Startups Go Global: the International Accelerator of Campania

Startups Go Global was an acceleration program promoted by SPICI and NOESI EVOLUTION S.R.L., made possible through the financial support of the European Union, the Italian State and the Campania Region, as part of the P.O.R. Campania FESR 2014 – 2020. The initiative was designed to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in Campania, aligning with the strategic sectors of the RIS3 – Strategy of Intelligent Specialization 2021/2027 and prioritizing key sectors such as Energy and Environment, Blue Growth, Creative Industries, and Sport Economy. One of the distinctive elements of the project was the emphasis on internationalization, recognized by the Campania Region as a key factor in increasing territorial competitiveness. The program fostered the building of a community of innovators with prospects of expansion towards markets in Europe, China, the United States, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Iran, and Georgia. Main objectives of the program: Support initiatives of Open Innovation, involving Bodies and Medium and Large Enterprises with an international vision. Encourage the generation of new business ideas, supporting the creation and development of startups with innovative solutions in response to Open Innovation challenges. Promote a global entrepreneurial culture and new opportunities for internationalization for startups. The entrepreneurial training program of Startups Go Global provided participants with strategic knowledge to strengthen and structure their entrepreneurial idea, enabling them to develop businesses with a positioning in international markets. The recipients of the program were university students, innovative teams, startups, and spin-offs, involved in a training and mentorship path, aimed at developing their business ideas with an international perspective. Starting from 9 February 2023, for two months, training sessions with prominent lecturers, testimonials from entrepreneurs, and innovation managers took place, in addition to mentorship activities to assist participants in their growth path. Role of SPICI
SPICI played a key role in the design, management, and implementation of the program, handling: Design and conception of the program, defining strategic lines and activities. Promotion and selection of participants, ensuring the involvement of high-potential students, teams, and startups. Organization of training sessions and mentorship, connecting participants with sector experts, entrepreneurs, and innovation managers. Support for internationalization, facilitating connections with target markets and creating growth opportunities for startups. Monitoring and evaluation of the program's impact, collecting data and insights to enhance the results. Through these activities, SPICI contributed to strengthening the Campanian startup ecosystem, fostering the emergence of new entrepreneurial realities that are globally competitive.