Representing one of the EIF’s largest and longest-standing markets, Italy is home to a diverse SME landscape that spans from manufacturing and agri-food to tech start-ups.
The EIF has committed €17.9 billion across 430+ operations, unlocking over €110 billion in financing for 400,000+ SMEs. Key initiatives include ITATech, Social Impact Italia, and guarantees under COSME and InvestEU, delivered with banks and regional partners.
“Most degrees focused a lot on computer science and engineering. I wanted something different, and I found that at EIT Digital,” explains Federico Bono from Treviso, Italy, describing his EIT Digital double Master’s in data science and innovation. He joined the programme in Tallinn, Milan, Madrid and Stockholm, all while freelancing in software.
Federico benefited from a deferred tuition model, guaranteed by the EU under the Skills & Education Guarantee Pilot and administered by the EIF - allowing him to study full‑time without financial strain and focus on combining technical and business skills.