In 2021, Iren actively participated in twenty research and innovation projects with a total value of partnership activities of around 118 million euro. Of the numerous projects, more than half were financed by research and innovation calls managed by bodies such as the European Union, the Italian state, state bodies and the regions: Horizon 2020, MIUR or MATTM POR FESR. These projects not only actively involved around 137 Group employees from different business areas, but also guaranteed collaborations with numerous businesses and academic institutions located in over 100 European cities.
Every year, including feasibility analyses, technology scouting, proof of concept, more than forty projects are initiated with universities, research centres, innovation hubs, and start-ups.
Since its launch in 2018, the corporate venture capital programme has connected with more than 2000 start-ups and completed six investment deals. The realities intercepted are the result of the national and international innovation network as well as proprietary initiatives such as the Iren Start-up award, which attracts over 100 applications for each edition.
Iren analyses ideas with a multidisciplinary approach, harnessing the knowledge and skills of an ecosystem of companies, universities, research centres, innovation hubs and start-ups to produce results beyond the confines and spheres of its business. People thus become a significant and essential stimulus to build the future of the Iren Group together, integrating innovations available on the market with the Group’s business model.
