80 million euros. That's how much the Puglia Region has made available through Equity Puglia alone for startups and innovative companies. And it's not the only instrument available.
2025 is a record year for digitalization funding in Southern Italy. Between regional, national and European funds, opportunities abound. The problem? Finding them, understanding them, accessing them in time.
This guide collects them all. Updated, practical, no bureaucratic jargon.
The Map of Active Funding
1. Voucher I4.0 Puglia
What it offers: up to 8,000 euros non-repayable (70% of costs)
For whom: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises headquartered in the Brindisi-Taranto Chamber of Commerce territory
Eligible expenses:
- 3D printing and rapid prototyping
- Big data and analytics
- IoT (Internet of Things)
- Artificial intelligence
- Management software
- E-commerce and digital marketing
- Digital payment systems
Deadlines: applications from April 14 to May 19, 2025
ITH assessment: ideal for SMEs wanting to take a first step in digitalization with a contained investment. Streamlined procedure, fast times.
2. Transformations Call Puglia Region 2025
What it offers: non-repayable contribution + plant financing
For whom: Apulian SMEs and micro-enterprises
Eligible expenses:
- Industry 4.0 machinery and plants
- Industrial automation software
- Digitalization services
- Personnel training
Characteristics:
- Variable percentages based on company size
- Coverage also for consulting services
- Focus on innovation, digitalization and sustainability
ITH assessment: excellent for manufacturing companies wanting to integrate 4.0 technologies into production processes.
3. PIA 2025 - Integrated Facilitation Programs
What it offers: from 500,000 euros to 50 million euros (partially non-repayable)
For whom: SMEs and innovative startups
Requirements for small enterprises:
- Ordinary accounting
- At least 2 approved financial statements
- Average turnover of at least 1 million euros over the last 3 years
- At least 10 employees in the previous 12 months
Characteristics:
- "Counter" call (open until funds are exhausted)
- Operational since January 22, 2024
- Focus on innovation, digitalization, ecological transition
ITH assessment: the most powerful instrument for structured projects. Requires a solid industrial plan, but offers significant funding.
4. TecnoNidi
What it offers: non-repayable contribution + repayable loan
For whom: innovative startups and small enterprises with high-tech projects
Coverage:
- 80% of eligible investments
- Up to 200,000 euros for investments
- Up to 80,000 euros for operational costs
Priority sectors:
- ICT and digital
- Cleantech
- Life sciences
- Advanced mechatronics
ITH assessment: perfect for deep-tech startups in early stage. Combines capital and development support.
5. Equity Puglia
What it offers: 80 million euros through venture capital funds
For whom: startups and innovative companies wanting to invest in Puglia
Characteristics:
- Not a traditional call, but equity investment
- Investments to be completed by 2029
- Focus on regional strategic sectors
ITH assessment: for those seeking risk capital, not just contributions. Requires a startup with scaling potential.
How to Navigate: The Decision Matrix
| You are a... | You need... | I recommend... |
|---|---|---|
| Micro/small enterprise | First digital steps | Voucher I4.0 |
| Manufacturing SME | 4.0 automation | Transformations Call |
| Structured SME | Growth project | PIA 2025 |
| Innovative startup | Capital + development | TecnoNidi |
| Scalable startup | Equity investment | Equity Puglia |
The 5 Mistakes to Avoid
1. Waiting until the last moment
"Counter" calls exhaust funds. Deadline calls get jammed in the final days. Move early.
2. Underestimating documentation
Business records, financial statements, DURC, certifications. Collect them before starting the application. A missing document can ruin everything.
3. Projects that are too vague
"I want to digitalize the company" isn't enough. You need measurable objectives, timelines, KPIs. Evaluators reward concreteness.
4. Ignoring minimum requirements
Turnover, employees, company seniority. Read the requirements carefully before investing time in the application.
5. Not considering disbursement times
From approved contribution to collection can take months. Plan company liquidity accordingly.
ITH's Role
We're not grant consultants. But we are technology partners.
When you obtain funding for:
- Cloud infrastructure and data center - we can be your supplier
- Process digitalization - we support you in design
- Cybersecurity and compliance - we offer certified solutions
Many calls require quotes from qualified suppliers. ITH can support you with:
- Detailed quotes for funding applications
- Pre-project technical consulting
- Post-approval implementation
Useful Resources
- Puglia Sviluppo - Regional funding entity
- Invitalia - National incentives
- Chamber of Commerce Brindisi-Taranto - Voucher I4.0
- ARTI Puglia - Regional Agency for Technology and Innovation
Have a digitalization project and want to understand which call is right for you? Contact us for a free orientation consultation. ```