Stampa Unimore - ufficiostampa@unimore.it