Leading Italian banking groups discuss the relationship between credit and innovation. This session explores how banks can act as strategic partners for innovative businesses through dedicated credit instruments, corporate venture capital, and open innovation programmes.

Opening remarks by Paolo Gerardini (Vice President of Assolombarda), followed by an overview of the startup ecosystem by Giorgio Ciron. The agenda includes three thematic panels covering different stages of the business lifecycle: early-stage support, growth-phase financing, and bank capital for scale-ups. Speakers include representatives from Credem, UniCredit, Sparkasse, Iccrea Banca, Banco BPM, Banca Sella, and Le Village. Closing remarks by Federico Chiarini (President of the Assolombarda Young Entrepreneurs Group), followed by networking.