ComoNExT

Core Mission and Focus

The entity operates as a non-theme, cross-functional innovation hub, welcoming a diverse community of over 140 companies???ranging from early-stage startups to multinational corporations???that operate across various soft and hard technologies, services, and production sectors. The common denominator for all resident and affiliated enterprises is a core commitment to innovation.

ComoNExT???s three fundamental strategic goals are: 1. Attracting innovative businesses to the region. 2. Transferring innovation to the territory. 3. Fostering the development of new entrepreneurship through startup incubation.

Products and Services: What ComoNExT Actually Does

The services offered by ComoNExT are structured to support the entire innovation life cycle, from validating an initial idea to scaling a mature company through digital transformation.

I. Startup Incubation and Support

ComoNExT is a certified Business Incubator by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development (MiSE). Its incubation process is designed as an inclusive and structured path that benefits from a significant network of specialized skills and co-presence with highly innovative SMEs.

• NExT Incubation Model®: This structured model offers full-scale advisory, technical, and logistical services to transform a business idea into a viable enterprise. Services include:
  • Tutor-led development and validation for ideas achieved in the embryonic stage.
  • In-depth analysis of business plans.
  • Support for applying for subsidized loan programs and public tenders.
  • Dedicated pre-incubation, incubation, and acceleration phases for the most innovative and scalable startups.
• Startup Selection: Admission to the incubator is primarily via an annual call for proposals called "From Idea to Enterprise," launched by the Como-Lecco Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

II. Technology and Digital Transfer for Companies

A cornerstone of ComoNExT???s offering is its unique technology transfer model, NExT Innovation®, which facilitates digital and technological transfer to national and international companies.

• Customized Consulting Groups: The model works by creating flexible, changeable teams composed of in-house resources from the hub???s community. These teams are assembled based on the specific skills necessary to support the digital development, process innovation, and product innovation needs of the client company.
• Innovation Management: Companies can engage with ComoNExT's Opportunity and Innovation Managers for a preliminary, free assessment of their growth possibilities and to identify technologies and competencies capable of innovating their products, processes, and services.
• Open Innovation - Industry Call: This is a dedicated open innovation tool designed to match companies seeking innovation solutions with external sources of innovative ideas. It identifies and selects innovative proposals from startups, universities, research centers, and even the client company???s own employees.

III. Experiential Labs and Infrastructure (ComoNExT LABS)

ComoNExT provides physical infrastructure and specialized laboratories that function as experiential learning environments and demonstrators for advanced technologies.

• Fabbrica diffusa® (Dispersed Manufacturing Network): An experiential lab focused on Industry 4.0. It acts as a true factory department where businesses can gain hands-on experience with enabling technologies like robotics, industrial IoT, and advanced manufacturing processes. It is designed to be connected with other departments across the country, forming a "scattered factory."
• NExT Marketing Lab®: This lab applies technology to marketing, offering businesses the chance to measure the physiological and neural responses and visual attention of users (consumers/customers) both on and offline. This data is then used to develop more effective business and marketing strategies.

IV. Training and Skills Development

Recognizing the widening skills gap in the modern economy, ComoNExT is heavily involved in high-level vocational training and fostering entrepreneurial skills.

• Vocational and Professional Courses: It cooperates with multiple training institutions to run short, intensive vocational courses, technical training (ITS), and master programs aimed at disseminating both technological and soft skills to young people and adults.
• C. Lab Initiative: In collaboration with universities, the C. Lab acts as a meeting point for students, universities, and businesses, where innovative ideas are assessed and supported through the hub???s tutoring and business incubator services.

V. Space and Ecosystem

The physical premises of ComoNExT span 21,000 m2 and host over 140 companies and approximately 900 knowledge workers.

• Facilities: The park offers comprehensive facilities including office space, dedicated laboratories, and startup workstations, providing an ideal, dynamic, and innovative environment for companies to settle and thrive.
• Ecosystem and Networking: ComoNExT fosters a strong network comprising its resident companies, external businesses, institutions, universities, research centers, banks, and investment funds. This community-driven model facilitates the exchange of knowledge and drives business opportunities.
• Project and Innovation Financing: A cross-functional service identifies and assists businesses in accessing funding opportunities through local, national, and European tenders to support their innovation processes.