ITATech: New EIF and CDP initiative to finance technological innovation in Italy

European Investment Fund (EIF) and Cassa depositi e prestiti (CDP) are launching ITAtech, a dedicated investment platform supporting technology transfer (Tech Transfer) in Italy. EIF and CDP are joining forces to enhance access to equity and innovation investments for businesses - from seed and start-up stages to growth/expansion,  including the commercialisation of intellectual property (IP) developed by leading Italian research institutions.  

EIF and CDP have committed up to EUR 200 million to finance ITAtech, which will be managed by EIF and open to other investors. Under ITAtech, EIF will build a portfolio of Tech Transfer investment funds, which will invest to catalyse and accelerate the commercialisation of IP rights with a technological content and the translation of research and innovation into new businesses.

Commenting on the signature, EIF Chief Executive Pier Luigi Gilibert said: “I am very pleased to be signing this important agreement which will enable EIF to leverage on CDP’s local knowledge and access to the Italian market to help develop Tech Transfer in Italy. This is an important milestone in our partnership with CDP and the first joint initiative under the recently launched EIF-NPI Equity Platform”.

Commenting on the signature, Cdp Chief Executive Fabio Gallia said: "The creation of ITAtech platform will allow us to be part of a strategic sector in which there is a significant lack of investments therefore we can give support to all the key players in the ecosystem of innovation which is a fundamental pillar for the competition and economical development of Italy”.

About the EIF 


The European Investment Fund's (EIF) is part of the European Investment Bank group. Its central mission is to support Europe's micro, small and medium-sized businesses by helping them to access finance. EIF designs and develops both venture and growth capital, guarantees and microfinance instruments which specifically target this market segment. In this role, EIF fosters EU objectives in support of innovation, research and development, entrepreneurship, growth and employment.

About EIF-NPI Equity Platform

ITAtech is the first example of a tailored investment programme under the EIF-NPI Equity Platform, a new collaborative initiative recently launched by the EIF to promote knowledge sharing and best practices between EIF and national promotional institutions (NPIs) or banks (NPBs) across EU Member States. In September 2016, CDP became a founding member of the EIF-NPI Equity Platform’s General Forum and has since been elected to its Consultative Forum for an initial two-year term. In this context, CDP has, amongst the EIF-NPI Equity Platform’s founding members, been one of the earliest to demonstrate a concrete commitment to enhancing operational cooperation with EIF.

About CDP

Cassa depositi e prestiti (Cdp) is the National Promotional Institution that has supported the Italian economy since 1850. It finances public investments, nurtures international cooperation and is the catalyst for the country’s infrastructure growth. It backs Italian enterprises, helping them innovate and grow, while fostering their exports and international expansion. As the primary operator in social and affordable housing, Cdp contributes to the growth of the Italian real estate sector and promotes urban transformation. Cdp’s important stimulative role in Italy’s economy is evident in its 2016-2020 Business Plan. During this five-year period, Cdp will inject EUR 160 billion, plus over EUR 100 billion through public and private funds, into the economy to help drive Italian growth. More info: en.cdp.it