Top Startup Accelerators & Incubators in Milan, Italy

Milan is much more than Italy's fashion capital, it's also the country's main hub for startups and innovation. The city combines Italian creativity and design excellence with business know-how. Milan's startup scene is growing fast, with strong support from universities, banks, and the local government, making it the best place in Italy to start a new business.

This guide explores the leading accelerators and incubators shaping Milan's evolving startup landscape. These programs support domestic and international startups seeking to establish themselves in the Italian market.

Top 20 Startup Accelerators & Incubators in Milan, Italy

1. Zest

Target Audience: Digital technology startups

Niche: Technology innovation

Zest is one of Italy's leading startup incubators focused on digital companies. It offers 3-6 month programs with guidance from experienced business mentors. It provides funding up to €500,000 for promising startups in areas like FinTech, Internet of Things, and health technology. It also helps connect new companies with investors and potential business partners.

2. PoliHub

Target Audience: Technology startups

Niche: University innovation

PoliHub is the innovation center of Politecnico di Milano, one of Italy's top technical universities. It supports tech startups through various programs for companies at different growth stages. It doesn't provide direct funding but connects startups with potential investors and funding opportunities. It also offers access to university resources and partnerships with large corporations.

3. BiovelocITA

Target Audience: Biotechnology startups

Niche: Biotech innovation

BiovelocITA is Italy's first accelerator dedicated specifically to biotechnology startups. It provides funding and hands-on support for biotech companies developing new medical and scientific solutions. It offers strategic guidance from experts who understand the complex biotech industry and helps these highly specialized startups grow and reach international markets.

4. B4i – Bocconi for Innovation

Target Audience: Business-focused startups

Niche: Business innovation

B4i is the startup accelerator run by Bocconi University, Italy's most prestigious business school. It provides up to €30,000 in funding along with business expertise from the university's network. It focuses on startups in financial technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainability sectors. It also offers office space and resources to help turn business ideas into successful companies.

5. Fashion Technology Accelerator Milan

Target Audience: Fashion and retail tech startups

Niche: Fashion innovation

Fashion Technology Accelerator is a specialized program for startups combining fashion with technology. It invests €40,000 for a 10% share in selected fashion tech companies. It provides industry-specific resources and connections to Italy's world-famous fashion sector and offers tailored business support for the unique challenges of fashion and retail technology.

6. Startup Wise Guys SaaS Milan

Target Audience: Software as a Service (SaaS) startups

Niche: B2B software

Startup Wise Guys runs a focused five-month program for software service startups in Milan. It offers €55,000 in funding for 9% equity in companies accepted into the program. The program provides intensive mentoring from successful entrepreneurs and industry experts and gives access to a global alumni network and potential customers.

7. H-FARM

Target Audience: Digital transformation startups

Niche: Digital innovation

H-FARM is a well-known incubator that supports startups focused on digital transformation. It offers funding up to €100,000 for selected companies with innovative digital solutions. It provides mentorship programs designed to help startups grow and develop their businesses. It also connects entrepreneurs with potential investors and business partners.

8. Luiss EnLabs

Target Audience: Technology startups

Niche: Tech acceleration

Luiss EnLabs is a technology-focused accelerator that provides substantial support for promising startups. Its intensive five-month program provides €160,000 in funding. The accelerator focuses on financial technology, artificial intelligence, and software service startups. It also offers mentorship and strategic guidance to help companies grow quickly.

9. Impact Hub Milan

Target Audience: Social impact startups

Niche: Social innovation

Impact Hub Milan is part of a global network supporting businesses that aim to solve social problems. It provides coworking spaces where social entrepreneurs can collaborate and share ideas. It offers incubation programs designed specifically for startups with social impact goals. It also creates a community where purpose-driven entrepreneurs can connect and support each other.

10. e-Novia

Target Audience: Hardware and technology startups

Niche: Product development

e-Novia is known as "The Enterprises Factory" for its approach to startup development. It helps transform innovative ideas into actual products that can be sold in the market. It turns promising startups into solid businesses through comprehensive support and guidance. It also specializes in robotics, mobility, and advanced technology solutions.

