Global Impact Challenge

The pursuit of a sustainable development model has become the primary objective and driving force for most organizations and institutions worldwide.

Through the Global Impact Challenge, we will bring together founders who have responded to at least one of the 12 Future Challenges of the WMF. We will analyze the success of non-extractive business models, the importance of adopting policies, and the transformative value of startups characterized by their ambition and commitment to contributing to positive change in social or environmental areas.

The Global Impact Challenge is among the events for startups, scale-ups, and the open innovation world held as part of the World Startup Fest and designed to support the development of a community of founders who have launched innovative entrepreneurial projects in Italy and internationally. The WMF has always been a must-attend event for the world of social and digital innovation, promoting the meeting and exchange between citizens, startups, stakeholders, and institutions.

Each of the initiatives of the World Startup Fest contributes to the expansion of a connected and open innovative ecosystem worldwide.

The Global Impact Challenge of WMF 2025 is officially open: fill out the form and join with your startup.

THE OPPORTUNITIES

Founders of innovative entrepreneurial projects from around the world who are addressing at least one of the 12 Future Challenges of the WMF and are producing positive social or environmental change can apply.

Selected startups will have the opportunity to present on the Mainstage, the main stage of the WMF. Through pitches and open discussions or within roundtable sessions, each founder can describe their business model before directly engaging with the rich network of startups, investors, and stakeholders present at the WMF and participating in business and networking activities.

1. Present to an International and Knowledgeable Audience:
   Thanks to an international audience comprising investors, industry-leading companies, and participants from around the world.

2. Access the Startup District:
   The dedicated exhibition area for startups from around the world.

3. Organize High-Level B2B Meetings and Networking:
   Thanks to the WMF's business community composed of investors, VCs, open innovation stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and potential business partners with whom it will be easy to connect during and after the event.

4. Gain Extensive Visibility:
   Participating startups are in the spotlight of a wide audience and receive attention from media, influencers, and industry operators.

5. Receive Additional Awards and Recognitions:
   Thanks to access to exclusive resources such as potential funding, acceleration programs, and strategic partnerships.

6. Attend Industry Training and Panels:
   Thanks to dedicated stages on open innovation, entrepreneurs can update their business and technological skills, learn best practices, and increase competitiveness.

7. Participate in the WMF International Roadshow:
   The international project that accompanies the best Italian startups abroad at major industry events.

8. Access the global WMF network:
   with possible involvement in related initiatives in Italy and beyond.

> Read the Instructions

> Download the support material

SELECTION CRITERIA

The Challenge is dedicated to impact-driven startups composed of teams with innovative projects or ideas in the technology and digital sector. Additionally, particular interest is given to those innovative projects aimed at generating a positive impact on the environment and communities. The candidate projects are selected based on the following criteria:

• Team skills, industry knowledge, project feasibility;

• Stage of development of the product/service;

• Degree of innovation and defensibility thereof;

• Competitive context and positioning;

• Alignment with market and customer needs and size thereof;

• Business potential of the idea;

• Completeness of the documentation presented;

• The project's impact on future challenges;

• Adoption of ESG policies;

• Impact generated on at least one of the 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals);

• Gender mix.

The pursuit of a sustainable development model has become the primary objective and driving force for most organizations and institutions worldwide.

On this stage, we compare business models, policies, and experiences characterized by their ambition and commitment to contributing to positive change in social or environmental areas.

By participating in the Global Startup Program, you'll have the opportunity to access the WMF International Roadshow, a global cooperation project spanning across 5 continents and involving 29 countries.

Take part in events and initiatives organized by WMF worldwide with the aim of strengthening connections within the international innovation ecosystem.