Where
founders grow.

B4i - Bocconi for innovation
is Bocconi University's entrepreneurial hub

240
startups supported

635
entrepreneurs involved

€52M+
funds raised

200+
jobs created

Our acceleration and pre-acceleration programs

We select ambitious founders and startups from all over the world to join our pre-acceleration and acceleration programs. Backed by Bocconi’s ecosystem, we empower enterprising individuals with any educational background and business experience to develop their entrepreneurial potential and make a meaningful impact on society.

Pre-Acceleration.

From Idea to Minimum Viable Product (MVP): our pre-acceleration program aims to turn disruptive ideas into viable businesses.
Designed for teams of at least two people at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey, the program lasts 3 months (mainly online) and is intended for those looking to launch an early-stage startup. Participants will have access to a series of workshops on various topics (such as market assessment, business model development, MVP design, and financial planning) as well as personalized mentoring.

Acceleration.

From Prototype to Product-Market Fit: our acceleration program is designed to help you refine your product, validate your business model, and get ready for fundraising.
Targeted at teams of at least two people with some market validation experience, the program provides hands-on support to grow your early-stage startup. Over 4 months, primarily in person in Milan, you'll have access to specialized mentoring, consulting in product, legal, UX/UI, and digital marketing, as well as a network of investors. The program includes an €80,000 investment in your startup through a convertible note.

Startup
Portfolio

The companies of B4i’s growing startup community operate in a wide range of markets, from medical assistance to AI powered investments, online recruiting, Made in Italy, ethical fashion, food, sustainability and more. Over 240 startups have taken part in our acceleration and pre-acceleration programs.

DISCOVER THE STARTUPS IN OUR PORTFOLIO

Milan
Innovation
Hub

Milan is the heart of Italian innovation:

it hosts the majority of the country’s startups, attracts hundreds of talents and investors, and serves as the ideal launchpad for those looking to grow in Italy, across Europe, and globally.

Our presence in the city allows us to connect founders with a broad ecosystem of strategic partners - both local and international - unlocking real growth opportunities.

We are a catalyst
of innovation

Thanks to the vast experience and resources of the international Bocconi community and network, we contribute to creating a fertile ground for entrepreneurship by matching technical talent with the right business, managerial and legal skills.

ABOUT US

Best in Class Coaching
Involvement of Bocconi-level top of the class expertise and high-level operative expertise from the market.
Open Ecosystem
Access to the programs open to all innovators with any type of background (it is not necessary to be a Bocconi student or alumni).
Business meets Tech
Strategic partnerships with Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Politecnico di Milano, Università Statale di Milano and Università degli Studi di Milano - Bicocca.