The WMF Startup Competition is presented as a significant international event for startups, scaleups, and investors, now in its 14th edition. It is a central feature of the World Startup Fest, which takes place within the WMF, a Certified International Fair dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial culture and creating development opportunities for the global innovative ecosystem. The competition final is scheduled to be held on the Mainstage during WMF 2026 and will be streamed worldwide, offering a platform for emerging companies to connect with a vast network of industry stakeholders.
Event Details and Timeline
• Event Dates: June 24, 25, 26, 2026
• Location: BolognaFiere, Bologna, Italy
• Application Opening: September 11, 2025
• Application Closing: March 12, 2026
• Feedback to Applicants: From April 15, 2026
Competition by the Numbers
• Finalists: 6
• WMF Attendees: Over 73,000
• Challenges of the Future: 14
• Startups & Investors: Over 3,000
• VCs & Open Innovation Stakeholders: 1,000
• Participating Countries: Over 90
• Investor Portfolio Value: 1.5 Trillion
• Assets Under Management (AUM): 304 Billion
• Total Participation in Deals: 72.8 Billion
• Funding Rounds: 17,000
Opportunities for Participants
• Startup District Access: An exhibition area dedicated to startups from around the world.
• B2B Meetings and Networking: Connect with a business community of investors, VCs, and potential partners through organized meetings.
• Exclusive Events: Access Innovation Night and other side events for networking with investors and international ecosystem representatives.
• Prizes and Awards: Compete for a prize pool, with the 2025 total value reaching 2.6 million, including potential funding, acceleration programs, and strategic partnerships.
• Training and Panels: Attend sessions on open innovation to update entrepreneurial skills and learn best practices.
• WMF International Roadshow: Opportunity to join a project that takes top Italian startups to major international industry events.
• Saudi Makes Future Access: A chance to enter the Middle Eastern market by presenting at an event in Riyadh (Dec 14-16).
• WMF Global Network: Gain access to a global network with potential involvement in related initiatives.
• International Exposure: Present to an audience of investors, industry-leading companies, and specialized media.
• Tecnopolo di Bologna Access: Potential involvement in activities related to the technology hub.
Selection Criteria
The call is open to Italian and foreign startups with innovative projects in the tech and digital sectors. Projects are evaluated based on the following:
• Team skills, industry knowledge, and project feasibility.
• The development stage of the product or service.
• The degree of innovation and its defensibility.
• Competitive context and market positioning.
• Responsiveness to market and customer needs, and market size.
• The business potential of the idea.
• Completeness of the submitted documentation.
• The project's impact on the challenges of the future, with special consideration for projects generating positive social and territorial impact.
Competition Structure
• Finalist Selection: The festival's Innovation Team will select 6 finalist startups from all applicants.
• Mainstage Final: Finalists will present their pitch on the Mainstage to a jury of investors, industry players, and incubators, as well as the live and online WMF audience.
• Pitch Format: Each team has 3 minutes for their presentation, followed by a 2-minute Q&A session with the jury.
• Winner Determination: Two winners will be chosen—one by the jury and one by the audience through a voting process.
Challenges and Industries
Applicants must specify which of the 14 Challenges their project addresses using AI, digital solutions, and technology. They can also indicate their specific sector and adherence to ESG criteria.
• IndustryTech & Robotics: Focuses on smart manufacturing, AI, IoT, and intelligent systems for the future of industry.
• Space Industry: Explores the sustainable development of the space economy, from infrastructure to satellite observation.
• Food & Agriculture: Addresses challenges in food production, traceability, and safety through agritech and food innovation.
• AI - Digital Business & Media: Covers digital media, the creator economy, martech, and the evolution of communication and journalism.
• Rights & Cybersecurity: Focuses on cybersecurity, data privacy, legal tech, and AI ethics.
• Entertainment & Cultural Industry: Explores the future of music, gaming, sports, and cinema through technological innovation.
• GovTech & Public Services: Centers on the digitalization of public administration, civic tech, and service innovation.
• Health & Life Sciences: Addresses digital health, biotechnology, mental health, and new healthcare paradigms.
• e-Commerce & Retail: Explores the transformation of global trade, logistics, and customer experience in physical and digital retail.
• Education & Work: Focuses on EduTech solutions, new ways of working, and technologies for personal and professional growth.
• CleanTech & Energy: Encompasses solutions for the climate crisis, including renewable energy and circular economy models.
• FinTech & Digital Asset: Analyzes innovations in finance, digital payments, InsurTech, and cryptocurrencies.
• Smart Cities & Mobility: Reimagines urban and regional spaces through smart city technology and new mobility solutions.
• Tourism & Culture Heritage: Leverages technology and sustainability to enhance tourism, promote local heritage, and create accessible cultural experiences.
This competition represents a comprehensive platform for innovative projects to gain visibility, connect with key industry figures, and access a wide range of resources for growth. Interested parties can find detailed regulations, pitch guides, and application forms through the official WMF channels. The event has a history of showcasing notable startups that have gone on to achieve success in their respective fields.