UpSchool is a workshop dedicated to the younger generation, created by NAStartUp, the civic network founded by Antonio Prigiobbo (who also writes content for Startupbusiness). Its mission is to bring business and innovation culture into schools, raising awareness of models, tools and opportunities and encouraging direct interaction between students and young entrepreneurs. It is not just a simple workshop, but a genuine dialogue between those who imagine the future and those who are already building it.
Although NAStartUp supports activities both in Italy and abroad, it maintains its strong Neapolitan identity and uniqueness, as evidenced by the nearly 120 monthly events and appointments promoted in the city. In this new cycle, the idea of bringing innovation, enterprise and start-ups directly into schools has emerged. In recent weeks, the MVP (minimum viable product) of StartKitBiz has been launched, a format presented in three strategic institutions in the area: the IT Enrico Mattei in Ischia, the ITIS Alessandro Volta in Naples, one of the most active technical schools in digital courses, and the ISIS Europa in Pomigliano d’Arco. Three different stages united by the same goal: to show, guide and build together with the students how a start-up is born, what skills are needed and what opportunities open up when innovation really enters the classroom.
UpSchool is, ultimately, a call to action. As Prigiobbo explains: ‘More than just an event, this is the beginning of a journey that aims to invite all local entrepreneurs to engage with the world of education, to connect with the talented individuals it produces and to invest in them. The future begins in schools, and that is where we must start again. UpSchool is just a spark, but we hope that it will ignite a new and concrete impetus.
Among the protagonists of UpSchool are start-ups led by young innovators who launched their businesses before even graduating and who have continued to build their projects, working and studying, growing and accelerating their projects and the entire region.
Among them is Mattia Barbarossa, 24, founder and CEO of Sidereus Space Dynamics, who shared a direct and powerful message with the students: ‘An obstacle is only a momentary perception. Have the strength and determination to overcome it. You can do it, starting from scratch, just like I did. His story, from the international Lab2Moon project to the founding of his aerospace company, to the seven million euros raised for the EOS launcher, has shown how ambition and determination can be transformed into concrete trajectories.
Another start-up entrepreneur who exemplifies acceleration is Alessandro Saetta, founder of Terroir From Space, which uses satellite data and artificial intelligence to support wineries in managing the effects of climate change. An example of how sectors rooted in tradition can evolve thanks to technology. Saetta spoke about methodology, competitor analysis, the ability to read the market and, above all, the importance of ‘starting early and surrounding yourself with people who believe in the project’.
The sea has found its place thanks to Adriano Cirasa, 19, founder of Wave.anie and creator of the RWS – Recycling Wave System, designed to store wave energy and make boats more sustainable. His presence impressed students of both sexes due to his young age and his vision of sustainability.
Antonino Russo brings another perspective linked to the sea. He is involved in NAStartUp’s UpStudio and is the founder of The Skipper Academy, an edtech platform dedicated to the professional training of skippers, which has shown how a personal interest can be transformed into a real entrepreneurial path.
Massimo Morgante, founder of TheBestItaly and partner with NAStartUp’s N-AI-Lab, offers further insight into the frontier of innovation with AI. He is committed to promoting the excellence and experiences of the region, showing how a personal passion can evolve into a genuine entrepreneurial journey.
In addition to the start-up founders’ stories, UpSchool offered an overview of the tools available in Italy for those who want to start a project from scratch. Luigi Nardullo, partner of NAStartUp with CreazioneDImpresaIt, and Emilio Della Penna, experts in public and private finance for innovation, gave a direct and pragmatic presentation of calls for proposals, incentives and how to access funding.
Meanwhile, Giancarlo Donadio, guest of NAStartUp, supports the project by introducing and contextualising the innovation ecosystem.
“The data clearly shows that Italy remains at the bottom of the European rankings in terms of investment volume in start-ups. This is not just an economic fact: it is a cultural indicator. It means that the dissemination of innovation must start with young people, schools and local communities. UpSchool was created to bring concrete examples, opportunities and skills into the classroom, so that young people can imagine themselves as active participants in the ecosystem and not just spectators,” says Prigiobbo.
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