And join the international network of startups, investors, and VCs of WMF - We Make Future
Full Ticket AI Festival 2026 preview at €99+VAT
Present your startup at the AI Festival
WMF - We Make Future, the International Fair on AI, Tech & Digital Innovation and founder of the AI Festival,has always supported both Italian and international startups and companies working on innovative projects. This commitment continues with the AI Festival, which places a strong focus on AI-based applications capable of generating a positive impact on society.
On January 21-22, 2026, during the third edition of the AI Festival, the AI for Future startup competition returns — dedicated to AI applications that are shaping the present and future of the industry. The Call for Startup AI for Future offers opportunity to take part in the AI Festival in Milan and in WMF 2026 (BolognaFiere). In addition, a selection of startups may be hosted at the Tecnopolo di Bologna, thanks to the collaboration with Tecnopolo and the Metropolitan City of Bologna.
These are unique opportunities to develop and scale your project while connecting with a broad network of investors, companies, startups, and AI leaders through networking, business matching, and recruiting activities.
The first phase of the competition is now open: fill out the form to apply with your startup!
THE OPPORTUNITIES
Startups will have the opportunity to showcase and promote their projects within the innovative ecosystems of WMF and AI Festival, presenting to an audience of key industry players, investors, and innovation experts who could support their growth.
The 6 finalist startups will compete in the final stage at AI Festival (January 21-22, 2026, Milan) and participate in WMF 2025 (June 4-6, BolognaFiere). An additional 30 selected startups will have the opportunity to attend WMF 2026, where they will participate in B2B meetings with international investors and venture capitalists, and engage with startups from around the world.
A key highlight of this year’s call is the partnership with Tecnopolo di Bologna and the Metropolitan City of Bologna, offering top startups the chance to access the Tecnopolo facilities, home to the Leonardo Supercomputer.
Selected startups will also have the opportunity to access:
Present the project in the Plenary
The main stage of AI Festival
Organize B2B meetings
And other business matching activities with investors and VCs
Exhibit in the Expo Area
And take advantage of networking and lead generation opportunities
Join the global WMF network
And participate in international industry initiatives and events
SELECTION CRITERIA
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 STRUCTURE OF THE CALL
The 6 best-selected startups will have the opportunity to compete in the final stage at the AI Festival, scheduled for January 21-22, 2026, Milan.
Additionally, the selected startups will advance to WMF2025 (June 4-6, BolognaFiere), where they will have the chance to engage with startups from around the world, present before an international jury, and showcase their projects to the event's audience.
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. Ultimately, 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 PITCH
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.
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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 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.
AI FOR FUTURE
Some fields of application of Artificial Intelligence:
AI for Future of Cities & Communities
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
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