Italian biotech sector gains traction as venture capital and tech transfer improvements boost startups

Italy has long been recognized for its high‑quality scientific research, yet converting that output into successful biotech startups has been a persistent challenge.

Recent years have seen a shift, with tech transfer offices becoming more effective, private venture capital increasing, and Italian scientists returning from abroad to nurture the domestic talent pool.

Venture capitalists interviewed by BioSpace note growing optimism that Italian biotech firms can evolve into competitive global players. The country ranks tenth worldwide and fourth in Europe for research publications according to the Nature Index, with the Lombardy region, centered on Milan, historically driving much of the innovation activity.