Berkeley SkyDeck Europe, Milano opens applications for its next cohort class for startups that are interested in the European market.
Berkeley SkyDeck Europe, Milano has launched its application process for the fifth round of its acceleration program for European startups. This program, initiated by UC Berkeley SkyDeck, Cariplo Factory, and Lendlease, aims to support innovative startups in various sectors such as aerospace, cybersecurity, B2B software as a service, enterprise software, fintech, generative AI, greentech, and healthtech.
The program provides selected startups with a 6-month acceleration program split between the University of California, Berkeley and Milan, Italy, at the Milano Innovation District (MIND). Participants will have access to financing and the opportunity to present their projects to international investors during a Demo Day held at MIND.
Interested startups can submit their applications until February 14th through the following link: https://www.f6s.com/skydeck-batch-18/apply
Up to 10 startups will be chosen by Berkeley SkyDeck, Cariplo Factory, and Lendlease to join the program, gaining access to a wide range of resources and networks. The first quarter of the program will be led by the Berkeley SkyDeck team, combining in-person and virtual participation. The second quarter will be curated by the Cariplo Factory team and will include virtual and in-person activities at MIND.
During the program, each startup will be supported by three mentors, two from Europe and one from the United States. They will receive training on crucial topics such as go-to-market strategies, product development, and fundraising activities. In addition, the program will provide startups access to a network of international investors.
The second quarter of the program will involve collaborations with top Italian universities, including Milan Polytechnic University, University of Milan, IULM Free University of Languages and Communication, University of Eastern Piedmont Amedeo Avogadro, University of Insubria, University Institute of Higher Studies of Pavia, and University of Bergamo. This collaboration will further enhance the startups’ growth and development.
Each participating startup will receive an investment of €145,000 from the program’s associated investment fund. Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to showcase their projects to a network of international investors during a Demo Day scheduled for October.
Since its inception, SkyDeck Europe has become a prominent accelerator, attracting startups from all around the world. Over the past two years, the program has received 2,578 application requests and has supported the growth of 36 startups across various countries, including Argentina, Armenia, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland, Ukraine, the UK, and the USA. These startups have received a total of €5.2 million from the program and an additional €4 million from other investors and grants.
Caroline Winnett, Executive Director of Berkeley SkyDeck, expressed pride in their support for startups worldwide and their evaluation of the latest batch of applications. She hopes to find companies with great potential to make a significant impact in their industries or even the world.
Anders Nilsson, SkyDeck Europe Program Leader at Cariplo Factory, highlighted the program’s success in becoming an institution in the European and international innovation ecosystem and attracting high-quality companies. Nilsson emphasized their aim to continue growing and widen their network to further support startups in their journey to market.
Andrea Ruckstuhl, CEO of Lendlease Europe, praised Berkeley SkyDeck Europe’s achievements and the appeal of the Milano Innovation District ecosystem for European and Italian innovation. Ruckstuhl expressed enthusiasm for the unique acceleration path provided by the program.
Guido Guidesi, Councilor for Economic Development of the Lombardy Region, highlighted the success of the SkyDeck project and the strength of the Lombardy ecosystem in attracting investments and innovative ideas from around the world. He emphasized the beneficial interactions between startups, companies, and universities within the local ecosystem.
Carlo Mango, Director of the Scientific and Technological Research Area of the Cariplo Foundation, commended the project’s ability to attract talented individuals who contribute to the development of MIND and the broader territory. Mango emphasized the attractiveness of the Italian research and innovation ecosystems for startups, emphasizing their interactions with local companies and universities.
The application period for Berkeley SkyDeck Europe, Milano’s acceleration program is now open, providing European startups with an opportunity to participate in an intensive program that fosters growth, access to funding, and valuable connections in both the United States and Europe. By supporting startups in various sectors, the program aims to contribute to the development of a thriving European ecosystem for innovation and advancements.
