Eucentre is a non-profit private law foundation whose mission is to conduct research and provide training and services in earthquake and safety engineering 
Eucentre promotes science, research and innovation for the benefit of the community, offering targeted methodologies and concrete solutions for prevention, safety and resilience. It collaborates with institutions and companies to disseminate competencies for the common good.
Eucentre conducts earthquake engineering research and risk reduction studies via laboratory testing and numerical analysis to enhance seismic performance and develop innovative solutions 
Eucentre carries out research activities in earthquake engineering and risk reduction through laboratory testing and numerical analysis, aiming to improve the seismic performance of structures and soils and to develop innovative seismic retrofitting techniques.
The Foundation promotes diverse and high-quality training activities aimed at academic and professional contexts, with constantly updated and innovative programs and initiatives designed to meet the evolving needs of the sector and society 
Eucentre ensures communication aimed at informing institutions, professionals, and citizens about ongoing activities and projects, with the goal of disseminating useful and accessible content and knowledge. It contributes to promoting a shared and informed culture of prevention and resilience.
The Lombardy Regional Government has announced a significant funding opportunity to support the development and competitiveness of innovative startups and tech companies established within the region. This initiative offers non-repayable grants covering up to 80% of eligible project costs, focusing on the technical validation of new products, processes, and services.
The grant provides a maximum contribution of €1,000,000 per project, which is extended to €1,500,000 for interventions in specified assisted areas.
This funding call covers overall project investments ranging from a minimum of €150,000 to a maximum of €1,250,000 (€1,875,000 in assisted areas). Applications are open on the Bandi e Servizi platform from 28 September until 3:00 PM on 25 November 2026.
Eligible Participants
This measure is open to micro and small innovative startups that meet the following criteria:
- Registered in the special section of the Italian Register of Enterprises;
- Established for a maximum of 36 months; this limit is extended to 60 months for startups developing technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or lower;
- Have an operational headquarters active in Lombardy at the time of the grant concession, or commit to establishing one.
Core Funding Focus: Technical Testing
The grant aims to accelerate the critical phases of technical maturity and industrial transition. Eligible projects must focus on developing prototypes, Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), engineering, final optimisation, and certification.
A crucial component of this funding call is the eligibility of Testing, Experimentation, and Certification activities. This includes services focused on validating and qualifying innovative technological solutions, as well as essential access to scientific laboratories and advanced equipment for rigorous verification.
These validation and lab testing activities are fully eligible expenses, and are funded at an 80% non-repayable rate, making high-level certification exceptionally accessible.
The Role of the Eucentre Foundation: A Partner for Validation and Global Safety
For startups where final product validation and technical certification are critical, The Eucentre Foundation provides a strategic advantage. Based in Pavia, Italy, Eucentre operates world-class laboratories accredited to the international standard ISO/IEC 17025.
Eucentre specialises in advanced structural and earthquake engineering, geotechnical testing, and component qualification, giving startups access to infrastructure usually unavailable to early-stage ventures.
Key capabilities for startup validation projects include:
- Large-Scale Testing: Experimental testing on full-scale or large-scale components and products;
- Dynamic Simulations: Multi-axial seismic simulations using advanced shake table technology;
- Component Qualification: Performance qualification of innovative structural elements, industrial components, technological systems, and non-structural elements.
By partnering with Eucentre for the required validation phase, innovative startups can transform concepts into technically certified, industry-ready products, leveraging the 80% non-repayable grant to access accredited facilities of a global calibre.
Application and Consultation
The application window is open from 28 September to 25 November 2026. Innovative startups are encouraged to coordinate with the Eucentre technical team before submission to define the experimental testing plan, set qualification parameters, and quantify the technical costs to include in the project proposal.
- Technical Consultation for Testing Plans:
info@eucentre.it
Important Note: The official Public Notice from the Lombardy Regional Government contains all detailed conditions, requirements, and deadlines. Potential applicants should consult the original call documents on the Bandi e Servizi portal for precise compliance details.