Smart&Start Italia: new 2026 rules supporting innovative start-ups
September 2, 2026
The Ministerial Decree of 13 July 2026, published by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) on 2 September 2026, updates Smart&Start Italia to reflect the new innovative start-up framework. The changes concern business-plan assessment, equity investment and, subject to specific conditions, the possibility of converting part of the subsidised financing into a non-repayable grant.
What changes in 2026?
The Decree aligns the scheme with the new definition of innovative start-up introduced by Law No. 193 of 16 December 2024 and introduces further simplifications in the procedures used to assess business plans.
Which business plans can Smart&Start Italia finance?
Smart&Start Italia generally finances business plans ranging from EUR 100,000 to EUR 1.5 million for the development of highly technological and innovative products or services, digital-economy solutions, artificial intelligence, blockchain and Internet of Things projects, or the commercial exploitation of public and private research results.
How do equity investment and grant conversion work?
The 2026 changes also address equity investments in beneficiary start-ups and the possibility of converting part of the subsidised financing into a non-repayable grant. Subject to the applicable conditions, the scheme allows conversion of an amount up to 50% of the capital contributions made by third-party investors or individual shareholders and, in any event, up to 50% of the total aid granted.
Can foreign companies also apply?
Foreign companies may also apply if they undertake to establish at least one operating unit in Italy. For companies that have not yet been incorporated, incorporation must take place within the deadline set out in the admission notice.
What should the business do?
- verify continued compliance with the updated innovative start-up requirements before applying;
- prepare a business plan that is consistent across technology, market positioning, financing structure and execution capacity;
- assess potential equity investment also in light of the possibility of converting part of the subsidised loan into a grant;
- coordinate Smart&Start with other incentives and the start-up’s overall funding needs.
What are the main legal and administrative references?
Legal and administrative references: Ministerial Decree of 24 September 2014, as subsequently amended; Decree-Law No. 179 of 18 October 2012, Article 25; Law No. 193 of 16 December 2024; Ministerial Decree of 13 July 2026, published by MIMIT on 2 September 2026; MIMIT Circular No. 439196 of 16 December 2019, as subsequently amended.
