Dear All,
as we wrap up the year, we're thrilled to share our latest updates, such as new PoCs investments backed by our Eureka! Fund, the prestigious Demattè Award for the exit of a portfolio company backed by our BlackSheep Fund and Caracol AM's incredible triumph as EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Don't miss out on the great interview featuring one of our incredible team members.
Wishing you all the best for the New Year,
Warm regards,
New Investments
Eureka! Fund investment of €500,000 in proof of concept projects by IPCB CNR and Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna for Reflex and Bloxy in December 2023 marks a substantial endorsement of these innovative ventures. Such funding will accelerate research, development, and practical application of their groundbreaking technologies in the packaging industry.
Reflex's innovation in multilayer packaging using a graphene-based adhesive film is remarkable. By enabling the separation and recycling of different layers in packaging materials, they not only contribute to a circular economy but also prevent gas permeability, ensuring better preservation of food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals while reducing packaging weight.
On the other hand, Bloxy's approach with an active and sustainable material that removes oxygen through the biochemical activity of incorporated proteins is fascinating. This innovation not only extends the shelf life of products but also maintains packaging transparency while being environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
Both projects seem to address different aspects of sustainable packaging: Reflex focuses on the recyclability of multilayer films and preventing gas permeability, while Bloxy emphasizes the removal of oxygen and maintaining packaging transparency. Their technologies could revolutionize packaging across various industries, ensuring better product preservation and reducing environmental impact.
We remain dedicated to unveiling the findings of Italian scientific research and shaping the most effective paths for advancement. Our focus is on two teams with whom we aim to forge cohesive solutions, interlinked and geared towards addressing a crucial aspect of food packaging: the improvement of food preservation. (Anna Amati’s quote)
Portfolio Companies
On November 30th Caracol AM founding team won the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In an epic victory, Caracol AM, backed by Eureka! Fund, claims the esteemed EY Entrepreneur of the Year award. Triumphing in the scaleup category, the visionary founders presented their ambitious project proudly showcasing Italian technology on a global stage.
Their pioneering and eco-conscious manufacturing approach for industrial sectors, coupled with astounding international success in recent years, secured this illustrious accolade. A heartfelt congratulations to the entire team for this monumental achievement!
Meet-up with Eureka!
Our CEO, Stefano Peroncini, will take part in the exciting debut of Knowledge Share 2.0. An event promoted by Netval Association and supported by EUREKA! Venture, scheduled for January 23, 2024 at the prestigious headquarters of the National Research Council in Rome.
Imagine a day of discovery and innovation, where the revolutionary KS2.0 platform will be unveiled, a veritable hotbed of new features and content, with a special look at the spinoff section - a real game changer in the world of innovation. This unmissable one-day event, free of charge, is open to all lovers of innovation and technology transfer, both from the academic (universities, research centers, IRCCS) and entrepreneurial (SMEs, large companies, investors) sectors in Italy.
Connections, inspiration and above all the start of new and exciting collaborations in the world of Italian innovation!
Catch-up with the Team
In our current newsletter, we are delighted to feature one of our esteemed colleagues, Anna Tampieri, who is part of Eureka! Fund Investment team.
Anna Tampieri, an esteemed graduate in Chemistry from FT with over 36 years of deep expertise in materials science, particularly focusing on materials designed for biomedical applications, boasts an illustrious career. Her tenure as the Director of the Institute of Ceramic Materials Science and Technology at CNR and as the Head of Research on Biomaterials and Hybrid Composites at ISSMC-CNR shows her influential roles in the field.
Anna’s impact on innovation is undeniable, evident in her impressive portfolio of 16 international patents, among which 8 have successfully entered commercial markets, showcasing her remarkable contributions. As the Past President of ENEA-Tech, an initiative established by the Ministry of Economic Development aimed at fostering technology transfer in Italy, she has been instrumental as both an "idea maker" and as President of FINCERAMICA Biomedical Solution S.p.A. Furthermore, her involvement as an inventor and scientific advisor for the startup company GreenBone ortho S.p.A. highlights her commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific advancement.
Hailing from a city renowned for its historical and cutting-edge ceramics, Anna's directorship of an institute dedicated to advancing ceramic materials for critical applications in aerospace and biomedicine underscores her dedication and vision.
Her pioneering work, marked by genuine innovation, grows from collaborative efforts within multidisciplinary teams. These teams, comprising experts spanning physics, chemistry, engineering, surgery, and biology, unite to tackle challenges and propel groundbreaking innovations into the global marketplace.
