Italy launches historic firms registry and sees surge in startup activity

Unioncamere, together with Italian chambers of commerce, has reopened applications for the Registro delle Imprese Storiche, a register that recognises companies that have operated continuously for at least a century. The programme, established in 2011, aims to highlight the long‑standing contribution of historic firms to the national economy. Applications are accepted until 30 September 2026 for companies already centenarian and until 31 July 2027 for those reaching the milestone in 2026, with no registration fee.

Meanwhile, data from the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy show that more than 12,000 innovative startups are now listed in the special section of the business register. Experts note that while the number of new firms is rising, long‑term survival depends on validating real market problems and building scalable organisations. Founders of Startup Geeks, Alessio Boceda and Giulia D’Amato, stress the need for practical tools and mentorship to help Italian entrepreneurs compete internationally.