International Start-Up Village

• Provide emerging start-ups with access to a prestigious national and international platform where they can connect, exchange ideas and showcase their innovations.
• Create networking opportunities between exhibiting companies and Start-Ups whose solutions can drive product and service innovation across the industry.
• Strengthen the recognition of the Italy's innovation ecosystem as a key partner in the development of products and technologies for the food and beverage sector worldwide.
• Give a voice to the most innovative entrepreneurs by highlighting the experiences of those who are driving innovation, fostering knowledge and shaping the future of the Food & Beverage industry.

Applications are open to:

• Italian innovative start-ups registered in the special section of the Business Register (pursuant to Law no. 221 of December 18, 2012);

• International start-ups with similar characteristics;

• Companies not formally registered as innovative start-ups, but meeting the minimum requirements listed below: development projects aligned with the themes of SIGEP WORLD; at least one completed seed round or active presence in the B2B market with a proven client portfolio; an active company website.

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

Eligible Start-Ups may submit their application by completing the online application form no later than Friday, 13 November 2026. Applicants will also be required to provide their consent to the processing of the personal data included in their application.

Applications received with the requirements set out in the previous point will be evaluated by a committee, awarding a score for each of the following elements:

•  innovative content of the product or service (1-10)
•  collaborations and partnerships (1-5)
•  product or service already industrialised and ready for the market (1-10)
•  consistency with the sectors of the Sigep event (1-10)

Without prejudice to the fulfilment of the requirements indicated above, only the first 40 Start-Ups that obtain the highest score on the basis of the evaluation carried out according to the criteria indicated in this expression of interest will be selected.

Expressions of interest must be submitted no later than 13 November 2026, following the application procedure described above.

Selected applicants will be required to confirm their participation within two working days of receiving the official notification by replying via email. Failure to respond within the specified deadline will result in the withdrawal of the application.

Upon confirmation, selected Start-Ups will receive the participation agreement, which must be completed, signed and returned together with the following documents:

• proof of payment of the participation fee by bank transfer;
• an up-to-date Company Registration Certificate (required for Innovative SMEs only);
• a high-resolution logo in vector format (preferably .ai, .svg or .eps).

Once participation has been confirmed, selected Start-Ups must also submit the completed participation agreement together with the company profile form containing the information to be used for promotional purposes.

Should one or more selected applicants withdraw, Italian Exhibition Group, in collaboration with ANGI, reserves the right to offer participation to other eligible applicants based on the final ranking established during the selection process.

Selected Start-Ups will have the opportunity to join the Innovation District and compete for the Lorenzo Cagnoni Award, dedicated to the most innovative Start-Ups.

The Start-Up Area features a dedicated exhibition concept designed to maximise visibility, encourage interaction with visitors and create valuable business opportunities.

Selected Start-Ups and Innovative SMEs may participate upon payment of a €1,000 + VAT participation fee, which includes the following services:

• All-Inclusive Start-Up Package, including a fully equipped exhibition station with desk, stool and customised branding featuring your company logo
• Official exhibitor registration and participation in the event
• Online visibility through inclusion in the official exhibition catalogue
• Access to the My Agenda – Business Meetings platform to schedule one-to-one meetings with international hosted buyers
• 1 exhibitor parking pass
• 4 exhibitor badges
• 20 complimentary invitation tickets for your business contacts
• Dedicated information point providing visitor reception and guidance within the Start-Up Area
• National and international media exposure through dedicated promotional and communication activities
• Qualified networking opportunities with professional visitors, exhibitors, investors and key stakeholders interested in your business

Please note: Travel, accommodation, transportation and all other personal expenses are not included and remain the responsibility of each participant.

To further recognise the contribution of Start-Ups and Innovative SMEs within the Innovation District, Italian Exhibition Group, together with its partners, will present a special award to the three most innovative and outstanding projects showcased during the event.

The winners will be selected by the Evaluation committee based on the assessment criteria outlined above.

>> Discover the Award