The WMF, International Trade Fair and Festival on Innovation: AI, Tech and Digital, has been promoting entrepreneurial culture and creating development opportunities for the Italian and international innovation ecosystem for over 10 years, aiming to generate a flow of opportunities between Italy and abroad.

Some numbers from the ecosystem you will find at WMF:
1.300 Billions > Total Portfolio Value
214 Billions > AUM
60.7 Billions > Total Participation in Deals
13.630 > Fundings Rounds

Among its many initiatives, the WMF is also organizing the Startup Competition - now in its 13th edition - involving the main international players in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship. The call is dedicated to startups and businesses - made up of individuals or teams - with innovative projects or ideas regarding the digital/technological sector. Innovative projects aimed at generating a positive impact on territories and society will be considered with particular interest.

Apply here.

We are proud to announce that Baltic Sandbox was selected to be a local organiser of the 9th CASSINI Hackathon: Space for Healthcare in Lithuania! 🛰 The hackathon will take place in Vilnius, at Vilnius Tech. Save the date: May 16-18, 2025. ❗️We’re calling all innovators, tech enthusiasts, and problem-solvers to take on the challenge. Want to make a difference and change the world for the better? Choose your challenge: ⚡️ Monitoring Disease Outbreaks and Health Risks ⚡️ Smart Emergency Healthcare Delivery ⚡️ Mental Health and Well-Being How can satellites transform healthcare? Grab an opportunity to leverage data from: 🌎 Copernicus (Earth observation data) 🌍 Galileo GNSS (high-precision navigation) 🌏 EGNOS (real-time positioning) Why participate: 🏆 Compete for cash prizes and mentorship. A total of €9,000 in European-level prizes (1st place: €5,000; 2nd place: €3,000; 3rd place: €1,000). 🏆 Receive 6 months of expert mentoring. 🏆 Compete for a special prize from BSV Ventures: invitation to Incubation Program and €3,000 grant. Important dates: 📌 Big Ideas Campaign: April 28 - May 9, 2025 (online) 📌 Hackathon weekend: May 16-18, 2025 (Vilnius, onsite) 📌 Finals & Awards Ceremony: May 21, 2025 (online) ‼️ Register today: https://lnkd.in/evvEW6dD Registration deadline: May 11, 2025 The 9th CASSINI Hackathon: Space for Healthcare is a European Commission initiative implemented by EUSPA - EU Agency for the Space Programme. Partners and sponsors of the event: Vilnius Tech, BSV Ventures, Brite, FTMC, Startup Lithuania, Sunrise Tech Park, LSMU, KMTP (Klaipėda), Innovation Agency, ESA BIC Lithuania, University of Latvia. The event will be photographed and live streamed. Event language: English.

🚀 FIRST CUSTOMER – Your Gateway to Startup Success! 💡🎯

The First Customer Accelerator helps you find your first customers 🏆, launch your product 🚀, and take concrete steps toward startup growth. If you're working on a deep-tech startup with high growth potential, this program is for you! 🌍

📍 Online | Language: English

✨ What You’ll Gain:
🔹 Identify your customer – Who are they? What do they need? 🕵️‍♂️
🔹 Map the customer journey – Understand every touchpoint. 🛤️
🔹 Master pricing strategies – Set the right value for your product. 💰
🔹 Design a winning sales process – Close more deals. 🎯
🔹 Perfect your pitch – Present your idea with confidence. 🎤
🔹 Seal the deal – Convert prospects into paying customers! ✅

First Customer Program Schedule:
Tuesday 22.04.2025: 09:00 - 12:00
Thursday 24.04.2025: 16:00 - 18:00
Monday 28.04.2025: 09:00 - 12:00
Wednesday 30.04.2025: 09:00 - 12:00
Friday 02.05.2025: 16:00 - 18:00

