Innovation Area 2026

The call is aimed at startups, scaleups, university spinoffs, and research teams, in Italy and abroad, that develop:

• Technological solutions for the fitness, wellness, sports tourism, and health sectors (e.g., digital applications, artificial intelligence, wearable devices).
• Digital services that enhance the consumer experience in the world of wellness, fitness, and sports tourism.
• Innovative models of nutrition and food, with a focus on health and wellness.
• Projects related to wellness tourism, with solutions that improve the travel experience, social inclusion, and enhance local territories.
• Products for rehabilitation and physical wellness through advanced technologies.

The focus is on solutions that are scalable, innovative, and capable of generating positive and lasting impacts on the market.

Every application will be carefully evaluated by a jury of industry experts, based on clear and transparent criteria:

• Technological Innovation: Evaluation of how unique and innovative the proposed solution is compared to the current state of the market.
• Scalability: The project's capacity to expand nationally or internationally, with a solid and replicable business model.
• Market Potential: Evaluation of the potential market and competitors, geographical scope for market scalability, and possibility of extending the technology's use to other applications.
• Social and Economic Impact: The solution's impact on people's health and wellness, as well as its potential to improve the reference ecosystem.
• Sustainability: Priority will be given to solutions that present environmentally and socially sustainable models.
• Team and Expertise: The team's experience and expertise will be considered fundamental for the project's success

Selected startups for the Innovation Area will receive a series of benefits designed to accelerate their growth and visibility:

• Dedicated Exhibition Space: Each startup will have the opportunity to present its innovative solutions within the RiminiWellness exhibition area, where investors, industrial partners, and thousands of international visitors will have the chance to learn about them.
• Networking with Investors and Strategic Partners: Startups will have access to organized networking sessions, one-to-one meetings, and speed dates with investors, venture capitalists, and strategic partners.
• Pitch in the Innovation Arena: Each selected startup will have the opportunity to present its project in front of an expert jury, with the possibility of receiving feedback and increasing its visibility.
• Media Visibility and Promotion: Each selected startup will benefit from strong media exposure on RiminiWellness's official channels, with press coverage before, during, and after the event.
• Participation for Italian and foreign startups in Rimini Wellness is offered completely free of charge. However, due to the limited number of available spots and the importance of optimizing event management, we kindly request that the confirmation of participation be binding. For SMEs, a minimum investment of €500 + VAT will be required.

The selection process is structured in several steps to ensure maximum transparency and attention:

• Application: Startups can submit their application through the dedicated online form, available on the official RiminiWellness website, by February 27, 2026.
• Preliminary Evaluation: All applications will be examined by a commission of sector experts, who will select the startups with the greatest potential.
• Final Selection: The most promising projects will be chosen to exhibit within the RiminiWellness 2026 Innovation Area.
• Confirmation of Selected Startups and Registration by: March 17, 2026.

Are you a startup or innovative SME in the Fitness, Wellness, Sports Tourism, or Health sector? Don't miss the opportunity to become part of the next revolution in the world of wellness and sport. Submit your application by February 27, 2026, and prepare to present your project within the RiminiWellness 2026 Innovation Area.