Start Cup Bergamo, the entrepreneurial training programme of the University of Bergamo dedicated to the development of highly innovative business ideas and supported by Fondazione Pesenti since 2018 through the awarding of a special prize, concluded with the ceremony honouring the winning projects.
The final of the 2025 edition, held at the Kilometro Rosso — a symbolic hub for innovation and dialogue between universities, businesses and the local ecosystem — brought together eight finalist teams selected at the end of the training pathway promoted by CREO – Competencies and Resources for Entrepreneurial Orientation, the University’s strategic initiative aimed at fostering an entrepreneurial culture.
During Start Cup Bergamo 2025, 15 teams responded to the call for proposals, developing projects ranging from digital platforms and artificial intelligence-based solutions to sustainability models, circular economy initiatives, and innovative services for wellbeing and employment.
The overall first prize was awarded to RecensUp, a B2B SaaS platform for Online Reputation Management that aggregates and analyses reviews from multiple channels to improve digital reputation, positioning and conversion rates. Second place went to Linum, which develops skis made from flax fibre, combining advanced engineering with a strong focus on environmental impact. Third place was awarded to InTransparency, a platform that uses artificial intelligence to turn academic projects into career opportunities.
InTransparency also received the Fondazione Pesenti Special Award for the project with the highest potential social impact, recognising its ability to enhance academic talent and foster meaningful connections between education, innovation and the world of work.
A key innovation of the 2025 edition was the introduction of the mentor role: professionals selected from the UniBg network based on the specific characteristics of each project, who supported the teams with tailored guidance throughout the development of their business ideas. Mentors included professionals from leading organisations such as Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center, Manager 4 Education, Fundracer Capital, Evoca Group and LUBERG – the University of Bergamo Alumni Association.
