Zero Acceleration Programme: fourth edition begins
Cleantech startups at the centre of business development programme
Last update:
17 ottobre 2024
The fourth edition of the Zero Acceleration programme has begun with the launch of a call for applications from top Cleantech startups. The new edition has reinforced its “industry-driven” focus, fostering a collaborative system between startups, corporates and SMEs. This approach aims to build a platform for startup investment and development. Its goal is to ease integration with industrial partners and enhance the effect of the new solutions and technologies offered.
The chosen startups will get the chance to join a five-month programme focused on rapid growth, industrial trials and creating impact. They can also receive investment of up to €120,000.
The accelerator, launched by the National Network of CDP Venture Capital with Eni as its main partner via its Joule business school, and run by Zest and Elis, has renewed its pledge to aid the country’s twin transitions in energy and digital technology.
The fourth edition renews the strategic alliance between companies and organisations to boost startup development. Along with long-standing corporate partners Acea, Microsoft, and Vodafone, CNR joins as a scientific collaborator, with SACE and ESA also entering the accelerator.
“The new feature of this edition,” says Mattia Voltaggio, Head of Joule, Eni’s business school, “is that we will speed up the industrial trial phase. The new ZERO programme will enable Eni to incorporate top innovative companies into its supply chain, emphasising sustainable transport and smart cities. Additionally, we can explore technologies hands-on at the Eni district in Gazometro Ostiense. There, we can broaden our understanding while keeping an eye on the wider world and grabbing investment chances when the time is right.”
Stefano Molino, Senior Partner and Accelerator Fund Manager at CDP Venture Capital, says, “ZERO is one of the programmes that launched our National Accelerator Network. With today’s announcement of the fourth call, we reaffirm a strategic pillar of our approach, which over time has brought together key partners in a shared effort to drive technological innovation for the energy transition. Through a structured and established ecosystem of mentoring, investment and networking, we aim to speed up the growth of innovative firms that can redefine the energy landscape and help meet Europe’s climate goals.”
Zero is an “industry-driven co-innovation and experimentation platform in the cleantech sector, fostering startup growth by meeting the ecosystem’s needs,” says Antonella Zullo, CEO of Zest Innovation. “Through a partnership bolstered by top players, this new edition seeks to speed up the energy and digital transformation across all business sectors, using a holistic approach and fostering teamwork among startups, big firms, leading research bodies, and SMEs.”
The programme has two parallel pathways:
a) Business acceleration, enabling startups to develop their products for go-to-market, offers the chance to swiftly test solutions in the market, attract investment, and foster business growth; and
b) Solution integration, where startups can work directly with corporate mentors to outline and plan a practical use case.
Both pathways consist of an initial two-month phase during which all ten chosen startups focus on product development and a use case.
At the end of the initial phase, five startups may receive up to €120,000 in pre-seed funding from CDP Venture Capital, Zest, and Elis. Corporate partners might also choose them to develop a Proof of Concept, moving on to the programme’s extra three-month period.
