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Empowering
the Future
of Infrastructure

Apply to the program
Join CrossConnect to gain the resources, mentorship, and funding you need to take your startup to the next level in the infratech industry.

Accelerate

Take part in a 4-month acceleration and POC program in the Infrastructure sector.

Funding

Receive €150,000 in investment and acceleration services.

Mentorship

Launch your product, strategy, and business model to the next level by learning from our industry leading innovators, mentors, and experts.

Network

Get access to our global innovation network and expertise.

Collaborate

Interact and collaborate with the best companies in the Infrastructure sector.

Opportunities

The best in the batch will have the opportunity to receive up to €800,000 in follow-up investment.

Ecosystem

Join the most important innovation ecosystem dedicated to infrastructure.

What we’re
 looking for

Startups incorporated in Italy, or willing to open a legal entity in Italy.
Visionaries with a great desire to grow and improve.
Can-do attitude and ability to execute ideas.
A motivated and solid team with relevant education and experience.
Revolutionary technologies, products,services.
Breakthrough projects in the infratech industry.

We are proudly betting on Italian infratech innovators with a prestigious group of founding partners

Initiative by
Accelerators and co-investors
Corporate partners
The Program
Timeline
01
Batch 1
November - December 2024
Batch 2
March 20 - July 2, 2025

Call for applications

Submit your application during the application window to have the chance to be selected for the CrossConnect Accelerator investment and program. Applications will be evaluated on a first come first served basis, rolling along the year and until funds are exhausted.

Selection Day

The first opportunity for the 18-20 shortlisted startups to get to know our partner companies and present their projects.
02
Batch 1
December 9, 2024
Batch 2
July 3, 2025
Batch 1
February 18, 2025
Batch 2
September 24, 2025
03

Kick-off

We kick-off with an event to showcase our CrossConnect Accelerator services and office space to the selected startups and corporate partners, while offering them an opportunity to connect and collaborate.

Acceleration Program

Work on your product with the CrossConnect Acceleration team’s support, attend weekly workshops and connect with our corporate partners to explore potential collaboration opportunities.
04
Batch 1
February 19 - June 24, 2025
Batch 2
September 25, 2025 -  January 2026
Batch 1
June 24, 2025
Batch 2
January 2026
05

Expo Day

All good things come to an end... but it's just the beginning! We will be eager to support you from now on, as part of our portfolio companies both in terms of hands on support, business development and funding for your next fundraising rounds!

The program in a Nutshell

Weekly
workshops

Practical workshops in product development, growth, IP protection, POC development, impact evaluation as you’ll learn how to scale your business, get more funding and address key business challenges. Our experts and industry leaders will have the mic.

International
Network

The CrossConnect Accelerator will give you the opportunit to connect with the broad network of PnP and ELIS and meet international and national VCs, angel investors, successful entrepreneurs, and industry experts. 

Prove your value and 
get funded

If selected, you will receive €150,000 that will allow you to focus on the 4 month accelerator program. Depending on performance, an additional €800,000 of investment will become available for the best startups.

Partnership 
opportunity

You'll have the chance to meet with our corporate partners, receive our support in the potential development of Proof of Concepts,establish a relationship to strategically support the goals of the company and validate your product. 

Office
space

As part of the program you will have access to our office in Catania, a brand new office space equipped with everything you need to be 24/7 focused on growing your business. You will also be granted on-demand access to the other offices in Italy (Milan, Turin and Modena) and worldwide in the Plug and Play's network.

A team you can
count on

As your early investors, our team will always have your back, even after the program ends. Count on our expertise and connections. 

Team

Giuseppe Idone

Program Manager

With a background in Innovation Management from Bocconi, Sant'Anna, and the University of Trento,Giuseppe began his career as an Innovation Advisor at Engineering Group, gaining expertise in emerging technologies and developing open innovation processes. In 2023, he joined Plug and Play to expand operations in Southern Italy and, in 2024, became Program Manager of CrossConnect in Catania, driving collaboration between corporations, startups, and institutions.

Andrea Scarano

Innovation Program Manager

Andrea, who holds a Master’s degree in Energy Engineering from the Politecnico di Milano, has focused his career on innovation and sustainable energy. Starting as a junior innovation consultant at ELIS, he quickly advanced in responsibilities due to his profound capabilities in analyzing and developing sustainable innovation strategies. Since 2024, he has been Innovation Program Manager, accelerating Cleantech and Infratech startups on their go-to-market strategies

Daniele Di Pasquale

Senior Ventures Analyst  

With a master’s in Business Economics from the University of Messina and years of experience in startup accelerators at both national and international levels, Daniele has developed deep expertise in the innovation ecosystem. Over the course of his career, he has successfully led more than 50 early-stage startup investments, refining his skills in venture capital. In 2025, he joined Plug and Play Italy as Venture for CrossConnect, where he actively drives scouting and investment activities.

Apply to the program

For more information about the the program,
feel free to reach out to info@crossconnect.it

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