Call4Ideas
Taranto CirTech
Taranto CirTech is an initiative developed to enhance and support the growth of innovative and circular business ideas with the ambitious objective of generating a positive and concrete impact on economic and social development, fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem aligned with the specific needs of the territory and capable of initiating the circular transition of the territory of Taranto.
The call4idea aims to identify innovative realities that exploit the potential of deep technology (advanced technologies) applied to the circular economy in strategic sectors -blue economy, agrifood, textile, energy, waste, water- reflecting the local priorities of the production sector from a sustainable and regenerative perspective.
With an acceleration programme designed to grow the potential of emerging realities, projects, start-ups, scale-ups and innovative SMEs, Taranto Cirtch aims to facilitate the meeting between valuable ideas and the resources needed to realise them.
What we offer
The call for application offers the opportunity for emerging realities, projects, start-ups, scale-ups and innovative SMEs to access an acceleration programme to analyse and enhance the business idea and its potential, identify and intervene on gap analysis and circularity, support them in scalability, fundraising and the possible future development of a PoC with Corporate aimed at testing the product/solution to transform business ideas into concrete and sustainable solutions.
By fostering relationships with the ecosystem of partners and professionals in the sector, Tondo contributes to the creation of a value chain that puts innovation and circular impact at the heart of the Taranto and Apulia region.
In addition to free participation in the acceleration programme, selected realities will be eligible for monetary prizes. There are basic prizes for all realities that complete the programme and prizes of up to EUR 12,500 for the most innovative and high-impact solutions, awarded by a jury at the end of the programme.
The 8- to 9-week acceleration programme, starting in July 2025, aims to facilitate the sharing of technological know-how and expertise and access to practical resources and tools, with the help of experts.
Selected entities will have access to a range of services, including free participation in the acceleration programme, worth an estimated €20,000:
For more details, read the call regulations!
What are we looking for?
We are looking for innovative technological solutions in Deep Tech (advanced technologies and biotechnology), with a product or service aimed at improving and increasing the circularity of the territory and solving current socio-environmental and employment problems, through business models capable of generating a positive and measurable impact in potential strategic territorial development sectors:
Agrifood
Technologies for sustainable production and distribution, waste reduction and soil regeneration
Blue Economy
Sustainable valorisation of marine and coastal resources, from fishing to aquaculture and protection of the marine ecosystem
Waste
Models for reducing, managing and transforming waste into new resources through recycling and upcycling
Energy
Solutions for intelligent production, distribution and consumption of energy from renewable sources
Water
Innovations for efficient and circular water saving, treatment and reuse
Textile
Technologies for circular fashion, sustainable materials, traceability and reuse in the textile sector
We are addressing the proponents of projects and start-ups present on the Taranto Circolare platform as well as emerging realities, start-ups, scale-ups and Italian and international innovative SMEs with headquarters (legal and/or operational) in the regions of Southern Italy (Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Apulia, Sardinia and Sicily) or that would like to open a branch in these regions.
How to participate
Participants can submit their applications from 23 May 2025 by filling in the online application form no later than 23:59 on 29 June 2025.
Timeline
Open call
As of this date, participants can submit their applications by filling in the appropriate form
Informative webinar
During the meeting, all details about the call and the opportunities offered will be provided. This is an unmissable opportunity to clarify any doubts and learn how to participate in the acceleration process.
Deadline for applications
The deadline for submitting applications is 23:59 on 29 June.
Kick-off day
Opening event of the programme during which the projects selected for the acceleration programme will be presented.
Programme start
The acceleration programme will start and run for about eight to nine weeks.
Demo day
A closing event during which the different realities, through
pitch session, present their project and objectives
to national and international investors
Selection
For eligibility, how to participate and selection criteria, download the regulations:
→
Promoter and Organizer
Tondo supports analyses, studies, scientific research, projects, pilot initiatives, and operational activities aimed at safeguarding and improving environmental conditions, as well as promoting the wise and rational use of natural resources, in line with the principles of the Circular Economy.
Scientific partners
The scientific partners provide their technical and scientific know-how, making an essential contribution to the development of the programme. Their involvement is vital to guarantee methodological rigour, support in evaluating solutions, and technical-specialist accompaniment during the key phases of the programme.
Institutional partners
Institutional partners play a strategic role in bridging research and innovation with the productive sector. Thanks to their operational expertise, technical resources, and direct market knowledge, they contribute to the development and validation of the most promising solutions. Their active involvement, through mentoring and close support, helps foster the growth of an ecosystem focused on innovation and industrial sustainability.
Ecosystem partners
Ecosystem partners leverage their networks and technical-methodological expertise to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and foster high-impact synergies. They contribute to the identification and development of projects by providing specialised guidance, promoting technology transfer, and valorising research.
Financial partners
Financial partners play a strategic role in evaluating the growth potential of the most promising startups. Thanks to their expertise in assessing entrepreneurial opportunities and understanding development dynamics, they help identify the most solid and scalable initiatives. Their involvement supports the growth of an innovative and sustainable ecosystem.
Media partner
Media partners play a key role in promoting and disseminating the event to a broad and diverse audience. Through their channels, they help raise awareness of the initiative, amplify its visibility, and engage new communities, fostering wider and more informed participation.
“Taranto CirTech: Taranto Circolare – Call 4 Deep Tech Ideas” project created following the participation of Tondo in the MUSA – Multilayered Urban Sustainability Action – project, funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU, under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) Mission 4 Component 2 Investment Line 1.5: Strengthening of research structures and creation of R&D “innovation ecosystems”, set up of “territorial leaders in R&D”.