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September 19, 2024

Events and networking for founders - A B4i selection

The final quarter of 2024 is coming and this period is traditionally that moment of the year when trends that have been developing begin to solidify. We already have insights for the next big thing for startups and investors.

Key trends such as the advancements in AI and the growing emphasis on sustainable technologies are expected to dominate discussions for the rest of the year.

This is also the right time to take opportunities. For founders, this is a critical time to refine their strategies, secure investment, and expand their networks. For investors, the final quarter offers a unique vantage point to evaluate emerging technologies and identify potential game-changers poised to lead in the coming year.

The following guide offers an overview of the top events and competitions, in Italy and across Europe selected by our team. Not only typical startup competitions but also events that enable your mindset, with B4i team recommendation. Food for thoughts.

Italian Tech Week

It is the major event in Italy’s tech scene, bringing together international speakers, startups, and investors to discuss the future of technology in Italy and beyond.

  • Date: September 26-27, 2024

  • Location: Turin, Italy

  • Organized by: OGR Torino

  • Industry: Technology, Innovation

💡 Attending Italian Tech Week means exploring the future of tech, and connecting with founders, investors, and experts. Among the key speakers, a highlight is Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, who will focus on Artificial Intelligence. ITW will also host side events to network and explore the city of Turin.

Sara Piccinno, Operations Specialist

Mediterranean Startup World Cup

The organizers are interested especially in insurtech and fintech, but open to everyone. Main reasons to apply:- to be 1/22 startups in front of 30 investor with 10B in capital to compete and eventually win a ticket to Silicon Valley to meet 2500 investors, to network with corporates and get global visibility. And you have a good excuse for a trip in Sicily , of course.

💡 The semi-finals of the Startup World Cup, the largest startup competition in the world, will be hosted for the first time in Italy, precisely in Palermo. This event not only will present the best 22 startups from 22 different countries of the Mediterranean, but also will stimulate future synergies between the Italian and the American ecosystems.

Jacopo Faini, Programs Associate

Web Summit

One of the largest global tech conferences, gathering startups, enterprises, and media to discuss tech trends.

💡 Web Summit is the feeling of the European tech industry coming together, 70.000 people meeting up in a huge industrial location in the outskirts of Lisbon to get inspired and network across nations. Some of us happily join every year to be part of this movement, get in tune with the best minds in technology, and get a better understanding of where the industry is going. Most definitely recommended.

Ferruccio Martinelli, Operations & Platform Manager

Slush

Main event for investors and VCs. Focused on early-stage startups and innovation, bringing together entrepreneurs and investors.

  • Date: November 21-22, 2024

  • Location: Helsinki, Finland

  • Organized by: Slush

  • Industry: Startups, Innovation

💡 Slush 2024, held in Helsinki, will gather over 5,500 startups and 3,300 investors, making it the largest venture capital event globally, with €3 trillion in assets under management. The conference focuses on actionable insights and networking, featuring 300+ side events and concluding with the official Slush Afterparty.

Sasha Komarevych, Head of Acceleration

Premio 2031

Also known as “Premio Marzotto”, it is one of Italy's most renowned startup competitions, offering cash prizes and incubation opportunities for projects with significant social and economic impact.

💡 One of the most long-running Italian awards for startups, Premio 2031 will put again more than 50 partners of the innovation ecosystem together to shine the lights on the protagonists of the 14th edition of the award. We will discover soon all the stages of this year, and good luck to all the participating startups!

Ludovico Dejak, Innovation and Sustainability Specialist

Premio Nazionale Innovazione (PNI)

Italy's most prestigious innovation competition, rewarding the best business ideas developed within Italian universities and public research centers.

💡 The startups winners of the Start Cups of every Italian region, will compete to become the most innovative Italian startup. But before, the Lombardy’s winners will be discovered at the StartCup Lombardia’s Finals on the 23rd of in Palazzo Regione Lombardia. Let’s see together the most disrupting startups coming from our universities!

Ludovico Dejak, Innovation and Sustainability Specialist

Save the other dates

Here you can find a selection of other Marketing & Education Events you shouldn’t miss!

FutureED

October 10-12, 2024 - Rome, Italy

Focused on educational innovation and technology, bringing educators and tech experts together.

Digital Innovation Days

October 19-21, 2024 - Milan, Italy

Focuses on digital transformation, marketing, and innovation, ideal for professionals and startups.

Marketers World

October 18-19, 2024 - Rimini, Italy

A significant event for digital marketing professionals, offering workshops and networking opportunities.

Milano Digital Week

November 12-15, 2024 - Milan, Italy

A citywide event focusing on digital innovation across various aspects of urban life.

WomenXImpact

November 21-23, 2024 - Bologna, Italy

A leading event dedicated to empowering women in business and tech, with a focus on networking and career advancement.