The Councillor for Economic Development of the Calabria Region, Rosario Varì, presented today at the Regional Citadel of Catanzaro the public notice for the creation and consolidation of startup e research spin-off.
A concrete commitment to innovation
The press conference was also attended by prominent figures such as Paolo Praticò, director general of the Department of Economic Development, Alessandro Zanfino, CEO of Fincalabra, Aldo Ferrara, president of Unindustria Calabria, and representatives of the Calabrian universities Giovanni Cuda (Umg Catanzaro), Giuseppe Zimbalatti (Mediterranea Reggio Calabria) and Mauro Muzzopappa (Unical).
Councillor Varì underlined how the research and technological innovation are essential to improve products, processes and services, making businesses competitive, public administrations efficient and improving the quality of life of citizens.
“We have decided to invest in young talents and technological innovation. They are crucial for the development and growth of the territory,” Varì declared.
The Region has allocated 15 million euro for the project, divided into two lines of intervention:
- Line 1: dedicated to the creation of new innovative startups, aimed at teams intending to set up a business.
- Line 2: aimed at consolidating startups already established for a maximum of five years.
Each project will be able to receive a contribution non-repayable up to 300.000 euros, covering the 75% of eligible expenses.
An international recognition in Paris
During the meeting, Varì celebrated the prestigious Startup Ecosystem Star Award, awarded to the Calabria Region and Fincalabra Spa in Paris, as part of the Best-in-class Startup Programs.
“This international award confirms that our regional policies are bearing fruit. There is still a lot of work to do, but we are on the right track,” added the councilor.
Investments in the future of Calabria
The Notice, funded by the Pr Calabria 2021/2027 – Action 1.1.2, is part of a broader plan that also includes the call for tenders Research and development, with a budget of 45 million euro for 58 innovation projects. This has already activated a total of 70 million euros of investments In Calabria.
Among the upcoming initiatives, the Region plans:
- Support for regional research infrastructures;
- Program launch “Step” to attract investment from large companies;
- Activation of qualified services for the actors of the innovation ecosystem.
During the conference, speakers reiterated the importance of supporting the innovative startups as a tool to attract talent, promote entrepreneurship and strengthen the regional economy.
The initiative demonstrates the commitment of the Calabria Region to create a favorable environment for technological and entrepreneurial development, focusing on innovative ideas to face future challenges.
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