This programme seeks to build a collaborative bridge between two nations at the forefront of European technology and innovation, with France already recognised as a key player and Italy on a promising trajectory to further establish itself as a leading startup hub in Europe.

While France has already earned its reputation as a "startup nation," Italy is rapidly positioning itself to join this rank, demonstrating remarkable growth in its tech ecosystem and significant potential to become a key driver of innovation in Europe. Super Sapiens Europe aims to capitalise on these strengths, accelerating cross-border collaboration and creating a dynamic platform for European start-ups to thrive.

Strengthening a cross-border Innovation Ecosystem

Super Sapiens Europe is designed to engage stakeholders across the entire innovation value chain – from innovation hubs to industry players, research centres, and investors- building a powerful framework that encourages the exchange of ideas, talent, and resources. By aligning the efforts of Italy and France, the programme fosters a unified European approach to innovation, combining the strengths of both countries to enhance competitiveness on a global scale. The involvement of IREFI plays a key role in facilitating this cooperation, bridging economic relations and fostering partnerships between the two nations.

A launching pad for the most promising startups

This initiative is strategically designed for projects and startups with a strong technological focus, providing exceptional access to funding, industrial validation, and advanced facilities. The application period runs from 1st October to 1st December 2024.

Super Sapiens Europe is organised around eight critical industry fields, which represent the most transformative sectors for future technological advancement:

• Smart materials
• Advanced manufacturing
• Aerospace
• Smart city and mobility
• Agritech
• Climatetech
• Quantum technologies
• Generative AI

Projects must be relevant to one of these eight sectors and will undergo a rigorous technical evaluation process to ensure that only the most innovative and viable initiatives are selected. The programme aims to choose up to 16 of the most promising projects, adhering to the highest standards of innovation and execution.

Selected projects will be showcased to a diverse array of stakeholders within the European technology and innovation ecosystem, gaining significant international visibility. They will also have the opportunity to secure equity investment from Scientifica Venture Capital and a panel of involved venture capitalists.

Additionally, the proposing teams will gain access to Scientifica Lab Approved, a prestigious network of leading laboratories across Italy, established and connected by Scientifica Venture Capital to facilitate technology transfer. Moreover, the projects will benefit from industrial partnerships that will support the validation of their solutions and address key market and technical requirements.

Driving European tech leadership

As Europe seeks to define its role in the rapidly evolving global tech landscape, Super Sapiens Europe represents a crucial step toward creating a thriving and interconnected European innovation hub. By linking Italy and France’s startup ecosystems, the initiative, with the support of IREFI, paves the way for the development of scalable, high-impact technologies that can compete on a global stage.

"Super Sapiens Europe is not just a call for ideas; it is a call for Europe’s future tech leaders," said Riccardo D’Alessandri, Managing Partner at Scientifica Venture Capital. "By uniting the strengths of two powerful innovation ecosystems, we are fostering collaboration that will elevate both Italy and France as engines of technological progress in Europe."

“This partnership between Italy and France, through Super Sapiens Europe, represents a unique opportunity to build a solid and lasting foundation for the European tech landscape,” added Fabrizio Maria Romano, President of IREFI. “By joining forces, our two countries are creating an environment where startups can thrive, grow, and compete on a global scale. Italy's potential as a startup hub is immense, and together with France, we are taking decisive steps to realise it.”