Rome, 12 July 2021 - Today FuturED is established, the acceleration programme dedicated to operational startups in the field of technologies applied to education and training, implemented by an initiative of CDP Venture Capital Sgr through the Accelerators Fund with an initial allocation of 1.65 million euro and a resolution for a further 1.5 million euro for subsequent post-acceleration follow-ons.

This programme enhances CDP’s National Network of Accelerators with another important junction towards the establishment of a network of physical accelerators in Italy, focused on the most innovative districts, to help the growth of startups specialised in areas with high market potential.

FuturED was created with the operational support of H-FARM, an innovation platform that contributes to the creation of new business models and transformation through the education of young people and Italian companies in a digital perspective and with the Management Department, 'Ca Foscari University of Venice as a scientific advisor and the contribution of industrial partners such as the Angelini Academy – the corporate academy of the Angelini group -, Cisco, European Design Institute (IED) and Vodafone Italy.

FuturED is aimed at Italian and international startups in the edutech field that are interested in rolling out their business idea in Italy. The objective of the programme, which will last for 3 years, is to select and accelerate a total of 30 startups, 10 per year, which offer digital solutions, innovative programmes and cutting-edge technologies for teaching and in general for digital training dedicated to all age groups, from children and teenagers, to working adults and pensioners, for continuous training.
Three areas of interest have been identified: school education (from kindergarten to high school), university education (at the post-graduate training, university, master's degree levels), business training and continuing education. 

The programme will be managed by H-FARM and will take place within the H-FARM Campus on the outskirts of the Venetian Lagoon, the largest innovation hub in Europe, open to students, professionals, entrepreneurs and innovation enthusiasts. The campus can accommodate up to 3,000 people.
 
The selected startups will be involved in a growth path that will last for 8 months, of which 4 focus on business acceleration and 4 support commercial development and fundraising activities. Thanks to the collaboration with industrial partners Angelini Academy, Cisco, IED and Vodafone Italia, startups will be able to meet directly with industry experts and have the opportunity to test their solution in real environments.

The call for the selection of startups that will participate in FuturED is open from today until September 8 at www.futuredaccelerator.com