Intesa Sanpaolo awards 8 biotech startups at GeneRNAtion Awards
2 March 2026
Intesa Sanpaolo, Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center and the National RNA & Gene Therapy Centre awarded eight startups and three university research projects in Milan as part of the GeneRNAtion Awards, an initiative designed to strengthen technology transfer in biotech and leverage Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).
NRRP and National Research Centres as a driver of innovation
The awards mark the conclusion of a joint pathway aimed at identifying high-potential initiatives capable of translating scientific excellence into tangible clinical and industrial impact. Through the establishment of National Research Centres, the NRRP has supported the structural modernisation of Italy’s research system and its integration with the business ecosystem.
Intesa Sanpaolo is a co-founder of four National Research Centres. The Group’s involvement reflects a strategic commitment to accelerating technology transfer and supporting the scale-up of high-tech companies in sectors with strong societal and economic relevance.
“Intesa Sanpaolo is the only bank to have participated as Founder in four National Research Centres. The participation of Intesa Sanpaolo reflects the commitment to support Italy’s growth through technology transfer and the adoption of new technologies”
Anna Roscio, Executive Director Sales & Marketing Imprese, Banca dei Territori Division, Intesa Sanpaolo
An integrated model to support innovative enterprises
The initiative is aligned with Intesa Sanpaolo’s broader strategy to back startups and innovative SMEs. Overall, the Group:
- serves around 32% of startups listed in Italy’s national innovative startup register
- serves 54% of innovative SMEs
- has provided over €1 billion in dedicated financing
- offers the Nova+ credit line, a specialised R&D evaluation desk, advisory services through Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center and venture capital funds managed by Neva SGR.
This integrated approach combines credit, advisory and venture capital to accompany companies from research to market validation and clinical development.
Awarded startups in gene and RNA-based therapies
The eight awarded startups operate across advanced gene and RNA-based therapeutic platforms and personalised medicine solutions, including RNA-based cardiac regeneration, immune cell reprogramming in oncology, CRISPR-based gene therapies for rare diseases, antisense oligonucleotides for chronic pain, innovative biologics for prostate cancer, RNA interference therapies targeting DNA repair mechanisms, non-invasive digital health ecosystems and 3D platforms for patient-derived tumour testing.
University research projects selected for clinical translation
Three university-led projects were also recognised: RATAR: RNA FOR TAU 4R from the University of Trento, focused on isoform-selective siRNA for neurodegenerative tauopathies; MitoRNA Therapeutics from the University of Padua, developing precision RNA therapies for mitochondrial dysfunction; and Imaging Sensors for Next-Gen RNA Therapeutics, also from the University of Padua, providing integrated tools to assess delivery, efficacy and safety of RNA therapeutics.
The GeneRNAtion Awards underline the role of Intesa Sanpaolo in connecting research institutions, financial resources and entrepreneurial capabilities to strengthen Italy’s position in strategic life sciences sectors.
Last updated 2 March 2026 at 13:24:24
