Early-stage investment
Backing the technologies shaping a sustainable future.
- Stage
- Early-stage
- Sectors
- Climate · Nature · Urban
- Technology
- Hardware + Software
Where we invest
01
Climate innovation
Technologies reducing emissions and energy intensity across industry and the built economy.
- Energy
- Decarbonisation
- Industrial transition
- Resource efficiency
- Climate technologies
- Enabling technologies
02
Nature technology
Technologies that help measure, protect or restore natural systems and the resources they provide.
- Biodiversity
- Natural capital
- Water
- Circularity
- Ecosystem resilience
- Environmental monitoring
03
Urban innovation
Digital and physical technologies enabling more resilient, efficient cities and infrastructure.
- Smart cities
- Mobility
- Buildings
- Infrastructure
- Urban systems
- Resilient city technologies
From working MVPs to early industrial prototypes — across hardware and software.
What we are looking for
- 01
Early stage
Startups at an early stage where capital, industrial expertise and hands-on support can materially accelerate development.
- 02
MVP or prototype
Presence of an MVP, working prototype or meaningful technical validation appropriate to the technology.
- 03
Proprietary technology
Technology ownership, defensible know-how, IP or another meaningful competitive advantage.
- 04
Early market validation
A first signal of market validation, customer interest, pilots, partnerships or equivalent evidence of demand.
- 05
Strong founding team
A capable founding team with the technical, commercial and execution capabilities required to build the company.
- 06
Industrial collaboration
Willingness to work with corporate and industrial partners and engage in real-world validation.
- 07
Measurable environmental impact
A credible potential to generate measurable environmental impact.
The programme is open to startups that have not already received VC funding.
Our investment vehicles
The Only Planet Venture One
One of the startup investment vehicles we manage is The Only Planet Venture One. The technologies required for a more resilient economy already exist, but too many struggle to move from research and early validation to industrial adoption. Venture One was created to close that gap: investing early, working alongside founders and connecting innovation with the organisations able to test, adopt and scale it. Geography: Europe.
Partners
An ecosystem connecting capital, expertise, industry and market access
Lazio Innova
Institutional partner
Sapienza University of Rome
Academic partner
Eni
Industrial partner
eFM
Industrial partner
Rome Advanced District
Industrial partner
The Only Planet
Managing partner
Unfold Tomorrow
Managing partner
Built alongside founders
One-to-one accompaniment structured around four activities.
- 01
Mentoring
Each startup is paired with corporate mentors who support planning and execution through focused Sprints, defining business and technical objectives to achieve.
- 02
Checkpoints
Bi-weekly meetings with the support team to review progress, address challenges and plan the following weeks.
- 03
Workshops & seminars
Educational sessions covering relevant topics for startup development, business growth and innovation.
- 04
Impact framework
Support in defining outcomes and indicators to quantify the impact generated by the proposed solution.
Rome Advanced District
Where technology meets industry.
Programme activities take place at the Rome Advanced District, the industrial innovation campus at the Gazometro in Rome.
Who can apply
- Hardware and software startups can apply.
- MVP and prototype-stage companies can apply.
- Startups do not necessarily need to be incorporated before applying; the startup must incorporate during the programme in order to receive the investment.
- Startups with an existing product and customers can still be relevant.
- The programme is intended for startups that have not already received VC funding.
What to submit
You do not need a full business plan. A general startup presentation covering the company, technology, market, team and key business metrics is sufficient.
Next steps
Applications are reviewed, shortlisted teams are assessed, and selected founders move into the investment and support process.
Commitment
The founders and team members necessary for the development of the startup are expected to work full-time on the company during the programme and attend in-person sessions at the ENI Joule headquarters at the Gazometro in Rome. Other founders, employees or supporting collaborators may work part-time and/or remotely.
Frequently asked questions
Do the founders and the entire team need to work full-time during the programme?
Do I need to provide a business plan?
Does my startup need to be incorporated before applying?
My startup already has a product and customers. Does the programme still make sense for me?
What support is provided during the 1-to-1 accompaniment?
Building technology for a more sustainable and resilient economy?
We want to hear from ambitious founders working at the intersection of science, industry and environmental impact. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Submission takes approximately five minutes.