Smart&Start Italia (Invitalia)

Smart&Start Italia is a national incentive program managed by Invitalia and promoted by the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy to support the creation and growth of innovative, high-tech startups across all Italian regions. It provides zero-interest financing covering up to 80% of eligible project expenses, which can increase to 90% if the startup is entirely composed of women, youth under 36, or includes an Italian research doctorate returning from abroad. Startups based in Central and Southern Italy can also receive an additional 30% non-repayable grant. The scheme is open to small innovative startups incorporated within the last 60 months, teams of individuals planning to incorporate, foreign citizens holding a Startup Visa, and foreign enterprises opening a branch in Italy.

Applications must be submitted online through the Invitalia personal area portal along with required forms and documents. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis without fixed deadlines or rankings within 60 days of submission.