The Innovative SME Award InnovUp 2026 is back. Promoted by InnovUp, this national award aims to bring visibility and growth opportunities to companies registered in the Special Section for Innovative SMEs of the Italian Business Register.
The initiative highlights Italian excellence—businesses driving innovation and regional development—putting them at the center of the national ecosystem.
The Regional Phase in Tuscany and Local Partners
The Award is structured in two stages: a regional selection phase followed by the national final in December 2026.
In Toscana, the initiative is promoted by a regional network comprising Polo Tecnologico di Navacchio, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, and *beeco.
The first-place winner of the Tuscan regional prize will gain direct access to the national final to compete for the title of Innovative SME InnovUp 2026. The winner will also benefit from dedicated visibility campaigns, strategic mentoring, and high-level networking opportunities.
The regional award ceremony will take place on November 16, 2026, in Florence at the Sala Pegaso (Palazzo Strozzi Sacrati), in the presence of the Regional Minister for Economy, Leonardo Marras.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
To be eligible, companies must:
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Have their registered office in Tuscany;
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Be registered in the Special Section for Innovative SMEs of the Business Register at the time of application;
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Meet the requirements outlined in the national regulations.
Applications will be evaluated on both quantitative and qualitative criteria, including R&D investments, patents and intellectual property, economic growth, internationalization, and workforce qualification.
Key Dates and How to Apply
Applications for the Tuscan Regional Award are open from September 7, 2026, through October 9, 2026.
For full details and to apply: Visit the Polo Tecnologico di Navacchio page or the official InnovUp Award platform.