Applications are now open for Call4Innovit 2026, the programme that will bring the best Italian companies to the technological heart of the world: San Francisco.
The initiative is part of INNOVIT, a project promoted by the Directorate-General for the National System of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Washington and the Consulate General in San Francisco. The project is supported by ICE – the Agency for the Promotion Abroad and Internationalisation of Italian Businesses – and the Italian Cultural Institute in San Francisco.
The call is aimed at start-ups operating in the DefenceTech, Space, Cybersecurity and Quantum sectors.
Why apply? Taking part means spending a week (23–27 March 2026) immersed in an environment brimming with innovation, with access to:
- Access to Mentors and Investors: One-to-one sessions with venture capitalists and industry experts to refine your business model.
- Product validation: Practical workshops to assess the robustness of your technology in the context of US market dynamics.
- Premium networking: Meetings at leading institutions such as UC Berkeley and Stanford University.
- International showcase: Presenting your solution at a dedicated Demo Day before Silicon Valley decision-makers.
Call details:
- Vertical: DefenceTech, Space, Cyber and Quantum.
- Application deadline: 09 February 2026
- Programme date: 23– 27 March 2026.
- Venue: San Francisco, CA.
The experience gained by our partners during the recently concluded SERICS programme has shown that a single week in San Francisco can accelerate years of research, transforming laboratory insights into products ready for the global market. We strongly encourage all the Foundation’s start-ups with cutting-edge technologies not to miss this opportunity: Silicon Valley represents an ‘operating mindset’ that can transform the future of your business.
For further information, go to: www.call4innovitsf.com