Start Cup Marche 2026 announces winners of business plan competition

The 2026 edition of Start Cup Marche, a business plan competition for students and researchers, has concluded in Camerino. The initiative is organized by the four universities of the Marche region: the University of Camerino, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Università di Macerata, and Università di Urbino.

Three main projects were awarded. The first prize went to ‘DYN4MICA’, which utilizes artificial intelligence, molecular simulations, and bioinformatics to accelerate pharmaceutical research and therapeutic development. The second prize was awarded to ‘Novosap’ for its technology aimed at recovering and reusing superabsorbent polymers from hygiene products to promote sustainability. The third prize was given to ‘Amarea Cosmetics’, a project that transforms local agricultural waste from the Marche region into active ingredients for skincare products.

Additional special mentions were awarded, including the ‘Green and Blue’ mention for natural resource protection to the ‘AgroKER’ project, and a social innovation mention to ‘AdHeraCare’. The competition was supported by sponsors including Intesa Sanpaolo, Studio Rubino&Partners, and the Order of Chartered Accountants and Experts of Macerata and Camerino.