SMARTcup Liguria: the new challenge for innovative start-ups gets underway

The fourteenth edition of SMARTcup Liguria is set to begin. This business plan competition is organised by the Liguria Region to foster the development of high-tech business ideas and the creation of innovative start-ups. The initiative brings together more than 70 public and private organisations and stakeholders and aims to enhance regional competitiveness.

Aspiring entrepreneurs will once again be able to take part in the SMARTcup Academy, a programme of webinars, workshops and networking events designed to support the development of new business projects. For the first time, the programme will travel across all four provinces of Liguria.

Over the past thirteen editions, SMARTcup Liguria has received more than 350 business proposals, helping to launch over 70 start-ups. Applications must be submitted by 27 September 2026 in the following sectors: Industrial, ICT (Information & Communication Technology), Life Sciences & MedTech, and CleanTech & Energy.

The four best business ideas will go through to the regional final, scheduled for 19 October at the Business Innovation Centre (BIC), FILSE’s incubator in Genova Campi. The winning proposal will go on to compete in the National Innovation Award (PNI), Italy’s leading competition for innovative start-ups; it will also benefit from six months’ free incubation at regional incubators, as well as mentoring, promotion and support services to help turn the idea into a successful business.

Edited by Davide Barbero