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Call4Ideas 2026: the University of Insubria and ComoNExT join forces to turn innovative ideas into business ventures

Publishing date:
9 October 2026
Call for Applications – ComoNext-Insubria

From entrepreneurial ideas to their potential implementation, with the support of experts, mentors and innovation professionals: the University of Insubria, in collaboration with ComoNExT Digital Innovation Hub, is launching the first edition of «Call4Ideas 2026», a call for proposals aimed at the academic community to support the development and enhancement of innovative business ideas.

The initiative, developed with the involvement of Professor Mauro Fasano, the Rector’s Delegate for Knowledge Valorisation, is part of the University of Insubria’s activities dedicated to knowledge transfer and the promotion of an entrepreneurial culture, with the aim of strengthening connections between universities, research and industry.

The call offers two free Co-tutorship programmes, through which the selected projects will benefit from personalised support for an initial period of three months, extendable by a further two months in the event of significant and documented progress.

Throughout the programme, participants will work alongside tutors from the University and ComoNExT to develop their business proposals, identifying their market potential and defining the tools needed to turn them into viable projects. Activities may include developing and refining the business model, assessing economic sustainability and scalability, building the team, financial planning and identifying funding opportunities.

Particular attention will also be given to communication and the presentation of business ideas, including the preparation of effective pitches for investors and potential partners, as well as participation in startup competitions and initiatives. The projects will also have the opportunity to connect with the ComoNExT ecosystem, which brings together approximately 150 technology-based companies and more than 1,000 knowledge workers, offering opportunities for discussion and networking with innovative businesses and established companies.

The call is open to students enrolled in Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes, postgraduate Master's programmes, PhD candidates, researchers and professors at the University of Insubria. Applications may be submitted individually or by teams, which may also include members from outside the University, provided that at least one applicant belongs to the University community. Each applicant may submit only one business idea.

Proposals will be assessed by the Contamination Lab Board, which will evaluate the innovative potential of each idea and its ability to address real market needs, the skills and motivation of the applicants, and the feasibility and effectiveness of the business model. The maximum score is 30 points, with a minimum threshold of 18 points required to qualify for the support programmes. The two highest-ranking projects that meet this threshold will be selected.

To provide further information about the opportunities offered by the call, an online information session will take place on Wednesday, 14 October, from 9.30 to 10.30 am. ComoNExT experts will explain how the Co-tutorship programmes work, the support available and practical tips for effectively structuring and presenting a business idea. Participants must register using the dedicated online form.

Applications must be submitted by 12 noon on Monday, 26 October 2026, exclusively through the dedicated online application form, which can be accessed using University of Insubria institutional email credentials. Applicants will be required to provide information about their project, the market needs it aims to address, potential competitors and team composition, together with a brief presentation of their business idea.