An open call for startups and SMEs by WMF – We Make Future, in partnership with EIT Manufacturing South

The manufacturing industry is undergoing a profound transformation. As global adoption of AI in manufacturing accelerates, with around 77–90% of companies considering it mission‑critical and nearly half planning further investments, AI is now the engine of efficiency, quality and innovation. Against this backdrop, the “Future of Manufacturing, AI & Industry 4.0” challenge from WMF – We Make Future is an opportunity not to be missed by Italian and European startups. 

What is the challenge? 

This international call invites cutting-edge AI-driven startups to pioneer solutions across several key themes in the “future of manufacturing”, including industrial and generative AI, digital ecosystem integration, circular economy and resilient supply chains. With a focus that ranges from environmental issues to the ethical deployment of AI, the initiative encourages startups to address real-world industrial needs. 

Participants benefit from unmatched visibility through pitch stages at Bologna Tech Week 2025 (2-3 December 2025) and WMF (17-19 June  2026 in Bologna Fiere), plus access to B2B and investor networking, exhibition space in the Startup District at WMF 2026, and even the potential to connect with the Tecnopolo di Bologna and its Leonardo supercomputer. 

EIT Manufacturing and WMF collaboration 

EIT Manufacturing leverages its thriving ecosystem across Europe, ensuring top-tier, innovation-driven startups are aware of and motivated to engage in this AI-for-manufacturing push. 

The partnership with WMF – We Make Future allows startups from across its pan-European network to connect with an exciting opportunity for visibility and collaboration. As a key amplifier of the challenge, we actively encourage startups to apply and showcase their innovations. 

EIT Manufacturing brings together 1000+ startups from diverse sectors across Europe as part of its growing innovation ecosystem. By leveraging this extensive network, the goal is to engage startups in applying for the challenge, encouraging them to showcase their solutions and gain international visibility, as well as potential for collaboration.

As a partner of WMF – We Make Future, EIT Manufacturing actively promotes the initiative and identifies high-potential startups to take part in the call. 

Why it matters to the future of manufacturing 

This initiative drives strategic AI inclusion by directly addressing critical gaps such as human-AI collaboration, ethical use and environmental stewardship, aligning closely with EIT Manufacturing’s ambition for responsible, industrial-scale AI. 

As investment in AI grows, especially in manufacturing, Europe must seize the moment and foster European competitiveness. EIT Manufacturing supports this by connecting startups to the right platforms and people, and enabling them to access meaningful networking opportunities. 

The road ahead 

Following this challenge: 

• The top startups will pitch at Bologna Tech Week 2025 and the WMF 2026 international fair in Bologna. 
• They will receive exposure to large enterprises, VCs, research bodies and institutional partners. 
• Selected teams may gain access to the Tecnopolo di Bologna and its high-performance computing, ideal for accelerating prototypes, scaling pilots and forging research-industry bonds. 

Further information, regulations and the application form are available on the WMF’s website. 

WMF – We Make Future, the international trade fair on AI, tech & digital innovation