The Monte dei Paschi di Siena Foundation, Beeco and the University of Siena are launching X Combinator, Italy’s first vertical agritech incubator dedicated to early-stage start-ups. The first intake will begin in July 2026 and run until November, in a hybrid format combining remote work with in-person events in Siena. Applications will remain open until 5 June 2026.
The programme is aimed at pre-seed and pre-revenue projects, or those with early-stage pilot schemes, in the agritech and agri-food integration sectors. The approach addresses real-world challenges across the supply chain – from the field to processing – with the aim of supporting teams in developing and validating their solutions through structured methodology, mentorship and direct access to the ecosystem. Financial support is provided by the Siena Impact Foundation, the Siena Food Lab Foundation and the SAIHub Foundation.
The geographical focus is on the Mediterranean region, identified as a strategic testing ground for solutions to production, climate and supply chain challenges shared by several countries. The choice of Siena as the location is based on the presence of the University of Siena, which is already active in the sector through its Agritech programme and the Siena Food Lab, and on the Fondazione MPS’s long history of supporting local entrepreneurship.
Carlo Rossi, president of the MPS Foundation, highlights local excellence in the agri-food sector as a defining feature of the Siena region. Roberto Di Pietra, Rector of the University of Siena, described the project as consistent with universities’ mission in technology transfer and the creation of new businesses. Giovanni Ferri, founder and board member of Beeco, defines X Combinator as a hub for vertical innovation in agritech, part of the synergies that the venture builder has been promoting in the region for years. (photo by Wolfgang Weiser on Unsplash)
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