WMF – We Make Future has opened applications for its 14th international startup competition, serving as an official Startup World Cup stop for the European region. Selected startups will head to Bologna, Italy, to pitch for a massive prize pool and a chance to compete for a $1 million investment in San Francisco.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: International Startup Competition & Startup World Cup Qualifier
- For: Innovative startups and digital projects across 14 “Challenges of the Future”
- Key Benefits: Trip to the Grand Finale in San Francisco ($1M prize potential), €2.6M+ total prize pool, and global visibility
- Application Deadline: March 12, 2026
- Location: Bologna, Italy (BolognaFiere) / Remote Streaming
Competition Overview
The WMF Startup Competition is the leading international event for startups and scaleups to connect with the global innovation ecosystem. Out of the applicants, six finalists will be chosen to compete on the Mainstage during the WMF festival (June 24–26, 2026). An additional 140 startups will be selected for the “Startup Stage” to pitch directly to VCs, investors, and accelerators. The event serves as a gateway to both European and Middle Eastern markets, with specific pathways like “Saudi Makes Future” included in the network.
Key Benefits
- Global Exposure: Pitch in front of 73,000+ attendees and a jury of 1,000+ VC and Open Innovation stakeholders.
- Startup World Cup: The winner of the Bologna stop flies to San Francisco for the Grand Finale to compete for a $1 million investment.
- Financial Incentives: Access to a prize pool that reached over €2.6 million in value in 2025, including potential funding and acceleration programs.
- Market Access: Opportunities to enter the Middle Eastern market through the “Saudi Makes Future” initiative in Riyadh.
- B2B Networking: Exclusive access to the Startup District and organized meetings with investors managing over €304 billion in AUM.
Eligibility Criteria
- Project Type: Innovative projects or ideas in the technological and digital sectors.
- Impact: Special consideration is given to startups aiming to generate a positive social or territorial impact.
- Selection Factors: Judges evaluate team skills, product development stage, market size, and responsiveness to the “14 Challenges of the Future.”
- Sectors: Startups in AI, Space Tech, Health, FinTech, CleanTech, FoodTech, GovTech, and more.
How to Apply
Founders must complete the four-step online application form, which includes details on the team, company, project, and supporting documentation. Startups must specify which of the 14 challenges their solution addresses.
Deadline: March 12, 2026
Apply Here: WMF 2026 Startup Competition Application
About WMF – We Make Future
WMF is a certified international fair and global platform for innovation, technology, and digital culture. For over a decade, it has fostered an international ecosystem to bridge opportunities between Italy and global markets. Its World Startup Fest is a premier hub for entrepreneurs, featuring investors and corporations with a total portfolio value of over €1.5 trillion.
Learn More: WMF
