Even with Southern Italy still grappling with insufficient infrastructure and social policies, and the nagging problem of the ‘brain drain’, Naples shines as a brilliant exception. Indeed, it has become a vibrant ‘Neverland’ of creativity, communication, and social innovation – a veritable think tank for economic experimentation and a powerful springboard for European ventures.

The numbers speak for themselves: tourism is flourishing, attracting over 21 million visitors annually, generating an estimated €10 billion in direct and indirect economic impact. Furthermore, the Port of Naples is a significant driving force boosting this prosperity with a +4.3% increase in freight traffic (totalling 4.62 million tons handled), and its cruise sector is set to welcome more than 2.1 million passengers by 2025.

Simultaneously, Naples is asserting itself powerfully on the global sports scene. The city is proudly preparing to host the 38th Louis Vuitton America’s Cup in spring–summer 2027, a testament to its maritime prominence. The recent celebration of Napoli FC’s fourth Serie A title, electrifying the city, while the local basketball scene is experiencing a major resurgence, bolstered by the high-profile support of none other than NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal and  Italian-American entrepreneur Matt Rizzetta.

Crucially, Naples’ rise as an international innovation lab is spearheaded by NAStartUp, a civic accelerator founded in 2014 by Antonio Prigiobbo. This initiative, notably operating as a non-profit venture, has redefined the model and formula for scaling innovative enterprises. It offers an open, free, and inclusive format, with accessible monthly events, where networking genuinely transforms into collaboration among startups.

As Prigiobbo himself explains, "We've created a network that generates opportunities, a community where those already in the market or with innovation expertise support, by example, those taking their first steps – in a transparent and ongoing exchange."

NAStartUp’s unique approach is now globally recognised as a best practice in inclusive and open innovation demonstrating the city's commitment to fostering a truly collaborative and accessible entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This unique synergy of culture, commerce, sport, and groundbreaking innovation has forged a distinctive Neapolitan Model, one now ready to inspire and expand its influence across Europe and Africa.

To date, NAStartUp has cultivated a robust network and run activities across more than 20 countries, spanning from Germany to Portugal, and from Ukraine all the way across Africa. Its global influence is further highlighted by its involvement with prestigious organizations like Google Campus in London and collaborations with the Microsoft Hub in Berlin. Moreover, NAStartUp has launched StartUpPlay, an innovative platform that compiles and shares over 500 startup pitch videos and stories from around the world, spotlighting diverse entrepreneurial journeys.

Over 500 startups accelerated by a globally minded community

In just 11 years, NAStartUp has accelerated in excess of 500 companies, building a robust pan-European network including 8,000 operators and over 20,000 members. Central to this success are more than 30 dedicated Neapolitan professionals and entrepreneurs who have generously invested their capital, services, and skills, creating vital connections for startups seeking funding.

What truly sets NAStartUp apart is its distinctive ecosystem accelerator approach. It champions open communication, rich information sharing, and extensive international networking, providing an environment where startups can flourish and pitch themselves without fees, equity obligations, or binding programmes. As Prigiobbo explains, "Our goal is to bridge the gap between brilliant ideas and thriving markets, holding every stakeholder accountable. We're the go-to resource for anyone ready to build and grow."

International recognition: among the world’s top accelerators

This distinctive Neapolitan Model is not just making waves locally; in 2023, NAStartUp  was sensationally ranked among the Top 5 business accelerators worldwide by UBI Global. This prestigious Swedish research institute evaluated over 1,200 incubators and accelerators across 90 countries, honouring Naples' pioneering approach alongside major international players like Accelerator Center and York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (Canada), MentorDay (Spain), and EIT Health Accelerator. This recognition confirms that innovation truly knows no boundaries – even in Southern Italy, international excellence can be built starting from a civic, accessible, and deeply collaborative vision of innovation.

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