Taking place within WMF, The Biggest Event on Innovation: AI, Tech & Digital - the 2027 edition of World Startup Fest returns as the flagship global gathering for startups, scaleups, and investors.
In 2026, World Startup Fest welcomed over 3,000 innovation stakeholders from 90 countries, alongside 50+ delegations and 20 international pavilions. The upcoming edition expands these opportunities even further to connect you with a global community shaping the future of technology.
At World Startup Fest, you will gain access to dedicated events designed to bring together top global innovators, offering founders, innovative SMEs, and investors continuous B2B networking, growth, and high-visibility opportunities.
Explore the open calls for startups and investors below, or get your ticket to attend.
Get ready to experience the excitement of the most coveted startup competition: the top 6 startups will compete to win the audience award, the jury prize, and attract the attention of investors during the Final on June 12, on the Mainstage.
The competition dedicated to AI applications that define the present and future of the sector, positively impacting the environment and society. The Final round will be held on June 12th on the Mainstage, the main stage of the WMF. The selected startups will also be at the AI Festival 2027!
A competition dedicated to startups aiming to make a positive impact on the 14 Challenges of the Future identified by the WMF. The Challenge final will take place on the Mainstage on June 12th, where we will see how innovative solutions can change the world we live in.
Three scaleups selected by the WMF Innovation Team will present their case study on the Mainstage. Each scaleup will describe its business model and will be able to connect with the WMF's rich network of startups, investors, and stakeholders.
At the WMF, you can schedule meetings with potential clients, international investors, and Open Innovation stakeholders. It's a unique opportunity to present your idea to those who can help you take it to the next level.
The event to share innovative ideas and have fun building new relationships. The perfect opportunity for informal networking and to enjoy a stimulating and festive atmosphere.
An exclusive evening for investors from the WMF international network, who will have the chance to meet, share insights, and explore synergies in a completely informal and private setting.
The innovative formula for quick and direct meetings, ideal for startups seeking funding, investors looking for promising projects, or wanting to expand their network.
The recruitment service for Digital Professions, to facilitate the matching of job supply and demand! A unique opportunity to find professional profiles suitable for your company.
On this stage, hundreds of founders from top startups will come together to present the progress of their projects and illustrate how each one is contributing to creating a global innovation ecosystem.
Every year, the best entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation leaders gather at the WMF to participate in panels and round-table discussions to explore the keys to success of various international ecosystems, the latest investment trends, open innovation strategies, and the peculiarities of local entrepreneurial ecosystems. It's a unique opportunity for quality networking and to activate strategic collaborations with key industry players. Join us to build the future of innovation.
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.
Discover all the opportunities for investors, VC firms, corporate Open Innovation Arms, and investment funds to join the WMF community, participate in the jury, award prizes, and connect with Italian and international startups that present their projects at WMF every year. Visit the Open Innovation & VC Fest page and explore all the activities dedicated to Open Innovation stakeholders.
JUNE 10 · 11 · 12, 2027
BOLOGNAFIERE
WMF - We Make Future
