And join the international network of startups, investors, and VCs of WMF - We Make Future
Ticket on offer for €99 + VAT instead of €549 + VAT, only until October 1st.
Call Startup AI 4 Future
February 11 - 12 2027 | Milan - Superstudio Maxi
Apply and take part in the competition!
1° phase closing on Oct 15
Scale your solution across top international AI markets
WMF – We Make Future, the International Fair on AI, Tech & Digital Innovation and creator of AI Festival, has always supported the growth of Italian and international startups and enterprises through global visibility and business matchmaking initiatives. The AI for Future call by AI Festival is a structured initiative designed to accelerate AI-driven innovative ventures capable of driving market success while making a positive impact on society.
Opportunities for Selected Startups
By applying with your startup, you will compete for exclusive opportunities, including:
Participate in AI For Future event in Silicon Valley (San Francisco) on November 5, 2026.
Participate in Saudi Makes Future (December 14–16, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia).
Join the finale at AI Festival on Feb. 12nd
Showcase at WMF 2027 (June 10–12, 2027 at BolognaFiere).
Be hosted at the Bologna Technopole, made possible through WMF’s partnership with the Technopole and the Metropolitan City of Bologna.
Applying to the call gives your startup direct access to a global ecosystem and dedicated investment pipelines with leading international VCs.
Fill out the form below by oct 15, and submit your startup to AI 4 Future.
THE OPPORTUNITIES
Participating in AI for Future gives your project visibility within a global ecosystem, connecting you directly with investors and industry leaders ready to back innovative AI solutions.
Final Stage & Pitch Competition - The 6 finalist startups will pitch their solutions live at AI Festival 2027 in Milan and participate in WMF at BolognaFiere.
International Networking - An additional 30 selected startups will attend WMF, gaining direct access to B2B meetings and curated business matchmaking sessions with global investors and VCs.
Access to Tecnopolo di Bologna -Thanks to our partnership with the Metropolitan City of Bologna, top-performing ventures will gain access to facilities at Tecnopolo di Bologna—home of the Leonardo Supercomputer.
Selected startups will have the opportunity to:
Stage & Visibility
Present your project on the Main Stage at AI Festival.
Business matchmaking
Targeted B2B meetings and high-value networking with investors and VCs.
Expo Area
A dedicated desk on the Expo Floor for high-impact lead generation.
WMF global network
Access to exclusive international opportunities, initiatives, and global industry events.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The call is open to Italian and international startups and enterprises, whether founded by individuals or teams, with innovative tech and digital projects that feature Artificial Intelligence as their core business. Special consideration will be given to projects designed to generate a positive impact.
Submitted projects are evaluated 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 CALL FORMAT
The 6 finalist startups will compete live in the final round at AI Festival 2027 in Milan.
Each team will have 3 minutes to pitch the key elements of their venture, followed by a 2-minute Q&A with the jury. Once all pitches are complete, both the judges and the audience will cast their votes to select two distinct winners: the Jury Award Winner and the Audience Award Winner.
Follow the guidelines for your pitch
THE PITCH
The elevator pitch is at the heart of the AI for Future Call for Startups. It’s a concise presentation that highlights the core elements of your venture, designed to capture investor interest and showcase your business idea.
Fill out the form to apply for the AI*Festival Startup Competition.
Timeline
15/10
2026
Application closing
AI For Future, San Francisco (CA)
AI For Future, San Francisco (CA)
10/11
2026
Application closing
AI Festival, Milano
AI Festival, Milano
10/12
2026
Application Closing
Saudi Makes Future, Riyadh
Saudi Makes Future, Riyadh
12/02
2027
Final
AI Festival, Milan
09/04
2027
Application Closing
WMF, Bologna
WMF, Bologna
12/06
2027
Final
WMF, Bologna
WMF, Bologna
In partnership with
Apply to the Startup Competition AI 4 Future
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.
Are you an investor?
Join the WMF international network
Discover exclusive opportunities for investors, VCs, corporate open innovation arms, and investment funds to join the WMF and AI Festival community. Serve on the jury, award special prizes, and connect directly with high-growth startups across our global network.
Visit the Call for Investors page to explore tailored opportunities for open innovation stakeholders.
AI FOR FUTURE: the 14 Future Challenges of WMF
During the application process, each startup specifies which of the 14 Future Challenges it aims to address through its Artificial Intelligence applications:
IndustryTech & Robotics
Space Industry
Food & Agriculture
AI - Digital Business & Media
Rights & Cybersecurity
Entertainment & Cultural Industry
GovTech & Public Services
Health & Life Sciences
E-Commerce & Retail
Education & Work
CleanTech & Energy
FinTech, InsurTech & Blockchain
Smart Cities & Mobility
Tourism & Culture Heritage
Partner
WMF Ecosystem Innovation Partner
