A stage where Europe's most innovative startups take part in two days of pitching in front of investors, incubators, and entrepreneurs. 

At the end of the selection process, the top startup has the opportunity to step onto the Stage for Change to present its solution in the fields of universal design, innovative technologies, and new models of inclusion.

Modes of participation

The initiative is open to startups registered with AFF2025, with their legal or operational headquarters in Italy or in an EU country, established for less than 7 years from the date of publication of this competition (founded from 04.07.2018). The participation fee for startups in AFF2025 is € 1,000.00 + VAT and includes registration for the Startup Competition. The registration fee for AFF2025 and the registration for the Startup Competition entitle participants to:

• A desk in the startup area
• Participation in the Startup Competition
• Access to the investors' area
• AFF kit including a backpack, water bottle, notebook, pen, and t-shirt
• Opportunity to give a 3-minute speech during City Vision at an additional cost of €500.00 + VAT (subject to availability)
• Opportunity to produce a professional video with AFF’s videomakers at an additional cost of €500.00 + VAT

Download the official rules

How to participate

For the first winning start-up, the prize consists of:

• 100% discount on participation in the AFF2025 Event (worth €1,000);
• Prize “Stage for Change”, consisting of the opportunity to go on the “Stage for Change” to present one's own solution in the field of universal design, innovative technologies and new models of inclusion, raffled by Willeasy, worth €500;
• Participation in a working table and pitch in the Arena during the Stati Generali City Vision on 20/21 October 2025 in Padua, raffled by Blum Srl, worth 2,000€;
• ‘Access to Impact - Strategic Mentoring for Inclusive Startups’ lasting 3 hours for the whole team by Concetta D'Emma, Founder UnconventionalHospitality, Business Coach, Expert in Unconventional Marketing Strategies, worth €1,200;
• Spot with video maker, worth €500;
• A year of free subscription to the “Contents.ai” platform, offered by the Contents.ai platform, valued at €828;
• Prize ‘#IOPENSOINCLUSIVO’, consisting of value-added services of individualised consultancy and online training in accessibility for the entire team, as well as the presence of the startup's products/services on one of Willeasy Srl's sites (depending on the type of winning startup), worth €1,741;
• Entrepreneurial accompaniment, digitisation and business matching services of TEC4I FVG worth over EUR 9,000, reserved for Italian micro and small enterprises.

For the second and third ranked startups:

• Prize ‘#IOPENSOINCLUSIVO’, consisting of value-added services of individualised consultancy and online training in accessibility for the entire team, as well as the presence of the startup's products/services on one of Willeasy Srl's sites (depending on the type of winning startup), worth €1,741;
• Entrepreneurial accompaniment, digitisation and business matching services of TEC4I FVG worth over EUR 9,000, reserved for Italian micro and small enterprises.

The other partners of the Event may decide, at their sole discretion, to offer additional special prizes to the Startups admitted to the Competition.

Submit your application by 31/07/2025.

The list of selected startups will be published by 08/08/2025. Selected startups will be sent a link to complete their registration by paying the required fee.

Apply now