Key Takeaways
- Italy’s agri-food tech sector has seen an 18% investment increase in 2025, raising 121.6 million euros.
- The number of agri-food start-ups rose to 501, marking a 23% annual growth and creating 4,410 jobs.
- Lombardy leads in innovation, housing 28.1% of the sector’s start-ups, followed by Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna.
Investment Surge in Italy’s Agri-Food Technology
Italy’s agri-food technology start-ups are attracting significant investment, leading to a surge in growth and interest from investors. As reported in the ‘Report on the State of AgriFoodTech in Italia in 2025’ by Eatable Adventures, total investments reached 121.6 million euros in 2025, up from 103 million euros in 2024. This represents an 18% increase, contrasting sharply with a global investment decline of 12% and a 3.7% drop in Europe.
Alberto Barbari, regional VP Italy of Eatable Adventures, emphasized that 2025 signifies a pivotal moment for Italy’s agri-food sector, stating, “While Europe slows down, we accelerate.” This success is attributed to the ecosystem’s maturity, comprising enhanced skills, available capital, and a strong industrial vision.
The report indicates a shift in investment strategies, with micro-investments under 350,000 euros decreasing from 60% to 42%. Meanwhile, substantial funding rounds above one million euros are on the rise, growing from 12.4% in 2024 to 39.4% in 2025. This trend reflects a maturing ecosystem capable of attracting serious investments in robust business models.
Last year’s data highlighted an increase in the number of agri-food start-ups, reaching a total of 501, a 23% annual increase. This growth is also reflected in job creation, with the sector generating 4,410 new positions, a 47% rise. Researchers noted, “This signals entry into a phase of expansion, enhancing corporate structures for scalability.”
Geographically, the concentration of start-ups is primarily in Northern Italy, with Lombardy emerging as the leading hub, accounting for 28.1% of innovative projects. Piedmont follows with 11.7% and Emilia-Romagna with 10.9%. These regions benefit from established industrial ecosystems and strong agrifood traditions. The North-East, particularly Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige, also showcases vitality, with both regions at 7.8%, supported by initiatives like the Verona Agrifood Innovation Hub.
The upward trajectory of Italy’s agri-food technology sector signals a developing landscape ripe with investment opportunities and entrepreneurial potential. As the ecosystem continues to mature, its influence on both the national and European stages is becoming increasingly significant.
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