PLAI, the Mondadori Group accelerator aimed at using artificial intelligence to transform ideas into successful companies, launches the new 2025 edition of its programme today.

The Call – Acceleration & Scale up is divided into two dedicated call4startups: one for Early-Stage start-ups (in the product validation stage) to access the acceleration programme; and one for more developed start-ups in the Growth stage (with a product validated on the market and ready to start organized collaborations) to receive targeted support based on the growth stage and the possibility of implementing pilot projects for the Mondadori Group or PLAI’s corporate partners.

The deadline for applications is 15 May 2025. The selection process will be used to identify the young people admitted to the course: 6 Early-Stage start-ups and 2 Growth-stage start-ups.

PLAI Accelerator Batch 2025 will offer a top-tier training path starting in June and ending in December 2025, developed in collaboration with important partners.

‘Innovation requires courage, determination and solidity. After the incredible response of the first edition, we are excited to launch the new batch, which expands its support this year to the most advanced companies, with pilot projects and new strategic partnerships,’ says Stefano Argiolas, CEO of PLAI. He adds: ‘We want to make a concrete contribution to the transformation of the AI landscape in Italy by focusing on emerging entrepreneurs with solid technological skills and an innovative approach to positively merge business processes. Joining the PLAI programme means being part of a proactive, concrete and growth-oriented community that is ready to shape the future starting today.’

For Batch 2025, PLAI will be supported by Italian and international partners: Startupbootcamp, I3P, Amazon Web Services (AWS), ElevenLabs, Fastweb+Vodafone, GroupM, IFAB, Multiversity, PwC Italia, StartupItalia and Codemotion.

Acceleration & Scale Up Programme Details

The two programmes are aimed at start-ups that present innovative solutions, with the goal of generating a solid impact in their sector, with particular attention to reference markets for the Mondadori Group, such as education, retail, new media & advertising and publishing.

Over 60 hours of high-quality workshops in collaboration with PLAI partners are planned for both categories to develop essential skills (business, tech, fundraising, internal and external communication), as well as over 45 hours of personalized mentorship with expert managers and entrepreneurs.

For start-ups in the Early-Stage phase, a €100,000 investment is possible in exchange for a 7% stake in the capital. In addition, selected start-ups will be able to access an additional €400,000 in follow-on investments to support subsequent growth and scalability.

For start-ups in the Growth phase, a compensation of €40,000 is offered for pilot/PoC (proof of concept) projects for implementation with Mondadori Group or PLAI corporate partners.

Selected start-ups will also be able to benefit from a series of so-called “tech perks”: €10,000 in credit on the AWS platform and three months of access to the ElevenLabs platform, including digital services and credit. They will also have access to the PLAI network for strategic connections and business development, along with its entire ecosystem, to foster collaboration and innovation.

The programme experience is enriched by vertical events with industry experts and customized Investor Day Preparation sessions, which offer tailored strategic and technological tools to grow and scale successfully.

At the end of the six-month programme, the start-ups will be featured at Demo Day, an entire day to present themselves to investors and companies and start another important stage of development.