Welcome to SpeedTech
This immersive 6-week programme helps startups and SMEs leverage Open Innovation by collaborating with universities and research centres to accelerate technological development and growth. From theory to practice, companies learn how to turn business problems into research-driven solutions.
Why apply?
Startups and SMEs are undergoing a profound transformation, driven by rapid technological change and the constant need to remain agile and competitive. This dynamic environment creates both challenges and opportunities for growth.
In this context, Open Innovation provides a powerful pathway for startups and SMEs to tap into a broader pool of knowledge, reduce R&D costs, and accelerate their innovation journey, ultimately strengthening their competitiveness in the market.
What will you gain?
Through theoretical online sessions, mentoring and interaction with researchers, participants will gain a tailored understanding of how to leverage cutting-edge research and scale Open Innovation, to shift from research collaboration to market impact.
Participants can expect:
- Structured learning, minimal disruption: 16,5 hours of live online sessions (11×1.5h at lunchtime) plus a half-day closing bootcamp, with keynotes and mentoring from researchers.
- From problem to plan: map your challenges to research opportunities, learn how TTOs work, and evaluate the right academic/tech partners.
- Practical tools: IP & collaboration agreements, innovation platforms (e.g., Knowledge Share), and methods to run co-development or pilot projects.
- Funding readiness: orientation on EU and national grants for R&D partnerships to sustain your roadmap.
- Community & visibility: work alongside a cohort of 30 SMEs and startups and culminate with a certificate and networking with the research ecosystem.
Timeline
Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 | Phase 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
Strategic Awareness & Foundations | Tools, Methods & Collaboration Mechanisms | Application, Impact & Growth | Half-day |
Who should apply?
Applications are welcome from Italian startups and SMEs (micro to medium-sized).
Structure
Online Training – PHASE I: Strategic Awareness & Foundations
Week 1
Session 1 - 25/11/25 - By E-novia
- Programme opening and introduction
- Open innovation for SMEs – What, Why, and How
Session 2 - 27/11/25 - By FBK
- How SMEs can leverage cutting-edgeresearch
Week 2
Session 3 - 2/12/25 - By Politecnico of Milan
- Understanding University-Industry collaboration: How technology transfer Offices (TTOs) work
Session 4 - 4/12/25 - By Politecnico of Milan
- Mapping the Italian ecosystem of open innovation
Online Training – PHASE II: Tools, Methods & Collaboration Mechanisms
Week 3
Session 5 - 9/12/25 - By Netval
- Platforms & Marketplaces for innovation: knowledge share platform & how to use It
Session 6 - 11/12/25 - By Jacobacci
- How to structure IP and research agreements with Universities
Week 4
Session 7 - 16/12/25 - By Jacobacci
- Building long-term partnerships for research and IP
Session 8 - 18/12/25 - By Netval
- How to scale up open innovation initiatives
Online Training – PHASE III: Application, Impact & Growth
Week 5
Session 9 - 13/01/26 - By Telecom Italia
- Corporate Funding: Venture innovation capital
Session 10 - 15/01/26 - By UIIN
- Scaling open innovation: from research collaboration to market impact
Week 6
Session 11 - 20/01/26 - By APRE
- Funding & structuring research collaborations: overview on EU & national grants for R&D partnerships
Bootcamp - 27/01/26
- Exploring the ecosystem: build connections and gain insights from practical case studies
Cost
Participation in the SpeedTech programme is supported by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, thanks to NRRP Funds (Next Generation EU). The programme is financed thanks to the national State Aid by 100% (free of charge) for selected participants. This includes access to programme activities.
Contact & information
Fill out the application form by November 20, 2025 - places are limited and selection ensures a focused, high-impact cohort.
To inquire about the course and registrations, please contact south@28digital.eu.
