The National Innovation Award – PNI 2025 will take place on 4–5 December in Ferrara, co-organised by the PNICube Network and the University of Ferrara. The event is the largest and most widespread business plan competition in Italy, bringing together the best innovative start-up projects that have won the regional Start Cups.

Among the finalists is Lachesis Bio, a project from the Scuola Normale Superiore, winner of Start Cup Toscana 2025.

The competing teams will challenge each other across four innovation areas:

• Cleantech & Energy

• ICT

• Industrial

• Life Sciences – MedTech

The PNI brings together researchers and young talents from universities and research institutions belonging to the PNICube network, supported by advanced entrepreneurial training programmes and services that guide them in developing their projects. The award also serves as a key meeting point between research, industry, and investors, fostering dialogue with the industrial, financial, and innovation ecosystems.

The 2025 prize pool includes cash prizes, special mentions, and awards offered by the initiative’s partners.

Programme and further details are available at this link.