Zero is the Cleantech Accelerator of the CDP Venture Capital National Accelerator Network, with Eni as the Main Partner, launched in collaboration with Zest and Elis, with the participation of Corporate Partners Acea, CNR, Microsoft, SACE, Saipem and Vodafone, and supported by ESA Φ-lab.
MANIFESTO
Innovation is a cycle.
It builds, progresses, and paves the way, only to start over again.
Each time, with infinite potential.
ZERO is the starting point for any project with a genuine drive for renewal. It's for those who understand that fast transformation processes are needed, more rapid than ever before, and who view technological innovation as the key to reversing the course towards sustainable development.
ZERO is about committing to rebuilding collective habits on solid, lasting foundations: decarbonization, renewable resources, smart waste management, and circular economy.
ZERO is driving the way to carbon neutrality.
ZERO is powering the change.
ZERO is leading the shift.
ZERO is where visionaries meet experts, connecting bold ideas with the tools and expertise to make them a reality.
Impactful innovation
3
Batches
€3M
Raised by
Startups
850
Applications Received
8
Developed
PoCs
30%
International Applications
152
KPIs achieved
30
Accelerated
startup
4,16
Average Startup SROI
WHY ZERO?
Three years on the Road to Net Zero
Launched in 2021, Zero is here to find high-potential startups with cutting-edge solutions that will fast-track the "Road to Net Zero"—the global mission to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
Zero 2024: Accelerating the Dual Transition of the Business Landscape
In 2024, Zero is launching the 4th edition of its Acceleration Program, further strengthening its “industry-driven” approach. The objective is clear: to invest in and support the most promising Cleantech startups capable of driving the energy and digital transformation of the entire entrepreneurial fabric. This initiative fosters a systemic approach and promotes synergy between startups, corporates, and SMEs to shape a sustainable and innovative future.
1
Pre-Seed Investment
Up to €120K in funding to kickstart your venture.
2
Business Acceleration
A 5-month intensive program designed to scale your business.
3
Solution Integration
Industrial testing and validation with corporate partners.
4
Impact
ESG impact evaluation to ensure sustainable growth.
5
Internationalization
Tailored assistance to expand your business globally.
Alternative Energy Sources
Solutions to decarbonise energy generation, transport, and storage.
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Energy Efficiency
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Energy Independence
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Energy Transition
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Energy Storage
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Carbon Neutrality
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New Energy Sources
Hydrogen
Circular Economy and Waste Management
Solutions for managing and recycling waste materials to transform them into new valuable resources.
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Waste Management
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Sustainable Supply Chain
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Green Building
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Improvement of Water and Air Quality
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Life Cycle Thinking (LCT)
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Refurbishment, Recycling, and Reuse
Sustainable Operating Systems
Solutions that digitize energy, industrial, and manufacturing systems while reducing environmental impact.
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Intelligent Logistics
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Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
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Climate Change Prediction Systems
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Sustainability Prediction Systems
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Smart Grid
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Water Transition
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Energy Process Optimisation
Sustainable and Connected Communities
Solutions for the sustainable development of cities, infrastructure, and land.
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Land Conservation
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Green Infrastructure
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Decarbonisation of Cities and Transport
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Sustainable Development of Metropolises
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
All applications will be evaluated. Up to 10 startups will be selected to join the first 2-month phase of the Business Acceleration and Solution Integration Program.
The second 3-month phase of the Program is exclusively for startups that will receive a pre-seed investment of up to 120,000€ and/or be selected by corporate partners to develop a Proof of Concept (PoC)
BUSINESS ACCELERATION
5-month program consisting of two main phases:
a) Discovery, lasting 2 months, during which the selected startups will participate in bi-weekly analysis and planning meetings called Checkpoints.
b) Validation, lasting 3 months, reserved for the startups granted the pre-seed investment of up to €120,000 and/or for those selected by the Corporate Partners to begin the Feasibility Study phase.
Using Scrum and Lean methodologies, the startups will define growth goals in bi-weekly Sprints, planning and executing activities aimed at improving the product, achieving market adherence and increasing sales. Key benefits include: strategic support and mentorship from experts in various fields; access to financial and development resources; and the opportunity to rapidly validate solutions in the marketplace to attract investment and foster business growth.
SOLUTION INTEGRATION
The experimentation process consists of:
Use Case Definition: A 2-month process in which startups collaborate with corporate mentors to define and plan an experimental use case. This process includes meetings such as the “kick-off challenge” to establish business challenges and “solution identification” to outline the proposed solution from the startups. Following these activities a they will have a detailed definition of the Use Case, objectives, KPIs and risks.
Feasibility Study: A 12-week timeframe that are dedicated to developing the previously defined Proof of Concept (PoC) in collaboration with the Corporate Partner. This phase includes financial and technical support for development, the opportunity to submit a technical-economic proposal to the involved Corporate Partner at the end of the 12 weeks, and the presentation of a Business Case to the Management Team.
PITCH DAY
Impact
Assessment
At the conclusion of the Business Acceleration and Solution Integration phases, all startups will present at a dedicated event for Investors. The Partners will select 5 startups that will be eligible for an investment, while Corporate Partners will select those with whom to continue the Feasibility Study.
Startups will receive support to identify and measure their environmental, economic, and social (ESG) impact using internationally recognised standards, such as the Social Return on Investment (SROI) Index. This ensures measurable and meaningful results that enhance the project's credibility and attractiveness to investors and clients. The process is facilitated through targeted meetings with mentors and experts, employing structured methodologies to define and quantify impact indicators and assess the sustainability of the proposed solutions.
The Program in short
€ 80k
Up to € 80K of investment in cash for an equity of 5 to 10%.
Acceleration
5 months of Acceleration + 6 months as a Resident post Program
Perks
180+ perks equal to € 2M in cloud, prototyping, SEO, marketing, customer support and payments
Network
200+ Investors
Hub
1 year of workstations for your team at the Eni Polo in Rome Ostiense
SDGs
Access to other financing channels focussed on Sustainable Development Goals
Open Innovation
Matching between the best startups selected with 100+ Corporates of the LVenture Group and ELIS network
Kind
Goods, services and in-kind transactions offered by Corporate Partners