Cyber
Innovation Network
The Cyber Innovation Network Program represents a multi-year strategic implementation initiative of the National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN).
In this context, the Agency aims to promote, including through the involvement of the national industrial system, the development of industrial, technological, and scientific expertise and capabilities in the field of cybersecurity. To this end, Cyber Innovation Network aims to support the creation and development of startups, as well as facilitate the transfer and enhancement of applied research outcomes.
Therefore, Cyber Innovation Network is the primary program for collaboration and integration between the Agency and the national ecosystem of research, innovation, and industry.
Applications for the Cyber Innovation Network will be open to startups from June 30 to July 11, 2025
The National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN)
is the national authority for cybersecurity, safeguarding national interests in the field of cybersecurity. The Agency's mission is to protect security and resilience in cyberspace. It focuses on preventing and mitigating the largest number of cyberattacks and promoting the achievement of technological autonomy. One of the Agency's main tasks is the implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, adopted by the Prime Minister, which outlines the objectives to be pursued by 2026.
Eligible startups for Cyber Innovation Network
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Operate in emerging technologies, new solutions, and business models with high innovation and scalability potential, contributing to the development and dissemination of cybersecurity, with a particular, but not exclusive, focus on technologies such as data science, artificial intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things, blockchain, quantum computing, and cryptography.
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Have been established for less than 5 years.
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Be registered with the Business Register.
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Have operational headquarters in Italy.
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Have a compliant individual status.
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Comply with the limits of the State Aid "de minimis" ceiling.
For the first year, up to 4 selected startups will be chosen for the program, each of which will be eligible for a non-repayable financial contribution of €50,000.
To access the contribution offered by the Agency, certain criteria and additional requirements must be met, as outlined in the documents that will be provided to startups interested in the program.
The contribution will be granted in accordance with the “lump sum” methodology (for a pre-determined lump sum amount) without reporting of real costs. This contribution will be disbursed during the course of the project based on the goals achieved.
Disbursement Procedure:
The evaluation of applications for the non-repayable contribution will be carried out by the Agency through a specially established Evaluation Committee.
First Tranche
An initial tranche of €30,000.00 (thirty thousand euros) upon signing the Grant Agreement with the selected startup and admission to the acceleration program.
Second Tranche
A second tranche of €20,000.00 (twenty thousand euros) upon the completion of the required validation activities (achievement of Product-Market-Fit) and completion of the program.
This Committee will assign scores based on the 8 sub-criteria grouped in the following 3 main criteria:
Technological relevance and alignment with the Agency’s 2023-2026 Cybersecurity Research and Innovation Agenda.
Industrial value and economic potential.
Social impact.
Application for Admission:
Complete both attachments:
To apply for the Cyber Innovation Network, you must complete the application form on F6S (click the 'Apply' button), fill in all sections of the required attachments, and send them via email to: