The "Future of Manufacturing, AI & Industry 4.0" Call is officially open.

Interested startups and SMEs will have the opportunity to apply no later than November 3rd, 2025.

The promoting body of the initiative is the company Search On Media Group S.r.l., Registered and Operational Headquarters: Via Ugo Bassi, 7 - 40121 Bologna, VAT no. 02418200800 - Share capital €10,000 - Tel: +39 051 09 51 294 - Email: info@searchon.it, which organizes the WMF - We Make Future.

The initiative aims to foster entrepreneurship by supporting the growth of Italian and European startups and SMEs that offer innovative technologies, solid business models, and create a positive impact on society. The call is intended for entities that have developed or intend to develop an innovative project to revolutionize the manufacturing sector with Artificial Intelligence and Industry 4.0 technologies.

To participate in the call, it is necessary to fill out the specific form which consists of four sections:

• THE APPLICANT AND THE TEAM

• THE COMPANY

• THE PROJECT

• THE DOCUMENTATION

Within the form, the applicant must describe their innovative project. Through the call, the aim is to address the main challenges of the manufacturing sector, with a focus on technologies, products, and solutions such as:

• Advanced automation and generative AI;

• Machine learning and collaborative robotics;

• Digital twins for production and additive manufacturing;

• Industrial IoT, predictive maintenance, digital supply chain;

• Hyperautomation, process mining, Industrial AI;

• Advanced materials, electronics, quantum computing;

• Renewable energy, energy storage, carbon capture.

Regarding the Pitch, it is necessary to follow the guidelines.

The call is dedicated to startups and SMEs with innovative projects based on technologies for the manufacturing sector. An initial selection will lead to the identification of 6 finalists who will compete during the 2025 Bologna Tech Week. Of these, 3 will advance to the final stage at WMF (June 17-19, 2026, BolognaFiere).

Selected startups will have the opportunity to join the international network of WMF and EIT Manufacturing and to present their project to an audience of experts, investors, and leading companies.

Participants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Team skills, industry knowledge, and project feasibility;

• Development stage of the product/service;

• Degree of innovation and its defensibility;

• Competitive landscape and positioning;

• Response to market and customer needs and market size;

• Business potential of the idea;

• Completeness of the submitted documentation.

Furthermore, the promotion of gender equality and diversity within the candidate startups will be valued.

The finalists of the "Future of Manufacturing" Call will be evaluated by a technical committee from WMF - We Make Future and EIT Manufacturing. The opportunities for selected startups include:

• International visibility and presentation of the startup to an audience of experts, investors, and leading companies in the sector.

• Access to B2B meetings with investors and strategic partners.

• Opportunity to get an exhibition space in the Startup District during WMF 2026.

• Opportunity to participate in the WMF International Roadshow, with global events and networking opportunities.

• Collaboration with the Bologna Technopole, an innovation hub with the Leonardo supercomputer for advanced research and technological development.

The awarding of prizes represents the recognition of personal merit or, in any case, an encouragement in the interest of the community. No liability can be attributed to the promoter in relation to the provision of prizes by the aforementioned partners.

The promoter reserves the right to contact the winners and any third parties indicated using the addresses in its possession.

In accordance with Article 6 of D.P.R. 430/01 “Regulation concerning the organic revision of the discipline of competitions and prize operations, as well as local raffles pursuant to art. 19, paragraph 4, of law 27 December 1997, n. 449,” this initiative is not considered a competition and/or prize operation as it is established for the presentation of projects or studies in the commercial or industrial field, in which the awarding of the prize to the author represents the recognition of personal merit or, in any case, an encouragement in the interest of the community.

Furthermore, no liability can be attributed to the promoter in relation to the execution of the initiative and/or the awarding of prizes. In any case, the participant undertakes to hold the promoter harmless and indemnified from any and all prejudicial consequences, costs, damages – including sanctions from competent authorities – that may arise for or be asserted against the promoter as a result of their actions or violation of the Regulations. If, for any reason, the initiative cannot be carried out as planned, the promoter reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify or cancel the initiative without any liability arising for the promoter, and without prior notice. For the purpose of participating in the initiative, it is not necessary to purchase and/or sell any products marketed by the promoter and/or related to the WMF. Participation in the initiative is free of charge.

The initiative and these regulations are governed by Italian law.

Bologna, June 30, 2025