Balboni: “An investment dedicated to young people to create or develop a business”
FERRARA – The Start-Up Creation Lab kicked off yesterday. It is the training program on bioeconomy organized by the Municipality of Ferrara together with the University of Ferrara within the framework of Sole MED, a project funded by the European Interreg Euro-MED program, in which the Municipality serves as lead partner. The laboratory, lasting three days, will involve 30 young people aged between 18 and 30, united by the objective of developing or refining a business idea in the fields of bioeconomy and circular economy.
“Focusing on the training of young people and training them together with Unife on the possibility of doing business in the circular economy is an important investment for the future of Ferrara,” states Deputy Mayor Alessandro Balboni. “In this way, a concrete bridge is built between university research and the local entrepreneurial fabric, and this synergy is one of our guiding principles for the development of the city. We received a high number of applications, to the extent that the workshop is fully booked: this is a significant result because the participation and enthusiasm of these young people are the foundation for solidifying an initiative that aims to open new paths for the most in-demand entrepreneurship in the green economy.”
The program is structured in three phases. The first phase will provide the fundamentals of innovation, circular economy, and the specifics of bioeconomy in the Mediterranean regions. The second phase will delve into operational tools: Business Model Canvas, Design Thinking, Lean Startup methodology, market analysis, financial planning, and the regulatory framework. The third phase will focus instead on rapid prototyping, business plan writing, pitch preparation, and personalized mentoring sessions. The lessons will be delivered by professors and researchers from the University of Ferrara, who have translated their scientific expertise into practical tools.
The initiative opened with a presentation of the program and testimonials from three companies operating in the sector, while the final event is scheduled for January 12, 2027, during the Demo Day, when participants will present their projects to local investors and stakeholders. Classes will be held in the City Council Chamber of the Municipal Residence from October to December, culminating in the final event in January 2027.
The Sole MED project has been funded by the Interreg Euro-MED program (“Sustainable and Innovative Economy” mission) with a total budget of €1,435,000. The Municipality of Ferrara leads a transnational partnership including the University of Ferrara, the Region of Thessaly, the Municipality of Lleida, the Municipality of Razlog, ViLabs, and the Chamber of Commerce of Banja Luka, with the aim of supporting new youth entrepreneurship and creating a network of Open Labs in sustainable bioeconomy.
