The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Office IV of the Directorate General for Growth and Export Promotion have launched a series of strategic actions aimed at promoting international dialogue on opportunities for growth and development within the life sciences and biotechnology ecosystem, while strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Italy can rely on one of the richest and most dynamic life sciences ecosystems in Europe, thanks to the presence of numerous universities, technology transfer hubs, research centres, clinical and experimental hospitals, incubators, accelerators, major industrial groups, SMEs and startups.
In 2024, companies operating in the biotech sector generated an estimated total turnover of EUR 53.4 billion, marking a 5% increase compared with 2023.
This represents an important driver of competitiveness for Italy, and MAECI plays a key role in strengthening the international positioning of the sector. On the one hand, it promotes exports through diplomatic initiatives, strategic alliances and participation in trade fairs and conferences; on the other, internationalisation policies and scientific innovation facilitate access to foreign markets and help preserve the sector’s competitiveness.
A Working Group on the internationalisation of industries in the biotechnology sector has been established at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in agreement with MIMIT, MUR, the Italian Trade Agency, the CNR and other institutional stakeholders, as well as representatives from the research community, trade associations and the financial sector.
The Final Report of the 2024–2025 Working Group sets out a strategy aimed at improving the competitiveness of the Italian biotechnology sector by supporting the internationalisation of Emerging Biotechnology Companies and strengthening their research and development activities. More specifically, the Working Group identified the emerging biotechnologies best suited to addressing diseases of national interest, as well as bio-industrial and environmental priorities, including with a view to consolidating the circular bioeconomy.
In order to support faster internationalisation, the members of the Working Group recommended the establishment of a Special Register of Emerging Biotechnology Companies (ESIBE), in both the healthcare and industrial-environmental fields, together with internationalisation programmes designed to support networking with potential investors, institutions and international partners. Lastly, in order to prevent companies from relocating abroad, the Report proposes a refocusing of the Italian venture capital system, with stronger support for strategic investments capable of fostering the development and growth of biotechnology companies in Italy.
Montalcini Global Biotech Tour
Together with the Italian Trade Agency, the existing Life Sciences and Biotech promotional programme has been strengthened and the Montalcini Global Biotech Tour has been launched, by adding further stops and branding those already scheduled.
The programme includes participation in the leading global biotech events, together with initiatives aimed at fostering networking opportunities and relations with potential investors.
The objective is to enhance national assets in the biotech sector more effectively, through a more organic presentation of the so-called “Italian Biotech Country System”, to be promoted through the diplomatic-consular network and the offices of the Italian Trade Agency.
Thanks to the work of Office IV of the DGCE, in 2025 the Tour was launched in San Francisco on the occasion of the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference (15 January 2025) and included the following stops: Doha — event organised by the Embassy of Italy and the Italian Trade Agency; Basel — on the sidelines of Swiss Biotech Day (5 May 2025); Boston — on the occasion of BIO USA (16–19 June 2025); and Vienna — during BIO Europe (3–5 November 2025).
2026 Programme
The following international programme is scheduled for 2026:
San Francisco (USA) – JPMorgan Healthcare Conference, 12–15 January 2026
San Diego (USA) – BIO USA, 22–25 June 2026
Singapore – Asia Bio Partnering Forum, 1–2 September 2026
Cologne (Germany) – BIO Europe, 9–11 November 2026
Dubai (UAE) – ARABLAB LIVE 2026, October 2026
Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) – GLOBAL HEALTH 2026, October 2026
Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) – BIO MIDDLE EAST 2026, May 2026
Houston (USA) – A possible business mission, planned for the second half of 2026, will focus on biotech startups and investment attraction, with possible synergies with the Global Startup Program and INNOVIT, with a view to establishing structured partnerships with TMC (Texas Medical Center).
Doha (Qatar) – The participation of Italian biotech companies in the Business Forum scheduled for May 2026 is currently being organised.
Last updated: January 2026