B4i Startup Call
is open

Submit your application to the Acceleration and Pre-Acceleration programs.

Applications are open to anyone (it is not necessary to be a Bocconi student or alumnus/a) anywhere.

Deadline: January 8th, 2025.

Apply now

Pre-Acceleration program
Turning your disruptive idea into a viable business

"The B4i pre-acceleration program has played a key role in turning our business idea into reality through diverse, interactive training sessions and the access to the invaluable network of the Bocconi community."

Giulio Simone and Irene Simone, Zero Impack

"The pre-accelerator program was the first step towards becoming a real company. We found full support from the team, and achieved a growth that projected us into the future. We are extremely grateful for that challenging but fulfilling experience."

Antonella Viggiano and Benedetta Fanelli, Khooa

"The pre-acceleration program really helped us to hone in on critical areas of our business, and also gave us access to an incredible network of mentors and advisors, many of whom we are still in touch with even after the end of the program!"

Dayana Yermolayeva and David Linsey, JiPay

"The Pre-Acceleration program is a unique opportunity to turn your business ideas into reality, supported by a network of professionals with extensive experience in creating successful startups."

Clarice Buonsante, Tipicality

"The Pre-Acceleration program is one of the best opportunities for young startups in Italy. Thanks to B4i, we understood how you can shift from Idea to Startup in the right way."

Alessandro Puppo, Green Games

The Pre-Acceleration program in brief

The B4i Pre-Accelerator is a 3-month free training program designed to transform early-stage business ideas into Minimum Viable Products.

This program is open to aspiring entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and expertise levels. It is mostly online, making it compatible with any work or study commitments, and no prior entrepreneurial experience is required.

The program includes 11 Saturday morning sessions that cover the most important aspects of starting a business, such as customer discovery, market assessment, business model development, MVP design, financial planning, and more.

Participants will also benefit from dedicated mentorship, legal support, exclusive perks, and access to the Bocconi network.

What is included

  • Online sessions with mentors (minimum 5 meeting) to address specific matters using appropriate digital tools
  • An internal Demo Day event with B4i team, speakers, advisors and mentors
  • Free and discounted services from Bocconi and over 50 affiliated service providers (databases, payment systems, CRM, and more)
  • Pro bono legal orientation in areas such as IP strategy, IP protection, privacy, company setup
  • A final Demo Day event for the top-selected teams to pitch their ideas to a audience of experts and potential investors
  • Ongoing support from the B4i team for idea validation, go-to-market strategies, pitch refinement, and everything else needed to help you grow your business
  • Evening sessions with experienced speakers for in-depth discussions on specific topics (customer interview techniques, how-to-pitch, rapid testing, fundraising etc.)
  • Networking events and access to Bocconi network
  • One-on-one meetings with our speakers to apply lessons learned and receive practical tips

Highlights



155
startups pre-accelerated

15
startups
(average batch size)

50+
hours of training
(each batch)

20
one-to-one meetings
(each batch, with Program’s stakeholders)

KEY DATES
Jan 8
2025

Applications deadline
The application period closes and our team begins the process of candidates selection

Mar 1
2025

Start of the program
The selected candidates begin their 3-month program

May 24
2025

End of the program
The initial ideas of entrepreneurs have now taken the form of a minimum viable product

Jul
2025

Demo day
Top-selected teams will pitch their ideas in front of a panel of evaluators including potential investors, customers and advisors

Our application calls open twice a year in May and November.
The two batches kick off in March and September and welcome up to 20 teams per batch.

Is it for you?

The program is open to anyone (there’s no need to be a Bocconi student or alumnus/a) and is accessible to individuals from any background and expertise level. However, to be eligible, you must meet certain requirements:

  • Participants need to be in a team of at least 2 people, who must have reached the age of majority.
  • We expect participants to be able to speak English, since the program is entirely held in English.
  • Please note: we expect participants to attend all sessions and workshops.

Affiliated service providers

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Grow your Startup

If you have an innovative startup or idea that can solve real market problems, then we’re ready to invest the experience, knowledge, time and resources of the wider Bocconi community in you and your team.

Apply now