InvestorInvesting in Italy's distinctive SMEs for sustainable growth.
The startup scene in Italy
Milan is home to PoliHub, Politecnico di Milano’s innovation district and startup accelerator, managed by Fondazione Politecnico di Milano. PoliHub describes support for deep-tech startups through acceleration, funding access, mentorship, and advice, and says its capital-access process connects startups with national venture-capital and business-angel funds. [27477, 27478, 27479]
About
Milan is home to PoliHub, Politecnico di Milano’s innovation district and startup accelerator, managed by Fondazione Politecnico di Milano. PoliHub describes support for deep-tech startups through acceleration, funding access, mentorship, and advice, and says its capital-access process connects startups with national venture-capital and business-angel funds. [27477, 27478, 27479]
Politecnico di Milano describes Polimi Innovators as an umbrella for its entrepreneurship and research-valorization initiatives. Through its Innovation Studio, innovation and technology-transfer managers guide student and researcher teams. [27482, 27483]
In the 2025 Switch2Product edition, Politecnico reported that 26 finalists would enter incubation and that nine grants of €30,000 were awarded. The university also reported supporting 382 startups from 2000 through 2024, including 215 originating from Politecnico. These are historical program and university-reported figures, not a citywide census or a current offer. [27484, 27485, 27486]
This month
On in Milan this month
14 startup events in the next 30 days, 6 this week, 13 free. The city as a calendar, with the hosts and venues that keep it full.
Monday, Nov 2
Milan Startup Basket #45
Sasha KomarevychFreeTuesday, Nov 3
AI Salon L'Aquila
Fireside Chat · Anton Reshetov · L'AquilaFreeAI Salon L'Aquila
Fireside Chat · Anton Reshetov · P.za S. Basilio, 1FreeLa Dolce Vita by Paybis & Repay
INPUT Global Events · La MénagèreFreeWednesday, Nov 4
The Institutional Hour by Utila & Utexo | SiGMA Rome
Utila .ioFreeStartup ecosystem standing
Where Milan ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | #56 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
 Global Innovation Index: Innovation Cluster Ranking (formerly Science and Technology Clusters) | 2026 | #57 | Down 1 | B | Innovation, Research, Activity |
 Global Financial Centres Index | GFCI 40 | #62 | No prior edition | B | Finance, Competitiveness, Business Climate |
 Emerging Ecosystems Ranking (GSER Top 100) | 2026 | 21 to 30 | No prior edition | C | Ecosystem, Performance, Finance, Talent |
271 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Milan
Investors 193
Investor
InvestorBuilding communities and businesses for the next generation.
InvestorInvestment solutions for sustainable growth.
The 3 most prominent of 193. Browse all investors
Accelerators 31
AcceleratorPoliHub is the Innovation Park and Startup Accelerator of Politecnico di Milano, located in Milan, Italy. It focuses on fostering Deep Tech startups…
AcceleratorCariplo Factory is an accelerator based in Milan, Italy, focused on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through various programs and initiatives…
AcceleratorAccelerating FashionTech Startups
The 3 most prominent of 31. Browse all accelerators
Venture studios 27
Venture studioTransforming tech ideas into viable businesses.
Venture studioBuilding disruptive startups for visionary founders & corporations.
Venture studioAccelerating digital growth for SMEs.
The 3 most prominent of 27. Browse all venture studios
Incubators 20
IncubatorIncubating the best early-stage startups in Milan.
IncubatorDigital incubator and startup accelerator in Milan.
IncubatorItaly's first privately funded life sciences accelerator.
The 3 most prominent of 20. Browse all incubators
Based here, most-ranked first
Universities in Milan
UniversityListed in 1 ranking
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Milan
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Milan
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
- PoliHub - Innovation Park & Startup AcceleratorAccelerator
- Digital Capital FactoryIncubator
- All accelerators
Scouting in Milan
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Milan
Axios framed the company's own positioning as acquisition-centered; this is an attributed media characterization.
Source: Bending Spoons raises $1 billion in IPOA 2016 metropolitan page proposed these incubators and coworking groups for a startup stakeholder network; current membership is unverified.
Source: Start up innovativeThis dated metropolitan-government page identifies four co-promoters, but does not confirm a current active program.
Source: Start up innovativeAxios reported approximately $1.68 billion in combined IPO proceeds.
Source: Bending Spoons raises $1 billion in IPOTechCrunch reported the company's Nasdaq debut on July 1, 2026.
Source: After $18B IPO, Bending Spoons founder says success comes from minimizing luckTechCrunch reported Bending Spoons' Milan headquarters and international acquisition portfolio.
Source: After $18B IPO, Bending Spoons founder says success comes from minimizing luck
Questions about Milan
How does Milan rank as a startup ecosystem?
Milan is #56 of 1,473 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025). It appears in 4 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in Milan?
193 investors based in Milan have a profile here, including Holding Carisma, OneDay Group and Kairos Partners Sgr. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Milan?
Yes. Milan has 31 accelerators, 20 incubators and 27 venture studios on record, including PoliHub - Innovation Park & Startup Accelerator, Digital Capital Factory and e-Novia.
Which universities are in Milan?
One university has a profile: Politecnico di Milano.
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Milan
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