How to Get Startup Funding at University of Milan (Unimi)

Securing Unimi startup funding as a student at the University of Milan might seem like a challenge — but it’s completely achievable. Thanks to a number of dedicated programs, grants, and institutional initiatives, students at Unimi have real opportunities to transform their ideas into funded startups. In this post, we’ll walk through the main paths available for Unimi students to get financial support: from university-led innovation labs to PNRR grants, Seed4Innovation, and entrepreneurial competitions. With the right strategy, you can access the funding you need and turn your startup vision into a reality.

Explore Unimi’s Student Innovation Labs

One of the first places to look for startup funding at the University of Milan is through the Student Innovation Labs (SIL). This program, run by Unimi, supports students and recent graduates who want to develop innovative projects. It offers mentoring, training, and importantly, funding opportunities.

SIL is designed for students in their final year, PhD candidates, and recent graduates, creating a structured and supportive environment to build and test your startup idea. Through the network of mentors provided by the Unimi Foundation, participants gain not just financial backing but also valuable guidance on how to scale and validate their projects.

For Unimi students interested in entrepreneurship, SIL is a natural first port of call — it’s designed precisely to combine education, innovation, and early-stage funding.

Apply for Seed4Innovation & Internal Grants

Another powerful resource for funding at Unimi is the Seed4Innovation program, directly managed by the University of Milan. This initiative offers grants of up to €50,000 per project for innovation-driven teams made up of students, researchers, and alumni.

In recent editions, Unimi awarded a total of €400,000 to the top projects. These funds can support both the development of a prototype (proof of concept) or other early phases of your startup — a critical boost for any student entrepreneur.

Applying for Seed4Innovation requires a well-defined project and a clear plan: be prepared to pitch your innovation, define your business model, and show early traction or technical feasibility. If you succeed, you not only get the money — but also access to acceleration and mentorship opportunities.

Leverage PNRR & External Public Funds

Beyond university programs, Unimi students can tap into national and European-level public funding. One major avenue is the PNRR (Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza): the University of Milan itself is part of a PNRR-funded project “From Research to Enterprise,” which allocates over €28 million to support innovative projects.

These funds are often earmarked for research-driven startups or deep-tech ideas. With a compelling proposal, student entrepreneurs at Unimi can apply for parts of these large-scale funding streams, especially if their startup aligns with PNRR mission goals (such as sustainability, innovation, and social impact).

Tap Into the Foundation UNIMI & Mentorship Capital

The Fondazione UNIMI plays a crucial role in bridging research and enterprise. As the innovation hub of the University of Milan, the foundation supports startups emerging from academic research, offering both financial backing and strategic advice.

For student entrepreneurs, this means potential access to institutional investors, mentors, and a community that knows how to navigate both research and business worlds. The Foundation often scouts for high-potential student-led teams and can support them through early-stage development, making it a key player in the Unimi funding ecosystem.

Use Competitions and Accelerator Programs

Finally, one of the most practical ways for Unimi students to get funding is by participating in startup competitions and accelerator programs. These not only offer prize money but also exposure, mentorship, and access to investor networks.

Student innovation challenges (both within Unimi and across Milan universities) can provide cash awards or in-kind support (workspace, mentorship). These competitions are often a stepping stone: you validate your idea, get feedback from judges, and potentially win a grant or incubation spot.

Another strategy is to join Milan-based or national accelerators. While not always limited to Unimi students, these programs often value university-affiliated teams and can dramatically increase your chances of early funding.

Conclusion

In summary, Unimi startup funding is very much within reach for students at the University of Milan. By tapping into the Student Innovation Labs, applying for Seed4Innovation grants, leveraging PNRR funds, collaborating with Fondazione UNIMI, and entering competitions or accelerators, students can access the capital and support needed to launch their ventures.

If you’re a student at Unimi with a startup idea, don’t wait. Reach out to E‑Club Statale — we can help you navigate these funding paths, refine your proposal, and find mentors to guide you. Start exploring these funding programs today and give your idea the fuel it needs to grow.