Applications are now open for the 2026 Start Cup Toscana, the regional business plan competition supporting the creation of innovative companies based on the results of scientific, technological, social sciences, and humanities research.

The initiative is promoted and funded by the Tuscany Region as part of the Giovanisì programme and represents the regional stage of the Italian National Innovation Award (Premio Nazionale per l’Innovazione – PNI). It brings together Tuscan universities, research organizations, and IRCCS (Scientific Institutes for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare) with the aim of enhancing research results and fostering their transfer to the market.

Who can apply

The competition is open to:

• Teams intending to establish a new innovative company;
• Companies incorporated on or after 1 October 2025;
• Companies incorporated between 1 January and 30 September 2025, provided they started business operations on or after 1 October 2025.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by completing the online application form. Applicants are required to provide information about the team leader and any other team members, a description of the business idea and its stage of development, and upload the documentation required by the competition regulations.

Application deadline

Applications must be submitted by 8 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (CET).

Further information

For detailed information on the application procedure, the required documentation, and where to obtain it, please visit the Start Cup Toscana 2026 website or contact startcuptoscana@regione.toscana.it.