The NODES Venture Booster Program kicks off: applications are open for startups and entrepreneurial teams

The Venture Booster Program kicks off, an initiative by NODES – Nord Ovest Digitale e Sostenibile in collaboration with LifeGate Way, designed to support startups and entrepreneurial teams engaged in the dual digital and ecological transition.

The program will select 3 high-potential projects, offering an intensive and tailored path that combines assessments, mentorship, targeted training, and strategic networking with businesses, investors, and stakeholders. The goal is to strengthen the growth potential of emerging companies, facilitate access to new market and investment opportunities, and promote innovative and sustainable business models.

The Venture Booster Program is aimed at both teams with entrepreneurial ideas in development and startups established for less than 6 months, operating in one of NODES' strategic sectors: from aerospace and mobility to green tech and sustainable industry, from culture and tourism to mountain-related projects, from health to agroindustry.

The selected companies will benefit from personalized mentorship and consultancy, with support in business plan development, marketing strategy definition, and financial management. Additionally, they will gain access to strategic networking, with direct connections to businesses, investors, and key professionals, participation in exclusive events, and entry into a global network of contacts and partners.

“With the Venture Booster Program, we aim to provide emerging startups and teams – both within and outside the NODES ecosystem – with a tangible growth opportunity, offering tools, expertise, and connections. It is a concrete example of NODES' mission: to transform research and innovation into value for people and territories” – said Chiara L. G. Ferroni, CEO of NODES.

The Venture Booster Program is thus part of the NODES Ecosystem, funded by the MUR within the framework of the PNRR NextGenEU, as one of the tools dedicated to identifying and strengthening local startups and entrepreneurial teams, offering them a tailored path, access to specialized expertise, and concrete growth opportunities.

Timeline

    •    October 6, 2025 – Application deadline
    •    October 10, 2025 – Winners announcement
    •    October 13, 2025 – Start of the acceleration program
    •    December 18, 2025 – Final event and program closure

For more information and to apply, please visit the program page