From advanced agricultural technologies to digital twins and artificial intelligence, the competition organised by ART-ER showcases research-driven entrepreneurship in Emilia-Romagna. The event also brought together regional startups and international bus
On 20 October 2026, the Start Cup Emilia-Romagna 2026 final took place at Tecnopolo DAMA in Bologna, showcasing innovative business ideas emerging from the region’s universities and research centres.
Organised by ART-ER in collaboration with local universities, research centres and a network of incubators, accelerators and industry partners, Start Cup is a business plan competition designed to turn research results into innovative ventures. Funded by European funds from the Emilia-Romagna Region, the initiative is part of the region’s wider commitment to technology transfer and research-based entrepreneurship.
Three winning projects addressing real-world challenges
The 2026 competition recognised three teams from the University of Bologna, whose projects apply advanced technologies to challenges in agriculture, animal health and professional services.
- PhytoAlert, awarded first prize, has developed a portable diagnostic device designed to detect the bacterium responsible for Flavescence dorée in vineyards before visible symptoms appear, using sensors and machine learning.
- Nutriwin, awarded second prize, has developed a digital twin of a dog’s intestine to simulate the effects of ingredients on animal health, supporting faster and more cost-effective scientific testing.
- Tributar-IA, awarded third prize, is an artificial intelligence platform designed to help tax law professionals search legislation and case law more efficiently and prepare legal documents.
Four additional teams from the competition’s advanced programme — DWS-Constance, LactoThera, LSBmed and Zeno Dynamics — have qualified for Italy’s National Innovation Award (Premio Nazionale per l’Innovazione), taking place in Bari on 3–4 December 2026.
Together, these projects demonstrate the breadth of research-driven innovation emerging from Emilia-Romagna, spanning agricultural technology, life sciences, clean technologies and AI-powered professional services.
The participating startups represented a diverse range of technologies and markets:
- Airtisan develops practical AI solutions for businesses, including software to support industrial risk analysis, process improvement and decision-making.
- Cellmets develops advanced impact-protection systems using 3D-printed auxetic metamaterials and biomechanical modelling, with applications in helmets and other protective equipment.
- èlevit integrates touch sensors directly into materials such as glass, ceramics, plastics and composites, creating smart surfaces for automotive, home and industrial products.
- HMDrive develops augmented-reality technologies for vehicles, using transparent holographic displays to improve driver interaction with vehicle systems while keeping attention on the surrounding environment.
- IANUNAI combines neuroscience, wearable sensors and artificial intelligence to support personalised mental wellbeing and coaching, monitoring physiological signals to adapt support to individual needs.
- LexHero offers an AI-powered legal workspace that helps professionals draft, review and sign legal documents, analyse contracts and access relevant legislation and case law.
- Magnetic Future develops innovative power-supply systems for superconducting magnets, with potential applications in medical imaging, particle accelerators, aerospace and fusion energy.
- Purò develops patented ozone-based hair-care solutions designed to support hair treatment and regeneration, serving professional salons and the beauty sector.
- Robotizr simplifies industrial automation through intuitive, no-code software that enables companies to programme and manage robots and industrial machinery more easily.
- Search Bridge helps brands improve their visibility in AI-powered search and generative AI assistants by monitoring how they are represented and recommended and identifying opportunities to strengthen their digital presence.
The range of solutions presented reflects the breadth of innovation represented at the event, from advanced materials and clean technologies to AI, digital services, health and industrial automation.
ART-ER and the international development of Emilia-Romagna’s startup ecosystem
The two events highlight ART-ER’s role in connecting research, entrepreneurship and investment across Emilia-Romagna. By working with universities, research centres, incubators, accelerators and national and international partners, ART-ER supports innovative teams as they develop their business models, access specialist networks and prepare to bring their technologies to market.
The involvement of FiBAN and EstBAN also underlines the importance of international investor connections in helping early-stage companies explore opportunities beyond Italy.
