Lombardia earmarks €8.75 million for startup competitions and market upgrades

The Lombardy regional government announced two funding programmes aimed at boosting local innovation and commerce. A €750,000 prize pool will support five startup and university spin‑off competitions, including the flagship Start Cup Lombardia 2026 and four sector‑specific tracks covering sustainable construction, agro‑industry, textiles and steel. The contests involve ten regional universities such as the University of Milan, Politecnico di Milano and Bocconi, and aim to turn research results into market‑ready businesses.

In a separate measure, Lombardia allocated €8 million to modernise municipal markets across the region. The grant will cover construction of covered markets, renovation of pavements, parking, energy‑efficiency upgrades and digital technologies. Municipalities and mountain community groups can apply, with up to 80 % cost coverage for towns under 30,000 inhabitants and 50 % for larger ones. The regional authority plans to publish the call for proposals within the next 60 days.