Business · Companies · 9 hrs ago
Sicily funds 16 innovation hubs as startup numbers rise
Sicily’s startups and innovative small businesses rose from 725 to 794 in a year, an increase of 9.5%.
The regional government is using EU funds to build a network through Open Innovation Sicilia, which has allocated €7.18 million to 16 hubs.
About €4.33 million will go to businesses in the network, while €2.85 million will support the hubs, which offer acceleration and incubation programmes.
The aim is to connect research, investment and business growth, and help companies reach customers and hire workers.
Projects are testing support for sectors including wine, olive oil, dairy, sustainable chemistry, recycling and life sciences.
A €1.5 million mechatronics hub is due to open in Termini Imerese on November 10, offering access to equipment, expertise and training; an Innovation Week in Palermo and Catania is scheduled for November 17 to 20.
Sicily is allocating €7.18 million in EU funds to establish 16 innovation hubs.
The number of startups and innovative small and medium-sized businesses in Sicily rose by 9.5% in a year, from 725 to 794.
The Open Innovation Sicilia programme directs about 60% of its funding to participating businesses.
The hubs support activities including business acceleration, incubation and testing innovations in industrial sectors.
An innovation hub in Termini Imerese is due to open on 10 November with a €1.5 million investment.
- Who
- The Sicilian regional government is funding the hubs; startups and innovative small and medium-sized businesses are among those they support.
- What
- The Open Innovation Sicilia programme is funding 16 innovation hubs with €7.18 million.
- When
- The funding programme is under way. One hub is due to open on 10 November 2026.
- Where
- Sicily, Italy.
- Why
- The programme aims to support businesses and strengthen the regional innovation system.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The number of startups and innovative small and medium-sized businesses in Sicily increased from 725 to 794.
The Meccatronica Cluster Sicilia Innovation Hub is due to open in Termini Imerese.
Innovation Week is scheduled to take place in Palermo and Catania.
- Total funding
- €7.18 million for 16 hubs
- Business support
- €4.33 million
- Hubs’ support
- €2.85 million
- Startup and innovative SME count
- 794, up from 725
- Meccatronica hub investment
- €1.5 million
What people are saying
Our goal is to shorten the distances on the map of the innovation ecosystem that has already emerged over these three years.