In a press conference attended by President Eugenio Giani, the projects funded by the Research, Development, and Innovation Call for Investment Attraction were officially presented. The initiative represents a significant opportunity to strengthen the presence of foreign investors in Tuscany, with a particular focus on research and innovation, two key elements for the future of our region.
Objective of the Call: Strengthening Competitiveness and Supporting the Digital and Ecological Transition
The goal of the call is to increase investments in industrial research, experimental development, and innovation, with special attention to the cooperation between Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and large foreign-capital enterprises, along with research organizations. This approach aims to stimulate innovation and promote the ecological and digital transition, which are highly relevant topics for the competitiveness of the industrial sector and the growth of our country.
Target Audience of the Call
The call was directed at large foreign-capital enterprises cooperating with at least one MSME, and in some cases, with research organizations. It also targets medium-sized enterprises (Mid Caps), offering funding opportunities for projects ranging from 1.5 million to 3 million euros, with a maximum duration of 12 months, plus a possible 3-month extension.
Immediate Success: The Ranking and Investments
The response to the call from the region has been extremely positive: in a short time, the available resources (10 million euros) were fully allocated, with the first application window, which closed on November 10, 2024, receiving 16 applications, of which 11 were eligible for funding. These 11 applications require funding exceeding 13 million euros, activating a total investment of over 22 million euros.
To date, with the available resources (8.5 million euros), the first 6 eligible projects have been fully funded. However, the Tuscany Region is working to recover additional resources, aiming to fund other worthy projects. The collaboration between large enterprises and SMEs is proving to be a key factor for the success of these initiatives.
Funded Projects: Innovation and Sustainability
The selected projects cover priority technological domains established by the Tuscany Smart Specialization Strategy and focus on highly relevant and timely topics. Here’s a brief overview of the 6 funded projects:
- JSW STEEL ITALY PIOMBINO S.P.A.
Project: Predictive management of railway infrastructure health using innovative low-power sensors.
Objective: Optimize infrastructure maintenance, enhancing safety and reducing operational costs. - TECHA S.R.L.
Project: Application of artificial intelligence for laboratory automation.
Objective: Automate laboratory processes to improve efficiency and precision in analyses. - ARCHA S.R.L.
Project: Valorization of plastic waste for the production of casting molds.
Objective: Promote recycling and valorization of plastic waste, contributing to greater sustainability. - SOLVAY CHIMICA ITALIA S.P.A.
Project: Recovery of exhausted carbons with minimal metal content.
Objective: Reduce environmental impact and improve material lifecycle through recovery and recycling. - INOVYN PRODUZIONE ITALIA S.P.A.
Project: Production of high-value-added chloromethanes using innovative catalytic technologies.
Objective: Develop new chemical products with more efficient and environmentally friendly processes. - NUOVO PIGNONE TECNOLOGIE S.R.L.
Project: Robotics for the monitoring and inspection of energy infrastructures.
Objective: Use robotics to improve maintenance of energy infrastructures, ensuring greater safety and reducing intervention times.
The Future of the Call and Investments in Tuscany
The Research, Development, and Innovation Call for Investment Attraction has not only funded innovative projects but also demonstrated the commitment of the Tuscany Region to fostering an ecosystem that promotes collaboration between small and large enterprises, as well as between the industrial world and research organizations. In this way, Tuscany is becoming an increasingly important hub for innovation and foreign investments.
With the intention of continuing to support growing projects, the Tuscany Region, in collaboration with enterprises and research entities, is preparing to face new challenges and capitalize on the opportunities that innovation continues to offer.
Stay updated on future developments and upcoming calls through our blog and official Tuscany Region channels.
