Innovation District

• To offer emerging entrepreneurial ventures access to a prestigious national and international stage — a space where they can exchange ideas and build connections: the ideal environment where tradition meets innovation;
• To create meaningful opportunities for networking between established companies attending the event and Start-ups, whose innovative mindset can drive product and/or service innovation;
• To strengthen the recognition of Italy’s innovation ecosystem as a key player in product development for the sector, both nationally and internationally.

The initiative is addressed to Start-ups and innovative SMEs registered in the special section of the Companies Register (pursuant to Law No. 221 of December 18, 2012) that satisfy the following requirements:

• Development of technologies and solutions in line with the themes of Venditalia, in the field of vending technology, hot beverages, food & beverage, accessories & components, professional services, automated stores;
• Having completed at least one seed round or actively operating in the B2B market with a client portfolio;
• Have a website.

Selected Start-ups and innovative SMEs may participate upon payment of an administrative fee of €800 + VAT.

Please note: Admission and scheduling of Start-ups will be handled at the discretion of the project management, organized by Venditalia in collaboration with its partners, based on the stated requirements and space availability.

Start-ups that meet the aforementioned requirements may submit their expression of interest no later than the deadline indicated below. This should be done by filling out the application form and providing consent for the processing of the data contained in the expression of interest.

Expressions of interest must be submitted no later than April 3 2026, in accordance with the procedure outlined above.

Following the completion of formal checks on the applications by Venditalia and the obtaining of the qualitative assessments from the evaluation committee, the Start-ups that will have access to the area will be selected in agreement with ANGI.

Following the selection process, all applicants will receive notification at the email address provided when submitting their expression of interest, as to whether or not they have been selected for the initiative in question.

Within two working days of receiving the aforementioned email, the selected applicants must notify Venditalia of their definitive acceptance or withdrawal.

In the event of definitive acceptance, they must submit the acceptance form and information sheet about the Start-up.

In the event of withdrawal by one or more of the selected applicants, Venditalia, in agreement with ANGI, may proceed to select additional suitable applicants according to the ranking list.

Selected Start-ups will be able to enter the project and compete for the Start-up prize upon payment of the registration fee of €800 + VAT.

The Start-up area will be set up with an exhibition project designed to enhance interaction with the public and generate business opportunities.

The services offered are:

• Participation in the event;
• Entry in the event catalogue;
• Visibility in a dedicated web page on the website;
• Desk in the Start-up area complete with stool and graphics;
• 1 complimentary outdoor parking card;
• 4 complimentary accreditation for stand staff;
• 50 complimentary invitation tickets;
• Info point for reception and to provide information on the Start-Ups present in the area;
• Media coverage and national and international promotion services.

Not included are out-of-pocket expenses (travel, accommodation, transport, etc.), which shall be borne by the participants.