CFAs: Cyber Innovation Network Program (Italy)

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.

Cyber Innovation Network is the primary program for collaboration and integration between the Agency and the national ecosystem of research, innovation, and industry.

Funding Information

• 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.
• Disbursement Procedure:
  • 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.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible startups for Cyber Innovation Network:
  • 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.
  • Have been established for less than 5 years.
  • Be registered with the Business Register.
  • Have operational headquarters in Italy.
  • Have a compliant individual status.
  • Comply with the limits of the State Aid “de minimis” ceiling.

Evaluation Criteria

• 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.

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