ZERO, the new Accelerator of startups in the Cleantech sector, is the result of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti‘s desire to create a National Network of highly specialized physical Accelerators, to stimulate entrepreneurial skills by accompanying the growth of the best Italian innovation talents.

Zero, based in Rome, was created in collaboration with important financial and industrial players, including Eni as main partner – through the Joule Business School, created to promote innovative and sustainable entrepreneurship – Acea, Maire Tecnimont and Microsoft as corporate partners.

The acceleration program will be managed by LVenture Group and Elis, which will invest together with CDP Venture Capital Sgr in the selected startups.
With an initial endowment of 4.6 million euros, to be followed by a further 1.8 million euros subscribed for subsequent post-acceleration follow-on, the Cleantech initiative aims to support the growth of 30 Italian startups and innovative SMEs and international companies wishing to develop their business by opening an operational headquarters in Italy over a period of 3 years.

According to criteria linked to the growth potential and the ability to face the technological challenges of the sector, the ZERO Accelerator will select the best startups and innovative SMEs that develop projects and technological solutions aimed at minimizing carbon impact, facilitating the reduction of emissions, optimizing the waste cycle, speeding up energy transition processes and promoting the circular economy.

The call for the selection of innovative startups and SMEs will be open starting April 14, 2021 at www.zeroacceleratorcleantech.com.
Each selected startup will participate in a 5-month acceleration path, with the support of mentors, corporate partners of the project and selected investors.

Physical location of the program will be the coworking area of Joule, Eni’s School for Enterprise, in the Gazometro area of Rome Ostiense. An iconic place with a great industrial vocation, built in the early twentieth century, which Eni has chosen to transform into a large district of Italian innovation in the capital and that will involve public and private actors with the aim of contributing to the restart after the production crisis generated by the health emergency.