The event brought together 64 participants from across the innovation finance ecosystem to explore how innovative financial instruments can better support SMEs and startups, with a particular focus on the Basket Bond Piemonte model.
From policy experimentation to concrete financial solutions
The event opened with institutional remarks from Finpiemonte and Regione Piemonte, highlighting the shared ambition to modernise public finance and expand access to diversified funding sources for innovative companies.
FI4INN was presented as a practical laboratory for financial innovation, going beyond the exchange of good practices to actively design and test new instruments tailored to regional needs. By combining analysis of financial gaps, stakeholder engagement, and pilot actions, the project contributes to building more effective and market-oriented financial ecosystems.
Introducing the Basket Bond Piemonte model
A central focus of the event was the presentation of the Piemonte pilot, showcasing the development of the Basket Bond Piemonte model.
This innovative approach enables groups of SMEs to issue minibonds aggregated into a common portfolio, making it possible to attract institutional investors while reducing risk through public guarantees. The model represents a significant step forward in helping companies access capital markets beyond traditional bank financing.
The initiative addresses a structural challenge in the region, where SMEs are numerous but often rely heavily on bank credit. By providing a new financing pathway, the Basket Bond model supports companies in diversifying their funding sources and scaling their growth.
Supporting access through complementary measures
Alongside the financial model, the event also introduced a regional call for proposals aimed at reducing the costs associated with bond issuance.
This measure includes non-repayable grants to support SMEs, with increased support for smaller companies and ESG-linked bonds. By lowering entry barriers, the initiative makes innovative financial instruments more accessible and encourages their wider adoption.
Key lessons for innovation finance
The discussions highlighted several important lessons emerging from FI4INN:
- the importance of blended finance models combining public and private capital
- the value of co-design with ecosystem stakeholders
- the need to strengthen investment readiness and financial culture
- the growing role of impact measurement and ESG criteria
Participants also emphasised that successful financial instruments must be scalable and transferable, ensuring that regional solutions can inspire broader European practices.
A collaborative ecosystem for innovation
The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including public authorities, financial institutions, banks, innovation hubs, business associations and companies. This multi-level engagement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening access to finance and supporting sustainable economic development.
From regional pilot to European model
The Basket Bond Piemonte initiative stands as a concrete example of how regional pilots developed within FI4INN can evolve into operational financial instruments with real market impact.
More broadly, the event confirmed the project’s role in shaping a more resilient, diversified and innovation-driven financial environment for SMEs across Central Europe.