Italy’s cybersecurity sector made a significant push onto the global innovation scene with a week-long initiative that brought research, startups, and advanced technologies straight into Silicon Valley. At the center of the effort was Fondazione SERICS, which selected 18 Italian teams to take part in Lab2Bay, an international acceleration program held from January 25 to 31.
The goal was clear – help transform high-level research into scalable solutions capable of competing in one of the world’s most demanding technology markets.
The core of the program unfolded in San Francisco, where participants took part in an intensive acceleration week designed around the dynamics of the U.S. innovation ecosystem. Over seven days, teams followed a tightly structured schedule that included mentoring sessions, technical workshops, and meetings with venture capital firms and industry leaders. The focus was not only on technology, but also on business models, intellectual property protection, and go-to-market strategies suited to the American context.
A key moment came with a demo and innovation showcase, where all 18 teams presented their projects to an audience of investors, corporate representatives, and international experts. The pitches highlighted solutions in areas such as cyber resilience, artificial intelligence applied to security, digital identity, and protection of critical infrastructure. Several discussions emphasized how global cyberattacks have increased by more than 20% in recent years, underlining the urgency of reliable and scalable security technologies.
Beyond visibility, the initiative aimed to close the gap between academic research and the market. Many of the participating teams originated from universities and research centers, and Lab2Bay offered practical tools to help them move toward commercialization. According to organizers, less than 30% of European research projects successfully reach the market – a figure the program aims to improve by connecting innovators directly with international investors and partners.
The experience also served as a strategic learning opportunity. Participants gained first-hand insight into how Silicon Valley evaluates risk, innovation, and growth potential, as well as how funding rounds and equity structures typically work in the U.S. startup environment. These elements are often decisive for long-term success.
For Fondazione SERICS, the initiative represents an investment in the international future of Italian cybersecurity. Rather than a one-off event, Lab2Bay is positioned as a starting point for ongoing collaboration, with the ambition of increasing Italy’s presence in global cybersecurity markets and strengthening its role in a sector expected to exceed $300 billion worldwide within the next decade.
