Find answers to the most common questions about RINA call for startups 2025
Check the FAQ section to quickly get the information you need.
The goal is to identify and co-develop innovative technological solutions for supervision and monitoring, with potential for real-world implementation and industrial integration in collaboration with RINA.
The initiative is promoted by RINA, a global player in engineering consulting, testing, inspection, and certification. The call is managed in partnership with Zest, which supports the innovation process.
- Opening: September 17, 2025.
- Closing: October 17, 2025 (11:59 PM CET).
- Business case: October 31, 2025.
- Shortlist announcement: November 14, 2025.
- Pitch Day: November 26, 2025.
The challenge is open worldwide (startups legally registered in any country may apply).
Solutions should be relevant for sectors such as energy, infrastructure, mobility, naval, logistics, smart manufacturing, and remote or hostile environments.
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the official SPARK platform.
- A minimum grant of €20,000 for each selected startup, consisting of 50% in cash and 50% in services provided by RINA (e.g., certifications, consulting, or technical support).
- Potential access to a 1.5-month co-design and acceleration program with RINA experts.
- Opportunity to develop a proof of concept (PoC) and collaborate with RINA on future industrial applications.
Who can apply
- Early-stage or scale-up startups, or innovative SMEs.
- Entities must be legally registered and compliant with local regulations.
We are looking for
- A working prototype or demonstrable technical validation.
- Solutions with strong potential for industrial integration.
Applications will be assessed by a jury based on the following criteria:
- Innovation – originality and technological advancement.
- Relevance to the challenge goals.
- Scalability and flexibility of the solution.
- Team strength and expertise.
- Market potential and competitive positioning.
Besides funding, selected startups will benefit from:
- Mentoring and technical guidance from RINA experts.
- Access to RINA’s global network and resources.
- Visibility and exposure through dedicated events organized by RINA and across the broader innovation ecosystem.
Yes. All proprietary intellectual property (IP) remains with the startup.
RINA evaluates and collaborates on the project, but no rights are transferred unless separately agreed upon in writing.
Non-selected startups will not receive funding but may still be considered for future opportunities within RINA’s innovation ecosystem.
Yes, as long as the startup owns the rights to its solution and meets the eligibility criteria.
A final event where shortlisted startups present their solutions to a jury of RINA experts, mentors, and selected industry leaders. Winners are announced during this session.
Winners may access a 1.5-month acceleration program and negotiate a potential co-development contract with RINA. However, the contract is not guaranteed until an agreement is reached.
Yes. All non-public information will be treated as confidential, provided startups clearly mark sensitive data as such.
In the field of inspection and monitoring, RINA provides the following services:
- Smart monitoring for industrial assets and processes
- Industrial inspections with drones
Our activities are carried out in accordance with the RINA governance model, which safeguards impartiality and prevents conflict of interest situations.
