A new Innovation Hub by Crédit Agricole Italia in the heart of Catania
Crédit Agricole Italia has inaugurated “Le Village by CA Sicilia” in Catania, an innovative hub designed to accelerate the development of startups and local businesses. Not only is this the fifth Village in Italy, but it also marks the first one in Southern Italy, representing a significant step forward in fostering innovation and sustainability in the region. Located in the city’s vibrant center, the Village is intended to catalyze the local economy and entrepreneurship, creating a meeting point for companies, startups, and industrial partners—all united in exploring new development models in strategic sectors such as tourism, agritech, agrifood, sustainable mobility, and renewable energy.
A concrete commitment to southern Italy: Crédit Agricole’s dedication
Giampiero Maioli, CEO of Crédit Agricole Italia, emphasized that the Village represents a tangible symbol of the group’s commitment to supporting Southern Italy’s economy. Maioli highlighted the importance of creating an environment that fosters the growth of young Sicilian enterprises, providing them with the resources needed to thrive and contribute to innovation. The Village thus becomes an accelerator, offering not only coworking spaces but also access to open innovation programs and a network of connections with corporate partners and local institutions.
A sustainable and strategic vision for Sicily’s economy
With a focus on key sectors like agritech, clean energy, and sustainable tourism, Le Village by CA Sicilia offers local startups opportunities for growth and access to specialized expertise. This approach has already attracted 21 startups and 13 corporate partners, creating a rich ecosystem of synergies. Among the key partners, companies such as Irritec, a leader in sustainable irrigation, and NTET, specializing in advanced telecommunications, enhance the collaborative environment of the Village, creating new market opportunities and technical support for startups.
Innovative startups reflecting a territory of excellence
Le Village by CA Sicilia hosts entrepreneurial projects that showcase the region’s potential. Among the resident startups are innovations that address specific needs of the Sicilian context:
- LUALTEK: specializes in artificial intelligence solutions for agricultural automation.
- Ohoskin: produces an eco-friendly fabric made from orange and cactus waste as an alternative to animal leather.
- Alphafood: a pioneer in alternative flours derived from crickets.
- Bloom Labs: develops indoor cultivation systems for the floral industry.
- Kymia: uses pistachio shells from Bronte to produce high-quality natural extracts.
A space for collaboration and growth
The Village spans 800 square meters across two floors, with areas dedicated to networking and events, as well as coworking spaces. Thanks to its central location, close to the University of Catania, the Village is easily accessible to young talent and entrepreneurs, facilitating collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
The future of innovation in the south
With the opening of Le Village by CA Sicilia, Crédit Agricole reinforces its role as a promoter of innovation and sustainability. As part of an international network of Villages—originating in France in 2014 and now established in Italy with hubs in Milan, Parma, Padua, and Sondrio—the Sicilian Village can offer local startups a gateway to foreign markets, enhancing growth opportunities.
Le Village by CA Sicilia is more than an innovation hub; it is a model of sustainable development for Southern Italy. In an era where digitalization and environmental awareness are paramount, Crédit Agricole Italia has become a point of reference for startups and local companies, providing resources and connections to foster new entrepreneurial ideas. This hub represents a unique opportunity for Sicily, a springboard toward a more modern, inclusive economy, attentive to the region’s unique strengths.