Did you know that well-established small and medium-sized enterprises can lead the way in innovation? You don’t have to be a start-up to unlock grants, attract investors and collaborate with research centres.
In Italy, the Innovative SME (“PMI innovativa”) status is designed for companies like yours that are already up and running but keen to invest in R&D and cutting-edge technologies. Here’s everything you need to know:
🔍 What is an Innovative SME? An Innovative SME is a small or medium-sized company (EU-defined) that meets specific tech-innovation criteria and registers in a special section of the Business Register. Introduced by Decree-Law 3/2015, it grants mature businesses access to incentives usually reserved for start-ups.
✅ Eligibility Criteria To qualify, your company must:
- Be a limited company (including co-operatives), unlisted on stock exchanges;
- Have its headquarters in Italy or another EU state, with a stable branch in Italy;
- Publish certified financial statements (from year two of registration);
- Meet at least one of these innovation-focused requirements:
🎯 Tangible Benefits By becoming an Innovative SME, you unlock:
- 💸 Tax relief for investors up to 30 % of their investment;
- 📈 Participatory financial instruments, such as stock options or work-for-equity;
- 🏦 Easier access to loans via the SME Guarantee Fund;
- 🎟️ Priority access to public tenders and subsidised financing;
- 🧾 Exemption from compliance visas for R&D tax credits.
🔗 Why It’s a Strategic Move Unlike start-ups, Innovative SMEs already have tested business models, established clients and long-term visions. Registering:
- Boosts the financial and fiscal value of your R&D investments;
- Attracts new capital and specialist talent;
- Opens doors to partnerships with universities, research institutes and incubators;
- Elevates your competitive edge in public calls and projects.
👉 In short, the Innovative SME status makes your company’s innovation efforts visible, trackable and rewarded.
🛠️ How We Can Help
If your company is investing in innovation and technology, you may already tick all the boxes. Our firm offers:
- ✅ Free eligibility assessment
- 📄 Full support in preparing and submitting documentation
- 🧭 Guidance through registration and ongoing compliance
- 💼 Dedicated consulting on grants, incentives and R&D tax credits
📬 Ready to find out if your business qualifies? Drop us a message here on LinkedIn or comment below. We’ll be delighted to provide a complimentary first review!
🔗 italystartup.org – Italian Startup Experts ✉️ info@italystartup.org
Italian 
English