Post-graduation, Anna expanded her expertise by undertaking programs at the Government Industrial Research Institute GIRIN in Nagoya and the National Institute for Inorganic Materials NIRIM in Tsukuba. Upon returning to Italy, her focus on advanced materials began, initially in Milan and later at CNR in Faenza. It was here that she achieved her most significant success: starting with a team of just 3 individuals, she orchestrated the growth of a larger working group comprising 25-30 members, cementing her position as a European trailblazer in the regeneration project of hard tissues like bone and cartilage.
Skiing holds a special place in her heart—she avidly competed in the sport until the age of 18, always displaying unwavering determination. Among the many ski destinations, Cortina stands out as her favorite, with its slopes earning the title of Italy's most magnificent in her eyes. What adds to its allure is the fact that while many visit Cortina for reasons other than skiing, this leaves the slopes relatively deserted—a perfect playground for her beloved sport. Alongside skiing, water skiing, tennis, and sailing hold a significant place in her recreational repertoire, the latter being a passion instilled in her since childhood by her father.
Anna's affinity for animals shines through her cherished memories of a loyal German Shepherd, her steadfast companion during her university years. Currently, her family circle includes two Siberian cats, Zar and Rufus, endearing creatures that have seamlessly woven themselves into her life.
Imagination isn't merely a facet of our daily lives; it's an indispensable asset in the realm of work. It's about allowing our minds to wander into surreal realms, nurturing those whimsical ideas until they materialize. What if a concept fails? Well, nothing is defined a priori: it's inherent in a researcher's nature to dynamically adjust the course towards the ultimate objective. My successful and most impactful projects have all stemmed from the fusion of imagination and expertise. Greenbone stands as a testament—a clear manifestation of what unadulterated creativity, fueled by a profound thirst for knowledge, can truly achieve. (Anna Tampieri’s quote)
Anna holds a firm belief in the abundance of talent and the current innovative landscape. This era is defined by robust external influences, driven by imperatives like sustainability, the quest for alternative energy sources, and the UN's stringent demands outlined in the 2030 Agenda. Moreover, the global surge in computing capabilities, the pursuit of enhanced connectivity, and the revolutionary concept of networking beyond our atmosphere (hinting at future prospects of lunar colonization) or even beneath the oceans amplify the thrill of possibilities for the younger generation. Eureka! is committed to increasingly invest in these virtuous projects, recognizing their significance in shaping a dynamic and promising future.
What advice would you give to new researchers who want to create a start-up?
It is important to be able to communicate complex concepts by lowering the cultural level and making them understandable to those outside your field. The key is to build a balanced team of men and women with different roles and complementary personalities. And once again, we have to push the boundaries of imagination!
Anna, thank you for sharing your profound insights. Your words provide valuable reflections for our readers, inspiring them to embrace continuous learning and mentorship in their professional journeys.
Things worth sharing
In a recent podcast, our CEO, Stefano Peroncini, alongside Francesco De Michelis, shared insightful perspectives on 'proof-of-concept' investments facilitated by Eureka! Fund and MITO Technology during the Brilliant Ideas: “How a Startup is Born” podcast powered by Il Sole 24 Ore. These strategic investments from the Fund serve as catalysts, bridging the gap between academia and industry, translating innovative ideas into viable business ventures. Such initiatives significantly contribute to the country's economic growth and technological advancements.
We extend our gratitude to Il Sole 24 Ore and the invaluable support from Plug and Play Tech Center. For further insights, be sure not to miss out on the podcast. Many thanks to Greta Ubbiali and Ilaria Potenza for the interview.
Great news on BlackSheep: recognition arrived on December 14th as the BlackSheep MadTech Fund received the prestigious Demattè Award - Private Equity of the Year 2023, presented by AIFI - the Italian Association of Private Equity, Venture Capital, and Private Debt, for the successful exit of Roibox. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all our investors for their unwavering trust, and to the journalists for their attention and support. Rest assured, the journey ahead holds even greater promises.
Having concluded the fundraising phase for our BlackSheep MadTech Fund and dedicated to MadTech sector investments, the team now shifts its focus to finalizing the last investments and fostering the growth of our portfolio companies.
Out of the secured 50 million euros, approximately 55% has been deployed across 11 European deals in less than two years. As lead investors, we primarily contribute to these investments, securing minority stakes in the companies. Our goal remains securing qualified stakes of 20% or more, with investments typically ranging between 2 to 6 million Euros. (Umberto Bottesini’s quote)
For a comprehensive read, you can explore the full article here.
And last but not least, don’t miss the interview to our Umberto Bottesini, who released to the newspaper MF a lucid view on European AI Act (on Artificial Intelligence).
That’s all for today!
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