format(avif)/){kind=logo}
format(avif)/)
Edge - Innovation HUB
Edge is De Nora’s Innovation Hub, created to accelerate early‑stage technologies into scalable, industrial‑ready solutions.
Our Call for Startups is opening from May 04 2026
Edge bridges the gap between innovation and industry, enabling startups to validate, industrialize and scale their technologies within a real industrial environment, while creating concrete value for De Nora.
We work hands‑on with selected startups to transform promising technologies into solutions that can be integrated into manufacturing and operations, sustainable processes and business models, with a strong focus on impact, scalability and long‑term collaboration.
Industrial expertise:
Work directly with De Nora’s technical teams to validate and scale your technology inside real industrial environments.
Global reach:
Access De Nora’s international footprint – plants, operating companies and markets — to test and grow your solution globally.
Aligned interests:
Benefit from tailored financial and in‑kind support, structured to best support the collaboration and aligned with the startup’s stage, while fostering a long‑term partnership with De Nora.
Ecosystem access:
Connect with a broad industrial network of customers, suppliers and partners, as well as De Nora’s internal ecosystem across Divisions and corporate innovation initiatives.
Who we are searching for
The Startups we Empower
Mission-driven founders
Startups that value alignment, purpose and long-term partnership. Edge is looking for founders who dare to innovate, develop with rigor and deliver meaningful impact.
Technologies beyond the core
Edge accelerates technologies beyond the core business, unlocking new industrial opportunities through process optimization, new business models and sustainability-focused innovation.
Ready to validate and scale in the real world
Incorporated startups, ideally on a Seed to Series A trajectory, with a prototype, MVP or maturing technology, and looking to test and refine their solution within an industrial environment.
format(avif)/)
Call for Startups 2026:
Re-designing Industrial Operations
The 2026 Call is dedicated to Re-Designing Industrial Operations, structured around four strategic areas*:
*See Rules and Guidelines for detailed target areas and examples
Manufacturing/Operations optimization
Innovative solutions to improve efficiency, quality and performance across industrial processes.
Automation and digitalization in manufacturing and quality control
Technologies enabling smarter, data‑driven factories through automation, robotics, sensing, and digital tools.
Health & Safety
Solutions improving operator safety, risk prevention, training effectiveness, and workplace well-being.
Resource use optimization
Technologies focused on material optimization, circular manufacturing, energy efficiency, and sustainable resource management.
Timeline and Application process
The Edge Call for Startups will be open from May 4th to June 20th 2026.
Startups can apply to Edge by submitting a short set of preliminary information, including technology, the problem addressed and the value the solution can bring to an industrial environment.
Submissions are reviewed by Edge to assess strategic and industrial fit.
Startups that demonstrate strong alignment at this stage are invited to complete the application, which includes more detailed documentation. This may cover deeper technical insights, market information and a more articulated proposal for collaboration.
Call opening
04/05/2026
Startups can submit their Applications
Call closing
20/06/2026
Applications are evaluated based on technology, scalability, impact, and strategic alignment.
Pitching session
20/07/2026
Up to 10 finalist startups are invited to pitch their solution during a pitching session, followed by a Q&A.
Batch selection
July 2026
Up to 5 startups are selected to join Edge Program.
Program start
September 2026
Edge is structured in two complementary phases
The Incubation Phase focuses on validating the startup’s technology in De Nora’s industrial context, while strengthening its business foundations.
Startups work closely with De Nora experts to test their solution through a Proof of Concept (PoC), gaining insight into technical feasibility, industrial applicability and market potential.
In parallel, dedicated support helps startups refine their value proposition, business model and growth strategy.
PoC outcomes and pilot proposals are reviewed by De Nora to determine access to the Acceleration Phase.
Financing - up to 50.000€
Startups admitted to the Edge program receive a SAFE-based financial support in two stages: €20,000 at the end of the incubation phase and an additional €30,000 upon admission to acceleration.
The Incubation Phase focuses on validating the startup’s technology in De Nora’s industrial context, while strengthening its business foundations.
Startups work closely with De Nora experts to test their solution through a Proof of Concept (PoC), gaining insight into technical feasibility, industrial applicability and market potential.
In parallel, dedicated support helps startups refine their value proposition, business model and growth strategy.
PoC outcomes and pilot proposals are reviewed by De Nora to determine access to the Acceleration Phase.
Financing - up to 50.000€
Startups admitted to the Edge program receive a SAFE-based financial support in two stages: €20,000 at the end of the incubation phase and an additional €30,000 upon admission to acceleration.
The Acceleration Phase focuses on integrating the technology into De Nora’s processes and preparing it for industrial deployment and long‑term collaboration.
Startups develop an industrial pilot, advancing toward industrialization while accelerating go‑to‑market readiness. At the same time, De Nora and the startup jointly explore the most suitable collaboration framework, aligned with strategic objectives and mutual value creation.
The Acceleration Phase focuses on integrating the technology into De Nora’s processes and preparing it for industrial deployment and long‑term collaboration.
Startups develop an industrial pilot, advancing toward industrialization while accelerating go‑to‑market readiness. At the same time, De Nora and the startup jointly explore the most suitable collaboration framework, aligned with strategic objectives and mutual value creation.
Our Partners
format(avif)/){kind=logo}
format(avif)/){kind=logo}
format(avif)/){kind=logo}
Our support, your growth
Hands-on support & Mentorship
Dedicated De Nora mentor, together with specialized technical and partner support, accompanies the startup throughout the Edge program.
Skills & Capability Building
Training and expert-led sessions focused on industrial product development, business fundamentals, and entrepreneurship.
Resources and Ecosystem access
Access to De Nora facilities, the Edge ecosystem and up to €50,000 financing to accelerate execution.
format(avif)/)
format(avif)/)
format(avif)/)
format(avif)/)
format(avif)/)
format(avif)/)
format(avif)/)
format(avif)/)
format(avif)/)
format(avif)/)
Are you ready to enhance your project?
Via Leonardo Bistolfi, 35
20134 Milan Italy
+39 02 21291
industriedenora@denora.com
For the dissemination and storage of Regulated Information, Industrie De Nora S.p.A. has chosen to make use of the 1INFO system (www.1info.it), managed by Computershare S.p.A. having its registered office in Milan, via Lorenzo Mascheroni 19, and authorized by CONSOB.
Copyright © 2009/2026 Industrie De Nora S.p.A.
Share capital € 18.268.203,90 Fully paid up - Company registration number MI / VAT 03998870962 - REA number MI - 1717984