28DIGITAL Named 2025 Startup Ecosystem Star in Three Categories

28DIGITAL has been recognized as a Startup Ecosystem Star (SES) 2025 by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Mind the Bridge in three categories: Best-in-class Startup Programs, Top Talent & Research, and Pioneering Innovation Policy.

The awards were presented at ICC Headquarters in Paris during a ceremony organized with the OECD and the European Commission, with support from Microsoft. The SES Awards, now in their third edition, recognize organizations demonstrating leadership in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship globally, with emphasis on public-sector contributions to startup ecosystems.

The 2025 awards recognized 54 winners—36 Stars and 18 Rising Stars—from across the global innovation landscape. The ceremony coincided with the release of Mind the Bridge's report "The Calm Before the AI Storm – Global Innovation Ecosystems 2025," developed with ICC.

The report shows that venture capital has created a $4.2 trillion startup economy with nearly 98,000 scaleups worldwide over 25 years, though innovation remains concentrated in key hubs. Europe accounts for 22% of global scaleups but receives only 13% of capital. Mind the Bridge CEO Marco Marinucci noted that while the balance of power appears stable, underlying shifts are accelerating. Chairman Alberto Onetti stated that AI will reshape the innovation landscape faster than previous technological waves.

Sergio Balassone, Head of Unipreneurship at 28DIGITAL, accepted the award at the ceremony.

As global innovation enters what many describe as the “calm before the AI storm,” the SES Awards spotlight the organisations shaping the next decade of ecosystem growth.

The message is clear: those investing decisively in startups, industry collaboration, talent, capital, policy, and innovation-driven procurement are the ones rising.

"This recognition reflects the outstanding work and dedication of the entire 28DIGITAL team and our broader ecosystem. Year after year, we continue to deliver for Europe and the global innovation community—grounded in trust,” said Federico Menna, CEO of 28DIGITAL. "Receiving this award for the first time as 28DIGITAL validates our strategic direction."