11. Retail Hub

Target Audience: Retail technology startups

Niche: Retail innovation

Retail Hub is Italy's first business accelerator focused specifically on retail technology. It connects innovative startups with established retail companies and industry leaders. It provides mentorship from experts who understand the challenges of the retail sector. It also creates growth opportunities through partnerships with major retail brands.

12. IBM Studios Milan

Target Audience: Advanced technology startups

Niche: Enterprise technology

IBM Studios Milan focuses on startups working with cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain. It offers mentoring programs from experienced IBM professionals and technology experts. It provides access to IBM's vast ecosystem of resources, tools, and potential customers. It also helps startups develop solutions that can integrate with enterprise-level systems.

13. FabriQ

Target Audience: Social innovation startups

Niche: Community impact

FabriQ is supported by the city government of Milan to promote social innovation. It runs public competitions for projects that create a positive impact in local communities. It provides resources and support for entrepreneurs addressing social challenges. It also helps connect social startups with public institutions and community organizations.

14. Intesa San Paolo Innovation Center

Target Audience: Industry-specific startups

Niche: Multi-sector innovation

Intesa San Paolo Innovation Center is backed by one of Italy's largest banks to support innovative startups. It runs specialized acceleration programs for the aerospace, agriculture, clean energy, and healthcare sectors. It provides varying funding levels depending on the specific program and startup needs. It also offers connections to the bank's extensive network of corporate clients.

15. ACube

Target Audience: Sustainable business startups

Niche: Design thinking

ACube combines modern startup methods with design thinking approaches. It helps entrepreneurs build lasting businesses while creating a positive social impact. It provides guidance on developing products and services people actually need. It also creates sustainable business models that consider both profit and purpose.

16. DesignTech Hub

Target Audience: Design and technology startups

Niche: Design innovation

DesignTech Hub supports startups that combine Italy's design excellence with modern technology. It provides resources specifically tailored for companies innovating in product design and experiences. It offers connections to Milan's world-class design community and expertise and helps bring design-focused innovations to market effectively.

17. 012Factory

Target Audience: Early-stage startups

Niche: Business fundamentals

012Factory provides comprehensive support for startups in their earliest stages. It helps entrepreneurs transform ideas into structured business proposals and plans. It offers guidance on the fundamental aspects of starting and running a business. It also creates a supportive community where new founders can learn from each other.

18. Le Village by CA Milan

Target Audience: Innovative startups across sectors

Niche: Corporate partnerships

Le Village by CA is backed by Crédit Agricole Bank to support promising startups in Milan. It focuses on creating meaningful connections between innovative startups and established companies. It provides workspace, mentorship, and resources for selected startups with growth potential and facilitates international expansion through its global network.

19. Foodtech Accelerator

Target Audience: Food technology startups

Niche: Food innovation

Foodtech Accelerator specializes in supporting startups innovating in food and agriculture technology. It provides resources and expertise specific to the food industry and its unique challenges. It connects food entrepreneurs with corporate partners, manufacturers, and distributors and helps implement new technology solutions across the food value chain.

AcceleratorApp's Closing Thoughts on Startup Accelerators and Incubators in Milan, Italy

Milan's startup scene is special because it combines Italian creativity with practical business sense. The city has turned its traditional design, fashion, and manufacturing strengths into advantages for modern startups. Milan offers entrepreneurs something unique – access to Italy's biggest companies and investors and connections to global markets.

The startup support system in Milan is particularly strong because it includes both specialized help for different industries and general business support. From fashion tech to biotechnology, entrepreneurs can find programs designed specifically for their needs. This focus on industry expertise helps Milan's startups compete globally in their specific markets.

As Milan continues to grow as a startup hub, it maintains the practical, quality-focused approach that Italy is known for. This isn't about creating startups for quick sales – it's about building solid businesses with real products and services that can last. Milan offers a perfect blend of innovation and Italian style for entrepreneurs looking for a European base that combines creativity, business know-how, and quality of life.