WMF 2026 Startup Competition
We Make Future
📌 About the Event
The WMF (We Make Future) Startup Competition is the largest international challenge for startups, scaleups, and innovative SMEs. Held within the massive WMF International Fair in Bologna, Italy, the competition focuses on “14 Challenges of the Future,” including Regenerating Nature, Rethinking Cities, and Trusted Technologies. It is a global bridge for founders seeking to enter the European and MENA markets. The competition is famous for its “Mainstage” final, where the top 6 finalists pitch to a live audience of over 70,000 attendees and a jury of global VCs and stakeholders. It is not just a pitch contest; it is a full scale immersion into the global innovation ecosystem with guaranteed B2B meetings for selected participants.
ℹ️ Event Details
- Category: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Organizer: WMF – We Make Future
- Eligibility: Global Startups and Innovative Companies (Individuals or Teams)s
- Team Size: Startup Team (Minimum 1 proposer)
- Effort Level: Very High (Requires a detailed pitch deck and business metrics)
- Submission Type: Online Application with Pitch Deck
📅 Important Dates
- Second Phase Call Closing: 16 April, 2026
- Feedback Phase: Starting 29 April, 2026
- Main Event & Finals: 24 – 26 June, 2026
- Mode: Hybrid (Preliminary online, Finals in Bologna, Italy)
🏆 Prize Details and Value
- Prize Type: Investment, Grants, and Market Access
- Prize Amount or Value: Total prize pool valued at $1 Million
- Market Access: Opportunities to access the Saudi Makes Future event in Riyadh.
- Visibility and Showcase: Pitch on the Mainstage at BolognaFiere and featured in the Startup District.
- Additional Perks: Strategic consultancy from Angel Investors and access to the Leonardo Supercomputer facilities at Tecnopolo di Bologna.
🎯 What You Will Do
- Identify which “Challenge of the Future” your startup aligns with most (e.g., AI for Health, Future of Work).
- Submit a comprehensive application including your business model, traction, and team background.
- Prepare a 3-minute pitch if selected for the finals to present before international VCs.
- Participate in B2B matchmaking sessions and “Innovation Night” side events.
- Exhibit in the Startup District to generate leads and strategic partnerships.