Discover the Hub
Saturday, September 26 at 2:30 PM
4SPA, via Nazionale 114 Aci Castello (CT)
Register for free Download event program
A hub to launch,
grow and connect innovation in Sicily
Catania Crea Impresa
A hub for innovation and
entrepreneurship in Sicily
Catania Crea Impresa - Open Innovation Hub Sicily promotes entrepreneurship and innovation by nurturing ideas, skills and projects capable of generating new opportunities for the Sicilian territory.
Promoted by DBhub and Wylab, it connects startups, aspiring entrepreneurs, businesses, universities, research centers, institutions and investors through incubation and acceleration programs, as well as networking and ecosystem-building activities.
OBJECTIVES
Our levers to turn ideas into Business
Talent
Nurturing skills, ideas and human capital.
Business
Fostering the development of new entrepreneurial projects.
Innovation
Promoting open innovation, technology and knowledge transfer.
Territory
Strengthening the Sicilian ecosystem by creating new development opportunities.
THE THREE TRACKS
The right path for every stage of your growth
Incubation
Have an innovative idea? Turn it into a business.
The Incubation program is aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs and teams not yet set up
as a business, guiding them
from idea validation to defining the business model, through to founding the company.
Who it's for
Aspiring entrepreneurs and teams not yet set up as a business, ready to turn an idea into a concrete project.
Main requirements
You can apply if:
- you are of legal age;
- you live in Sicily, or commit to moving your residence there before the program starts;
- you hold a university degree and/or relevant professional experience consistent with the proposed idea;
- you commit to founding the company in Sicily, if selected;
- your project is consistent with one of the S3 Sicily 2021–2027 areas, or you meet the alternative condition for youth and/or female-led teams.
The path
01
Initial assessment
Strategic roadmap, KPIs and a personalized plan.
02
Ideation and validation
Problem, target and validation of the idea and market.
03
Business model and prototype
Business model and MVP development.
04
Planning, legal and tax aspects
Operational roadmap, legal form and IP protection.
05
Communication and pitch
Public presentation, storytelling and access to capital.
What you receive
Workshop & Entrepreneurial Training
16 practical sessions to turn your idea into a structured project.
Mentorship 1:1
A dedicated tutor who supports you throughout the validation and development of your project.
Specialist Consultancy
Expert support on key aspects to help you build your future business.
Open Innovation
Engagement with SMEs and corporations to validate solutions and test them in real-world settings.
Networking
Connections with partners, stakeholders and investors to present and promote your project.
Digital & AI Tools
AI tools to validate your idea and market, plus a learning platform providing access to online programme content.
15.000 €
DE MINIMIS GRANT
At the end of the programme, newly established companies with a registered office or operational unit in Sicily may access, subject to the conditions set out in the Call for Applications, a €15,000 de minimis grant. The project provides for an estimated maximum of 5 beneficiary companies.
Access to the grant is subject to the establishment of the company and the validation of the Business Plan by the Hub.
Discover the terms and conditions in the Call for ApplicationsReady to shape your idea?
Apply to the Catania Crea Impresa Incubation program by November 10, 2026.
Acceleration
Already have a startup and want to grow it? Take it to the next level.
The Acceleration program is aimed at already established innovative startups and SMEs and
guides them through a path of growth,
technological and market validation, skills development, and access to investors and new opportunities.
Who it's for
Already established innovative startups and SMEs, ready to consolidate their business model and accelerate growth.
Main requirements
You can apply if:
- your company is duly incorporated and registered with the Companies Register;
- it was established no more than 60 months ago;
- it has a registered office or an active operational unit in Sicily, or you commit to setting one up before activities begin;
- it is registered in the Special Section for Innovative Startups, or has characteristics equivalent to those required for innovative startups;
- the proposed project is consistent with at least one of the S3 Sicily 2021–2027 areas.
The path
01
Initial assessment
Strategic roadmap, KPIs and a personalized plan.
02
Training and operational path
Advanced training, individual tutoring and specialist mentoring.
03
Networking, Demo Day and follow-up
B2B meetings and presentations to investors and stakeholders.
What you receive
Workshop & Advanced Training
16 practical sessions to strengthen your business model and build your growth plan.
Mentorship 1:1
A dedicated tutor who supports you in achieving your goals and overcoming your company’s growth challenges.
Specialist Consultancy
Expert support tailored to the specific needs of your startup and its development goals.
Open Innovation
Engagement with SMEs and corporations on concrete innovation needs, with opportunities for collaboration and experimentation.
Networking
Connections with partners, stakeholders and investors to develop new relationships and business opportunities.
Digital & AI Tools
AI tools for validation and market testing, plus a learning platform providing access to online programme content.
Up to
30.000 €
DE MINIMIS GRANT
At the end of the programme, companies that have successfully completed the programme may access a de minimis grant of up to €30,000 to implement the know-how acquired.
Discover the terms and conditions in the Call for ApplicationsReady to grow your business?
Apply to the Catania Crea Impresa Acceleration program by November 10, 2026.
Sicily Ecosystem
Want to connect with Sicily's innovation ecosystem? Take part, meet people, build new connections.
Catania Crea Impresa promotes activities and events that connect startups, businesses, investors, universities and local stakeholders, fostering the exchange of experience and new relationships.
Events and activities
01
Scouting & Roadshow
Scouting activities, public presentations and roadshows at Sicilian universities and research centers.
02
Networking & Meetings
3 exchange events with networking, thematic roundtables and meetings with businesses, investors, universities and regional stakeholders.
03
Community
2 events dedicated to aspiring entrepreneurs and the local public.
Upcoming events
Join the ecosystem
Take part in Catania Crea Impresa events and build new connections with startups, businesses, universities, investors and local stakeholders.
AREAS
The areas of innovation
Blue Economy
Energy
Smart Cities & Communities
Life Sciences
Agri-food
Environment, Natural Resources and Sustainable Development
TIMELINE
The project journey
Applications open
6 October 2026
Bootcamp
20 October 2026
Applications close
10 November 2026
Selection Day
23 November 2026
Ranking list published
27 November 2026
Partners standing alongside our territory
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Get in touch with Catania Crea Impresa
Contact us
We're here to listen and support youPR FESR Sicilia 2021–2027 – Azione 1.1.3 “Open Innovation Sicilia”
The operation is financed under the Sicilian Region’s ERDF Regional Programme 2021–2027, with funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Italian State, and the Department of Productive Activities.
Open Innovation Sicilia