Basilicata Open LAB: the innovation programme starts up again in the Basilicata region

Basilicata Open Lab has now reached its third edition. The initiative, promoted by Eni, through Joule and supported by Shell Italia E&P, aims to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship network in the Basilicata region. Through the initiative, Joule is reaffirming its commitment to promoting sustainable development, competitiveness, and collaboration between companies, startups, and young talent in the region.

On 21 October, the scheduled activities were presented at the Library Centre in Potenza, in the presence of regional institutions, project representatives, and some of the participants of past editions.

The project encompasses four strategic areas: Agritech, Sustainable mobility, Bioenergy and Local development, key sectors for the region's ecological and digital transition.

"One of the programme’s strengths” said Mattia Voltaggio, Head of Joule “is that is has created a dynamic ecosystem which evolves year after year to support the region’s potential and opportunities through innovation and training. This journey continues with new tools to support individuals and entrepreneurial success, creating value for the Basilicata region in terms of environmental, social, and economic impact.”

This year's new edition will again benefit from the support of the technical partners PoliHub and Consorzio ELIS, who provide both local knowledge and specific skills. 
  

The Call4Innovation consists of two categories: the Co-Innovation Award, which is aimed at national startups interested in developing projects with companies in Basilicata, and the Entrepreneurship Award, which is dedicated to local companies with their own innovative proposals. At the end of the call, 15 local companies and 12 national startups will be selected. They will receive mentoring and training support, and nine grants will be awarded to fund the implementation of the best projects. Applications for Call4Innovation can be submitted on the www.basilicataopenlab.it portal, until 12 January 2026. 
  
 

The Basilicata Open LAB physical and digital counter is a key contact point for companies, students and stakeholders. It is expanding its scope of action to include the interior of the region, and is strengthening its training, mentoring and networking course offerings to promote innovation and entrepreneurial growth in Basilicata.

“The third edition of Basilicata Open Lab cements the counter’s position as a reference point for local development and innovation Luca Profico, Head of Regional Innovation Development, ELIS Open Innovation.  He added “Thanks to our consolidated network of partners and professionals, we are strengthening our presence in Basilicata, creating more opportunities for young people, businesses, and aspiring entrepreneurs". 
  

This year, the programme has been expanded to include the Young Innovator Award, an initiative dedicated to secondary school students in Basilicata. This part of the programme aims to stimulate the creativity of young people, strengthen their entrepreneurial spirit, and  encourage them to come up with innovative ideas that offer practical solutions to the challenges faced by schools. At the end of the course, the winning team will be given the opportunity to implement their idea in their school. Applications can be submitted from 20 October to 7 November 2025 to: younginnovator@basilicataopenlab.it.