ICE Agency Launches Fifth Edition of Lab Innova for Tunisia Startup 2025
The Italian Agency for Promotion and Internationalization (ICE) is organizing the fifth edition of the Lab Innova for Tunisia Startup 2025 program. This project aims to support 20 Tunisian startups in their international development. Financed by ICE, the program offers a managerial training course, a business check-up, and a study tour in Italy for the selected startups.
A Four-Phase Program
Lab Innova for Tunisia Startup 2025 is structured into four key phases:
Phase 1: Participant Selection
Certified Tunisian startups can apply from February 25, 2025, to March 26, 2025. The selection will be based on an evaluation grid that takes into account the startups' internationalization potential and their ability to collaborate with Italian partners.
Phase 2: Technical-Managerial Training
Selected startups will follow an intensive training course from June 16 to 19, 2025, at the Novotel Tunis Lac hotel. A sectoral webinar is scheduled for June 23, followed by remote coaching in July. A second preparatory webinar for the next phase will take place in late September or early October.
Phase 3: Business Check-up
ICE experts will analyze the startups' ability to open up to international markets. Based on this analysis, 10 startups will be selected for the final phase.
Phase 4: Study Tour in Italy
The 10 selected startups will embark on an immersion experience in Italy. In collaboration with the Emilia Romagna region, universities, and technology clusters, they will participate in a skills transfer and networking program. A visit to the ECOMONDO exhibition in Rimini is planned, with B2B meetings between Tunisian startups and Italian innovation actors.
Admission Criteria
This program is addressed to startups active in innovative sectors such as AgriTech, blockchain, artificial intelligence, Fintech, GreenTech, IoT, Medtech, and smart mobility. Candidates must meet several criteria, including:
- Having a minimum technological maturity level of TRL 4;
- Being less than six years old;
- Having a positive turnover;
- Having a website or online presence in English or French;
- Mastering English or French (minimum B2 level).
Two places are reserved for startups in the textile sector, even if they are not labeled, as long as they meet the other criteria.