🔥 BOOTCAMP – Level Up Your Startup! 🚀🎥

During the Bootcamp in Kaunas, Lithuania, you will:
💡 Sharpen your communication strategy 🗣️
🤝 Connect with expert mentors in marketing, sales & strategy 🎯
🎬 Create a compelling video sales pitch to impress investors 🎥

Bootcamp Schedule:
Thursday 08.05.2025: 12:00 - 20:00
Friday 09.05.2025: 08:30 - 15:30

📍 Location: Tech-Park Kaunas (K. Baršausko g. 59, Kaunas)

💡 Funded by the European Commission as part of the AtTRACTION program. 🌍

🚀 Ready to accelerate your startup? Apply now and take the first step toward success! 🎯

Are you looking for an inspiring experience that will help you grow, learn, and create real change? Join Innovators’ Folk High School – a unique 4-month program based on the Scandinavian non-formal education model. Why join? ✔ Innovative learning model – hands-on, experience-based education ✔ Social Leadership & Sustainability – learn how to drive positive change ✔ 3-week slow travel to Denmark – engage with progressive communities and experts ✔ Collaborative & creative environment – a place where ideas become reality Who can apply? 🔹 Young adults aged 18–35 eager to grow and develop 🔹 Those seeking meaningful international experiences 🔹 Curious minds ready to explore a unique learning model 📅 When? September 1 – December 21 (4-month program) 📍 Where? Antalieptė, Lithuania 🎟 Limited spots available – only 10 participants from Lithuania and 10 internationals! How to Apply? 📩 Submit your application here: https://forms.gle/KjBQ9dfzPkjADPPt5 💬 Questions? Contact us: [email protected] This is more than a program - it could be the greatest adventure of your life! 🌍✨ More information 👉 https://inovatoriumokykla.lt/

🚀 Life Sciences Startups – This is Your Moment! Looking to scale your innovation and attract top investors? The Startup Pitch Battle at Life Sciences Baltics 2025 is the perfect platform to accelerate your growth! 💡 What’s in it for you? ✔️ Exposure: Pitch to leading investors, industry experts, and decision-makers. ✔️ Investment opportunities: Backing from LitBAN, HealthSeed Venture Studio, imago venture Studio, and BSV Ventures. ✔️ International expansion: A one-week intensive program in Akron, USA to connect with universities, medical institutions, and venture capitalists. ✔️ Fast-track access to LitBAN’s Monthly Pitch Event + mentorship. ✔️ Acceleration programs & advisory support for selected startups. With 20 promising startups selected and 10 pitching each day, this is your opportunity to make an impact in the life sciences industry. Whether you’re pre-seed, seed, or Series A, don’t miss this chance to propel your startup forward. 📅 Applications open from March 1 – September 1. 🔗 Apply here: https://bit.ly/41FNAne

Let's Power Up Energy Innovations Together!

Energy sector needs fresh and innovative solutions – ROCKIT Energy Bootcamp 2025 organised together with 3o – Out Of Office, is the startups’ highway to make it happen!

We are looking for early-stage, mature startups or solo entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions in the energy sector. Your solution could address any of the following areas:
🌱 Renewable & Alternative Fuels
🔋 Storage & Smart Grids
🤖 Efficiency & Automation
🚗 Electric Mobility
🌍 Climate & Sustainability

Catch the Energy Wave – Get a Retreat for Your Startup! Here's what you'll get:
🔹 Relax & Recharge: enjoy a half-week retreat by the beach with 2 nights of complimentary accommodation.
🔹 Network with experts: attend four exclusive events featuring over 20 energy and sustainability experts, industry leaders, and potential partners.
🔹 Boost your startup: enhance your pitch deck, gain valuable feedback, and showcase your innovative energy solutions on stage.
🔹 Refresh your mind & body: unwind with yoga sessions, beach volleyball, and other energizing activities.

