Nuova Sabatini provides interest rate subsidies on bank loans for equipment and software investments (including AI). Effective benefit: 7-10% reduction on the total investment cost. Works well combined with Tax Credit 4.0 for a total incentive of 27-50%. Eligible investments: €20,000-4,000,000. The "4.0" version offers higher subsidies for qualifying digital investments.
What Nuova Sabatini is
Nuova Sabatini is a subsidized financing instrument, not a direct grant. It works by providing an interest rate subsidy on bank loans or leases used to purchase business assets — including AI software, platforms, and hardware. The effect is a reduction of the total financing cost, typically equivalent to 7-10% of the investment value.
Why it matters for AI investments
For SMEs that finance their AI investment through bank loans (which is common), Nuova Sabatini reduces the cost of capital. When combined with the Tax Credit 4.0, the total incentive can reach 27-50% of the investment — significantly improving the business case.
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Tell us about your projectThe "4.0" version
Nuova Sabatini has an enhanced version for Industry 4.0 investments (called "Beni strumentali 4.0") that offers a higher interest rate subsidy. AI software and systems that meet 4.0 interconnection requirements qualify for this enhanced version. The practical benefit: approximately 3.5 additional percentage points compared to the standard version.
How to access it
- Identify a qualifying AI investment (€20,000 minimum)
- Apply through a participating bank (most major Italian banks participate)
- Submit the application to the Ministry of Economic Development (MiSE) through the bank
- Receive approval and proceed with the investment
- Submit completion documentation to receive the interest rate subsidy
Combining with other incentives
Nuova Sabatini can be combined with Tax Credit 4.0 and, in some cases, with regional grants. A well-structured investment plan can stack these incentives:
- Tax Credit 4.0: 20% tax credit
- Nuova Sabatini: 7-10% effective reduction
- Regional grant (where available): 10-30% grant
- Total: 37-60% of the investment covered by incentives
If you want to structure your AI investment to maximize financing benefits, contact us. Visit our incentives page for the full picture.