Pitch the Science: Driving Digital and Circular Innovation in Manufacturing

This programme is designed for researchers who are:

• Affiliated with a University or Research Organisation in the European Union, or in a Horizon Europe associated country;
• Focusing on Smart Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Hardware & Embedded Systems, Materials and Product Innovation, Digital Technologies & AI for Industry, or other related field;
• Looking to uncover the market or societal potential of their research.

Applications are open to researchers and academic staff at any career stage, though the programme is particularly suited to early-career researchers (i.e. PhD, Post-Doc). MSc students may also apply, provided they are actively involved in a research project with clear market relevance.

You do not need a full business plan or team to apply - just a research project, or early-stage innovation with potential. We will help you take the next steps.

Pitch the Science: Driving Digital and Circular Innovation in Manufacturing is a hybrid programme that combines:

• Online learning over 7 weeks: Expert-led workshops covering topics such as lean startup, business modelling, IP strategy, go-to-market, fundraising, pitching and leadership. Fireside chats with successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders from the design and industrial tech sectors.
• Mentoring  and checkpoints with the B4i Team: Tailored support from B4i team members and mentors, based on each participant’s needs and progress.
• In-person bootcamp in Milan: A 3-day immersive experience featuring hands-on workshops, in-person mentoring, complementary network building, market validation and strategy refinement, and finally pitching to a jury of investors and industry leaders.

Top-performing projects will win the fast-track for B4i’s acceleration programme, that means a direct access to the final selection interview, with an €80,000 investment opportunity.

The time commitment during the 7-week online phase is ~3-4 hours/week.

Throughout the programme, you will learn about:

Entrepreneurial Readiness - Develop the mindset and capabilities required to transition from academic research to entrepreneurial activity, with tailored support for researchers in the fields of smart manufacturing and industrial innovation.

Tailored Commercialisation Pathways - Follow a personalised track focused either on venture creation or IP valorisation, depending on the maturity of your research and your strategic objectives.

Applied Innovation Skills - Acquire concrete tools in lean startup methodologies, business modelling, IP strategy, and market validation - grounded in the realities of the industrial technology and design sectors.

Strategic Industry Engagement - Access a curated network of mentors, investors, and corporate stakeholders to strengthen your market approach, build partnerships, and explore funding opportunities.

Bocconi for innovation (B4i) is Bocconi University's entrepreneurial hub, supporting early-stage founders with acceleration and pre-acceleration programmes, while fostering an entrepreneurial culture through community activities for students, investors, alumni and relevant players.