More info and registration 👉 rockitvilnius.com/energy-bootcamp
📅 DATE: August 20-23, 2025
📍LOCATION: Palanga, Out Of Office co-working space

The atTRACTION project invites deep-tech startups from Lithuania to participate in its Pitching Side-Event during the Startup BW Summit 2025. This is your chance to connect with investors from the Baden-Württemberg ecosystem and expand your reach across Europe. Spaces are limited, so register early to secure your place in this event.

Why Participate?
- Investor Engagement: Present your startup to investors and explore co-investment opportunities.
- Business Expansion: Gain access to new markets and expand your ecosystem through strategic connections.
- Global Exposure: Join a platform designed to promote cross-regional collaboration and global investment in deep-tech.

CyberForum and InnoWerft—two of Baden-Württemberg’s most influential business acceleration providers—will join and evaluate your pitch and explore opportunities for investment and collaboration with your startup. CyberForum, Germany’s largest high-tech business network, supports startups through incubation, mentorship, and access to over 1,200 corporate and investor members. InnoWerft, a premier early-stage venture fund and accelerator, specializes in pre-seed and seed-stage investments and co-investment through the Start-up BW Pre-Seed program. Notably, Maren Osterlitz, Head of Venture Funding at InnoWerft, will be directly engaging with startups and evaluating investment opportunities, making this event a prime gateway to securing funding and strategic partnerships in Baden-Württemberg.
This is a unique opportunity for startups to engage with key stakeholders who can provide investment, strategic support, and direct access to funding programs in Baden-Württemberg.

Event Highlights:
- Pitching Session: Present your startup to investors in a structured 4+ format (4 minutes of pitching + 5 minutes for Q&A).
- Networking & Speed-Dating: Engage in one-on-one meetings with key stakeholders to forge valuable partnerships.
- Preparation Support: Benefit from focused training sessions to refine your pitch and improve investor engagement.

Eligibility & Selection:
We will be financing 9 startups to join atTRACTION in Stuttgart to participate in our Pitching Side-Event as well as to take part in the main venue at the Startup BW Summit 2025 (details will be arranged with each individual startup). For this, we will be selecting from a pool of 25 startups, choosing those with the most compelling pitch. Available spots for the selection process will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Startups will be evaluated based on their investment potential, deep-tech innovation, and market expansion readiness (technical details will be provided after registration). APPLY NOW!

Specific aspects of the financial support will be discussed after the selection process individually with each startup and through the local atTRACTION partner in each corresponding ecosystem, as well as the atTRACTION Coordination Team: Jurgita Šarkienė: [email protected] and Elżbieta Książek: [email protected]

Key Dates:
📅 Registration Deadline: March 11, 2025, APPLY HERE
🎤 Pitching Evaluation: 10:00 – 12:30 CET, March 18, 2025
📢 Results Notification: March 21, 2025
📚 Startup BW Summit Preparatory Session and Training: 12:30 – 14:30 CET, May 6, 2025
🚀 Startup BW Summit 2025: June 2, 2025 | Stuttgart, Germany
🎯 atTRACTION Pitching Side-Event: June 3, 2025 | Stuttgart, Germany

📢 TRMNL4 & Snapchat Launch Traction Builder – A 6-Week Consumer Tech Accelerator 🚀

📅 Deadline: March 26, apply here
💰 Equity-Free Program | Up to $30K in Ad Credits | 50+ VC Investors

🚀 What is Traction Builder?

TRMNL4 and Snapchat are launching Traction Builder, a 6-week, equity-free accelerator for 15 consumer tech startups (Seed to Series A). This program is designed to help startups scale their user acquisition, optimize growth, and pitch to top investors.

🎯 What Startups Get:

✅ Up to $30K in Snapchat Ads – test, scale & optimize
✅ Growth workshops from experts at Revolut, Wise, Flo & more, with insights shared at Stanford, Berkeley, and Oxford
✅ Pitch to 50+ VCs at a leading global startup conference
✅ Exclusive access to TRMNL4’s founder & investor network

📍 Why Snapchat?

