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15-17 February 2026 Rimini Expo Centre, Italy
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Where game-changing ideas take shape

Start-Up Area

A BRIDGE BETWEEN YOUNG ENTERPRISES AND THE FUTURE OF FOOD&BEVERAGE

In its mission to expand the physical and digital presence of innovative projects, Beer&Food Attraction reinforces its role as a key industry hub through the Start-Up and Innovation Area. The goal: to spark new business opportunities and foster meaningful connections between established companies and emerging entrepreneurial ventures.

 

This dedicated space — both physical and virtual — is reserved exclusively for innovative start-ups and young Italian enterprises offering products, services, and solutions for the foodservice sector, as well as technologies and equipment for beverage production.

Part of a broader initiative that includes the Innovation District, with conferences and awards celebrating the most forward-thinking projects on display at the event, the project is organized by Italian Exhibition Group, in partnership with ANGI – National Association of Young Innovators and ITA – Italian Trade Agency.

 

AWARD-WINNING START-UPS IN 2025

 

During the 2025 edition, the following start-ups triumphed:

 

  • Pasitea (realises highly efficient molecular extractions to create nutraceutical products, including an innovative gin);
  • Paesano (produces liqueurs and bitters with indigenous fruit and herbs, with a high percentage of raw material);
  • Maltese (e-commerce specialising in the sale of national and international craft beers for consumers and Ho.Re.Ca)

WHO IT IS AIMED AT

Start-ups registered in the Companies' Register in the special section of Innovative Start-Ups (see Law of 18 December 2012 no. 221) in possession of the following minimum requirements:

  • development projects consistent with the theme of Beer&Food Attraction in the following sectors: craft beer and industrial beer; beverage/mixology; food, pizza and ethnic products; foodservice technology and equipment; equipment, plants and raw materials for the production of beer and beverages; breweries;
  • have already completed at least the seed round or, alternatively, are active on the B2B market and have a portfolio of customers;
  •  have a website.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INITIATIVE

 

  • 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.

EVALUATION OF APPLICATIONS

 

The applications received that meet the requirements set out in the previous point will be assessed by a committee, assigning 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)
  • coherence with the sectors of Beer&Food Attraction (1-10)

 

Without prejudice to the fulfilment of the above requirements, only the first 20 Start-Ups that obtain the highest score based on the assessment carried out according to the criteria indicated in this expression of interest will be selected.

THE SERVICES OFFERED FOR SELECTED START-UPS

 

Selected Start-Ups will be able to enter the project and compete for the Start-up prize upon payment of the registration fee of €650 + 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, both physical and digital;
  • 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;
  • access to the Business Meeting platform to book one-to-one meetings;
  • 1 complimentary outdoor parking card;
  • 4 complimentary accreditation for stand staff;
  • 20 complimentary daily 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.