And join the international network of startups, investors, and VCs of WMF - We Make Future
And join the international network of startups, investors, and VCs of WMF - We Make Future
WMF - We Make Future, International Trade Fair on AI, Tech & Digital Innovation and founder of the AI Festival, has always supported both Italian and international startups and companies developing innovative projects or ideas in the AI, tech and digital sectors. This approach continues with the AI Festival, where special attention is given to projects based on various AI applications capable of making a positive societal impact.
On February 26th and 27th, AI Festival brings back the Call for Startup AI for Future, an initiative entirely dedicated to AI applications shaping the present and future of the industry. This call offers the opportunity to participate in the international event, taking place at Bocconi University in Milan. It’s a unique chance to connect with investors, companies, startups, stakeholders, and AI industry leaders through networking, business matching, and recruiting activities.
The AI for Future 2025 call is now open: fill out the form and submit your startup!
Startups have the opportunity to showcase and promote their projects within the innovative ecosystem of WMF and AI*Festival, by participating in the first international competition dedicated to innovative projects in the AI world. The selected startups will present to an audience of major digital industry players, investors, and experts in entrepreneurship and innovation, who may choose to support the development and growth of their business ideas.
Selected startups will also have the opportunity to access:
The main stage of AI Festival
And other business matching activities with investors and VCs
And take advantage of networking and lead generation opportunities
And participate in international industry initiatives and events
The call is dedicated to Italian and international startups and companies - composed of individuals or teams - with innovative projects or ideas in the technology and digital sector, whose core business is Artificial Intelligence. In addition, particular interest is given to innovative projects aimed at generating a positive impact on territories and society. The candidate projects are selected based on the following criteria:
Team skills, knowledge of the sector, feasibility of the project;
Stage of development of the product/service;
Degree of innovation and defensibility of the project;
Competitive context and positioning;
Alignment with market and customer needs and their size;
Business potential of the idea;
Completeness of the documentation presented.
The 6 best-selected startups will have access to the AI Festival and will be able to present their project during the event in front of a jury made up of investors, industry players, incubators, and the audience, both in person and online.
Each team will have 3 minutes to present the key elements of their idea. The jury will then have an additional 2 minutes to ask follow-up questions. At the end, both the jury and the audience will cast their votes to determine the two winners, one chosen by the jury and one by the public.
The elevator pitch is the heart of the Call for AI for Future Startup. It is a short presentation that summarizes the key elements of an entrepreneurial idea, designed to attract potential investors or promote a business idea.
> Download the support material
Fill out the form to apply for the AI*Festival Startup Competition.
Do you want to participate in the Startup AI 4 Future Call, the first international startup competition dedicated entirely to AI? Fill in the form and attach your pitch: the AI*Festival team will analyze your application and provide you with feedback once the call is closed.
Discover all the opportunities for investors, VC firms, corporate Open Innovation Arms, and investment funds to join the WMF and AI Fesival community, participate in the jury, award prizes, and connect with Italian and international startups that present their projects at AI Festival and WMF. Visit the Call for Investors page and explore all the activities dedicated to Open Innovation stakeholders.
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AI for Future of Health
AI for Future of Work
AI for Future of Culture & Travel
AI for Future of Automotive & Logistic
AI for Future of Food & Agriculture
AI for Future of Learning & Education
AI for Future of Retail & Customer Experience
AI for Future of Marketing
AI for Future of Media & Entertainment
AI for Future of Ethics
AI for Future of Sports & Events
AI for Future of Finance & Insurance
AI for Future of Life On Planet Earth