Snapchat reaches 450M users daily, with Gen Z at its core. A previous Traction Builder finalist, MemoryOS, achieved remarkable results in just 4 weeks:
📉 20% lower CPA
🌎 Expansion into 13 countries
📈 150+ new customers

"Snapchat’s audience has evolved—yesterday’s teens are today’s paying customers. We are no longer just a social platform but a powerful growth engine, set to expand 8x by 2028. Startups who learn to leverage it now will lead the next wave of consumer growth."
— Alexandra Tesler, Senior Client Partner at Snap Inc.

💡 Why Join?

"At TRMNL4, we’ve spent years working with consumer tech startups, and here’s the reality: acquiring users is getting more expensive. EdTech spends $806 per customer, fintech $1,450. Startups need knowledge, resources, and a network to grow. That’s why we provide marketing expertise, ad credits, and access to top VCs—everything startups need to scale in B2C."
— Tatiana Ladanova, CEO at TRMNL4

📌 How to Apply?

📝 Selection Process:
1️⃣ Pitch Deck Review
2️⃣ Interview Round

🚀 Don’t miss your chance to join the next wave of consumer tech leaders!

ITU SEED International Startup Accelerator Program

📅 Deadline: April 17 (with a possible extension)

🌍 Apply & Learn More: https://ituseed.com

Program Overview:

ITU SEED, the incubation center of Istanbul Technical University (ITU) ARI Teknokent, is inviting applications for its International Startup Accelerator Program. Celebrating over a decade of fostering innovation, ITU SEED has been recognized among the top five university-affiliated incubation centers globally. This program is designed to support technology entrepreneurs at various stages, offering comprehensive resources to accelerate their success in the global market.

Who Should Apply?

✔️ Non-Turkish speaking founders
✔️ Startups established in any country
✔️ Open to all stages & industries
✔️ Entrepreneurs aiming for global growth

If you're looking to leverage Istanbul’s strategic position as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East, this is the perfect opportunity.

Program Benefits:

💼 Acceleration Services:

• Free office spaces, infrastructure support & prototyping labs
• Training, mentoring & investor meetings
• Exclusive demo days to showcase your startup

🏆 Big Bang Startup Challenge:

• Pitch to thousands of investors & corporate partners
• Compete for a share of nearly €50 million in investments

🚀 Growth Opportunities:

• Tax advantages under ITU ARI Technopark
• Join a strong startup ecosystem for scaling & partnerships

How to Apply?

📌 Submit your preliminary application via the ITU SEED portal.
📝 Fill out a short form with your startup’s details & founders' background.

🚀 Don’t miss this chance to accelerate your startup with ITU SEED’s world-class support!

🚀 Introducing The Founders Club – Your Shortcut to Startup Success! 🚀

Being a founder is a thrilling but challenging journey. The Founders Club by Startup Wise Guys is here to support, guide, and empower you with everything you need to scale your startup successfully.

What to Expect from The Founders Club?

✅ A High-Impact Founder Network – Connect with a global community of ambitious entrepreneurs, top mentors, and investors.
✅ Exclusive Learning & Growth Sessions – Gain actionable insights from industry experts on leadership, sales, fundraising, and growth strategies.
✅ Hands-On Mentorship – Get one-on-one guidance tailored to your startup’s challenges.
✅ Fundraising & Investor Access – Learn how to pitch, negotiate, and secure funding with confidence.
✅ Sales & GTM Strategies – Get proven tactics to scale revenue and expand your market reach.
✅ Founder Resilience & Well-being – Build a strong mindset to navigate stress and leadership challenges.

💡 This program is designed for ambitious founders ready to take their startup to the next level. If you’re looking for expert insights, a strong support network, and game-changing strategies, The Founders Club is for you!

🔗 Apply today and accelerate your growth! 👉 https://bit.ly/49EfIba