A new acceleration programme for Sports and Wellness start-ups is set to strengthen Turin’s innovation ecosystem by combining technology, prevention and longevity. Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, one of the ecosystem partners of VitalMatch, recognises the programme as an important tool for supporting long-term development in the region.
VitalMatch Accelerator has been launched as the new identity of the acceleration programme dedicated to Sport and Wellness from CDP Venture Capital’s National Accelerator Network. After three annual cycles in Rome under the name WeSportUp, the programme is relocating to Turin and adopting its new brand, marking a strategic milestone for the City.
This move reinforces Turin’s role as a leading hub for technological innovation and inaugurates the fourth phase of the project, now with a renewed focus on wellness, health and longevity.
VitalMatch Accelerator is promoted by CDP Venture Capital, with operational support from Startupbootcamp and Wylab.
Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, as an ecosystem partner, recognises the programme as a real opportunity to attract resources , expertise and high-potential projects to the Turin area. The initiative also involves Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center as an ecosystem partner; Lottomatica Sport as a corporate partner and Juventus Football Club as a hosting partner.
The strength of this network reflects a strategic convergence of finance, business, philanthropy and the sport system, aimed at generating medium- to long-term economic and social impact.
“The VitalMatch programme is a cornerstone of our Foundation’s strategy to drive development and strengthen Turin’s innovation ecosystem,” said Alberto Anfossi, Secretary General of Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo.“In line with our 2025–2028 Strategic Plan and 2026 Programme Guidelines, we have developed a programmatic vision in the health sector with an increasingly broad scope, an approach that integrates prevention, sport and longevity into a comprehensive vision of personal well-being. The arrival of this accelerator in Turin further expands the reach of our Accelerator Platform and exemplifies the mosaic of initiatives we promote to support the local area.”
VitalMatch Accelerator targets five seed or pre-Series A start-ups in the Sport and Wellness sectors that have already validated their market model. The programme focuses on identifying innovative solutions to enhance athlete performance and the fan experience, with particular emphasis on wellness, health and longevity.
The selected start-ups will receive:
- an investment ranging from €150,000 to €400,000;
- a 13-week acceleration programme (running from April to June 2026 in a hybrid format);
- tailored support from mentors, investors and industry experts, including one-to-one sessions and structured business development and fund-raising activities facilitated by ecosystem partners.
The programme will conclude in September 2026 with a Demo Day in Turin , offering start-ups the chance to connect with investors and key stakeholders from the national ecosystem.
Startups interested in participating can submit their applications from 25 February to 15 March 2026, via the official website www.vitalmatchaccelerator.it.