ReAction - Acceleration Program by NODES: Green-tech start-ups speed into the future
18th June 2024 saw the launch of the call for start-ups of ReAction, the green-tech themed acceleration programme created as part of the NODES project for Spoke 2 - Green technologies and sustainable industry. Realised in collaboration with OGR Torino and Feat. Ventures, ReAction aims to accelerate Italian start-ups active, in particular, in the fields of environmental sustainability and circular economy onto the market.
The 7-month acceleration programme is tailor-made for the most promising start-ups in the green sectors. From 24th October 2024 to May 2025, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their skills with targeted workshops and customised mentorship; develop their business model and market strategy; present themselves to investors during the exclusive Demo Day and network with experts, professionals and potential partners.
‘OGR Torino's support for innovation is further strengthened with the launch of ReAction - Acceleration Program by NODES, the new project to support Green Tech companies realised in collaboration with the NODES ecosystem’ - says Matteo Pessione, OGR Tech Coordinator. - ’The acceleration path will provide startups with tools and skills to grow in the market and tackle urgent environmental challenges with the aim of fostering the evolution of a new sustainable balance in respect of the planet.
Our hope is that many of the realities that will participate in this first edition of ReAction will find a home at OGR Torino, enriching our ecosystem and more generally our region’.
Participation Requirements
The programme will support start-ups based in Italy, established no more than 30 months before the date of application to the programme, and operating in the field of environmental sustainability and circular economy. Target sectors include green chemistry, sustainable and renewable energy, materials science, bio-economy, water treatment, valorisation of waste and by-products from the agro-forestry industry, sustainable construction, waste management and digital technologies for sustainability.
‘ReAction - Acceleration Program by NODES encapsulates the essence of Spoke 2 - Green technologies and sustainable industries, which, as part of the NODES Ecosystem, promotes the principles of circular economy and sustainability,’ - says Cristina Prandi, Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Turin and Spoke coordinator. - A perfect combination that reinforces our vision, which looks to the transformation towards the future and innovation, which will ultimately foster and accelerate a transition that we hope for the production and economic sectors but also for civil systems and local institutions'.
The growth path
ReAction offers a pathway structured in two distinct but complementary phases. The first phase, lasting four months, will offer mentorship, practical workshops and direct support for the development and growth of the participating companies. This phase will culminate with a Demo Day, giving companies the opportunity to present themselves to a network of international investors.
The second phase, lasting three months, will be dedicated to enhancing networking and matchmaking opportunities, facilitating the connection between start-ups and professionals, experts, investors and other key stakeholders for the development and enhancement of their business and access to capital. The objective of ReAction - Acceleration Program by NODES is to support startups in catalysing innovative ideas, promoting sustainable solutions and addressing environmental and social challenges of the present and future.
‘The ReAction programme' - says Chiara Ferroni, NODES General Manager - ’is one of the flagships of the Boost Your Competence proposal designed by the Ecosystem to increase the competences and innovation capacity of local companies. An integrated offer of pathways, courses and tools designed to guide the double transition,' she clarifies, ’which relies first and foremost on the preparation and experience of the NODES partners.
Our acceleration programmes, - Ferroni reminds us - ’are fundamental for the impact of NODES: they offer a concrete contribution to successfully tackling such challenging topics thanks to the expertise of researchers, professionals and managers from across the Ecosystem.'
Programme timeline
6 September 2024: Closing call
23 September 2024: Selection Day
24-25 October 2024: Launch event
End of February 2025: Demo Day
End of May 2025: Programme Conclusion
How can you participate?
Start-ups have until 6 September 2024 to submit their applications.