ATENA

The ATENA project aims to strengthen and disseminate the entrepreneurial skills needed to activate the digital and green twin transitions in order to support the growth and creation of innovative start-ups and MSMEs in the strategic sectors of sustainable tourism, ICT and agri-food.

Through capacity building programmes, personalised mentoring and cross-border events, ATENA promotes knowledge sharing, networking and the development of new synergies between public and private actors. The entrepreneurial ecosystems concerned – located in the Province of Turin, the Alpes-Maritimes and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence – are thus becoming real opportunities for young entrepreneurs, emerging start-ups and small local businesses.

Led by the Politecnico di Torino as the lead partner, the project is being implemented by a cross-border partnership bringing together Aix-Marseille University, the Campus des Métiers et des Qualifications d'Excellence Tourisme International Hôtellerie, GAL Escartons e Valli Valdesi s.r.l., the Public Interest Group for Training and Professional Integration of the Académie de Nice and Impact Hub srl SB.

Project end date: 31 August 2028

The ATENA project promotes exchange and skills development pathways related to the green and digital transition through distance learning, mentoring, digital tools, online laboratories accessible even from the most remote areas, as well as regular cross-border workshops and events. These activities, aimed at young people, entrepreneurs, start-ups and MSMEs, seek to stimulate innovation, collaboration and networking processes.

The initiative supports the development of innovative businesses with a social and environmental impact and strengthens MSMEs through the adoption of digital solutions and green practices. A pool of mentors will be set up to support new entrepreneurial initiatives and strengthen the competitiveness of local businesses.

ATENA helps to make these Alpine and coastal areas even more attractive to talent, entrepreneurs and investors; it supports the resilience of the local economy and consolidates cross-border ecosystems capable of generating innovation, shared value and long-term digital and sustainable transformation.