Milan, Italy – June 2, 2025 – Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is expanding its global network of innovation excellence with the launch of CDL-Milan, in collaboration with Tech Europe Foundation (TEF), Bocconi University, and Politecnico di Milano. The new site will host a CDL Advanced Manufacturing program and join the global CDL Space program, positioning Milan as a European engine for science- and technology-based entrepreneurship.
CDL-Milan will be a flagship initiative of Tech Europe Foundation (TEF), a deep teach research hub and a science commercialization infrastructure established to strengthen Europe’s innovation capacity by bridging the gap between cutting-edge research, ambitious startups, and forward-looking industry leaders. Backed by Fondazione Politecnico di Milano, Bocconi University, ION Foundation, FSI, and Milan Chamber of Commerce, TEF is a nonprofit institution building a pan-European ecosystem where science-driven ventures can grow, scale, and compete globally. With an initial fund of over €100 million and further investment efforts underway, TEF is creating long-term infrastructure to support the future of deep tech entrepreneurship in Europe.
Milan’s vibrant innovation ecosystem is uniquely supported by two of Italy’s most globally recognized academic institutions:
- Politecnico di Milano, a top-ranked engineering and technical university in Europe, is renowned for its profound expertise in scientific research, industrial research and technology transfer. Its deep-rooted connections with Italy’s manufacturing sector create a powerful foundation for deep tech innovation. With its state-of-the-art research infrastructures and outstanding academic education, Politecnico di Milano not only leads in generating the highest number of patents and startups in Italy but also drives the forefront of technological advancements. The university is a powerhouse of innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of science and technology to shape a sustainable and prosperous future.
- Bocconi University is one of Europe’s leading institutions in the social sciences, consistently ranked among the world’s top universities by QS and the Financial Times for economics, management, and finance. It combines a strong academic tradition with a forward-looking approach to innovation, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. Its commitment to fostering talent and supporting science-based ventures makes it a key contributor to the development of a competitive and responsible innovation ecosystem.
Sonia Sennik, CEO of Creative Destruction Lab
“Milan’s history of industrial strength and academic excellence is perfectly poised to drive innovation. We are amplifying our collective ability to support founders building transformative companies through CDL-Milan – our partnership with Bocconi University, Politecnico, and TEF.”
Francesco Billari, Rector of Bocconi University
“Innovation and entrepreneurship are no longer confined to tech hubs—they thrive wherever there is a strong culture of ideas, talent, and ambition. With CDL-Milan, we are strengthening Milan’s position on the global innovation map, and reinforcing Bocconi’s mission to be a driver of science-based entrepreneurship with social impact. This partnership embodies our commitment to future-oriented education and to supporting researchers and founders who want to make a difference.”
Donatella Sciuto, Rector of Politecnico di Milano
“Expanding the culture of entrepreneurship among our students and researchers is a cornerstone of Politecnico di Milano strategic vision. Our goal is to support closing the gap between groundbreaking research and Europe’s competitive edge by fostering the growth of deep tech startups that address critical technological and societal challenges. By joining the CDL innovation ecosystem, we are not only leveraging their expertise but also accelerating the implementation of our strategy, positioning Politecnico di Milano as a leader in driving transformative innovation.”
Pierluigi Zappacosta, Co-founder of Logitech
“I am thrilled to support the launch of CDL-Milan, in partnership with TEF, Bocconi University, Politecnico, and the bench of great mentors that is being assembled. I’m looking forward to bring my experience to the next generation of innovators who will be creating the future.”
With CDL-Milan, the CDL network now spans 13 sites across seven countries, creating cross-border collaboration opportunities and accelerating the growth of deep tech ventures in advanced manufacturing and space.
Applications for CDL-Milan are now open. Founders building science- and technology-based startups in the fields of manufacturing or space are encouraged to apply. The final deadline to submit an application for the CDL program is July 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET.
To learn more and apply, visit creativedestructionlab.com/apply.
Press Contact
Rachel Collins
Director
Creative Destruction Lab
rachel@creativedestructionlab.com
Giulia Delogu
Tech Europe Foundation
giulia@tef.tech
