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29 May - 1 June 2025 Expo Centre & Riviera di Rimini (Italy)
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Innovation Arena Talks

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Innovation Arena Talks

Hall B2 - Innovation Arena

Innovation Arena Talks

 

Building Synergies for a Culture of Innovation in the Wellness Sector in the Emilia-Romagna Region

 

Hall B2

 

The Innovation Arena of RiminiWellness was created as a meeting space for vision, expertise, and technology to shape the future of wellness, sport, and health. Within this dynamic ecosystem, each scheduled event represents a fundamental piece in building a widespread and accessible culture of innovation. At the heart of this process are startups—true living laboratories of ideas and solutions.

 

In a constantly evolving context, they bring new digital technologies, personalized health approaches, prevention platforms, and new models for accessing sports services to the wellness industry. Their presence in the Innovation Arena is not only a testament to entrepreneurial vitality but also a tangible stimulus for the entire innovation ecosystem: institutions, large companies, investors, and academia.

 

The Arena thus becomes a space where startups can connect with incubators, business angels, and financial tools, while also sharing their journey and engaging with other changemakers. Because today, innovating in the wellness world means not only improving products and services but also enabling new connections and cross-pollination across different sectors—from tourism to healthcare, from mobility to education.

 

The Innovation Arena at RiminiWellness 2025 is the result of a synergy among key players in innovation and entrepreneurial development at the regional level.
Organized by RiminiWellness in collaboration with Clust-ER Health, Clust-ER Tourism, the Rimini Technopole, and the National Association of Young Innovators (ANGI), this initiative aims to promote technological innovation and business in the sport, health, and wellness industry.

 

The goal is twofold: on the one hand, to offer concrete opportunities for discussion and training for industry professionals; on the other, to inspire new models of collaboration among businesses, regions, and citizens. Because innovation in the wellness sector means, above all, connecting ideas, people, and tools to improve quality of life.

 

This strategic collaboration aims to make technological innovation and B2B (business-to-business) increasingly central to the goals of RiminiWellness, transforming the event into a strategic platform for startups and sector stakeholders, fostering the growth of new business models, and accelerating the adoption of innovative solutions in the global fitness and wellness market.

 

The Innovation Area at RiminiWellness, dedicated to startups, scale-ups, university spinoffs, and research teams, positions itself as a meeting point for technology, wellness, and innovation—offering visibility and promotional opportunities for innovative products, wearable devices, digital applications, AI services, and new business models in the fields of health, nutrition, sport, fitness, and wellness tourism.

29 maggio, 30 maggio, 31 maggio

Sector

FITNESS WELLNESS

Tipology

Talks

Tag

Business Innovation

Recurring event

NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR SPORT

29 maggio | 11:00 - 12:00 , Hall B2 - Innovation Arena

New technologies represent an evolution of traditional forms of sports management. This evolution, however, requires specific skills, particularly related to the use of data and its integration with other strategic and operational marketing tools, so that it can be efficiently used by professionals for the creation and distribution of value.

With the participation of:

  • Daniele Scarpi – Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna

  • Giuseppe Cappiello – Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna

  • Vittorio Andrea Vaccaro – CONI Emilia Romagna

  • Bruti Shqiprim – WoV Labs

SPORT AND STARTUPS: WHEN INNOVATION HITS THE FIELD

29 maggio | 12:00 - 13:00 , Hall B2 - Innovation Arena

From professional sports to amateur fitness, startups are introducing innovative tools that are changing the game. This conference explores technologies such as augmented reality for immersive training, biometric sensors for performance optimization, and data analysis software for injury prevention. Through success stories and live demos, we will discover how these solutions are helping elite athletes and enthusiasts alike reach their goals. Topics such as economic accessibility and the scalability of these innovations will also be addressed, with a special focus on the role of Italian startups in the global landscape. An opportunity to understand how the sport of the future will be increasingly connected and personalized.

With the participation of:

  • Nicolò Cavallo – Founder of Noisefeed

  • Diego Cerioli – Co-Founder of Bodymatica

  • Valentina Righetti – CEO & Founder of Your Personal Trainer

  • Claudio Lubatti – Head of Innovation Ecosystem Relations at Innovation Center and ESG/Innovation at SRM Intesa Sanpaolo

  • William Nonnis – Technical Analyst for Digitalization and Innovation, Presidency of the Council of Ministers – PNRR Unit

  • Pietro Balatti – CIO & Co-founder of Real-Move

Moderator: Gabriele Ferrieri – President of ANGI

TOWARDS A TOURISM THAT GENERATES WELL-BEING: INCLUSIVITY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY

29 maggio | 15:00 - 16:00 , Hall B2 - Innovation Arena

The workshop explores innovative approaches to making tourism more accessible, inclusive, and attentive to the needs of all individuals, including those with cognitive challenges. At the heart of the discussion are solutions for accessibility in hospitality facilities, practices to promote educational experiences in nature, and models of hospitality that integrate health, sustainability, and active participation. It is an opportunity to rethink tourism as a driver of well-being and social cohesion.

With the participation of:

  • Francesca Andriulo – Economic Planning and Development Office, Municipality of Brindisi

  • Susanna Cipollari – Trainer, AFAM Alzheimer Uniti Marche Onlus

  • Zorana Škare – Project Manager, Zdravi Grad (Health City)

  • Corinne Pozzecco – Municipality of Novigrad

  • Alessandra Folli – Romagna Tech

  • Marta Grelli – Travelin srl

  • Luca Tixi – CEO and Co-founder of OutBe, Wildsteps, and Outdoor Portofino

Moderator: Nicole Ticchi – Clust-ER Health

SPORTS TOURISM AND INNOVATION IN EMILIA-ROMAGNA: STRATEGIES AND PERSPECTIVES

29 maggio | 16:00 - 17:00 , Hall B2 - Innovation Arena

The Emilia-Romagna Region is strongly focusing on sports tourism as a strategic driver of territorial development, promoting international events, cycling routes, and widespread infrastructure. The new strategies aim to integrate sports, nature, and well-being, enhancing villages and inland areas. Innovation is driven by the digitalization of the tourism offering, with smart apps and portals for active tourists, and by partnerships with sports federations.

With the participation of:

  • Alessia Mariotti – President, Rimini Campus, University of Bologna

  • Valentina Fioramonti – IEG Program Manager, RiminiWellness

  • Roberta Frisoni – Regional Councillor for Sport and Tourism, Emilia-Romagna Region

  • Morena Diazzi – Director General for Knowledge, Research, Labor, Enterprises, Emilia-Romagna Region

  • Andrea Guizzardi – President, Clust-ER Tourism

Moderator: Lorenzo Succi – Uni.Rimini S.p.A.

INCUBATORS AND BUSINESS ANGELS SUPPORTING STARTUPS

30 maggio | 10:00 - 11:00 , Hall B2 - Innovation Arena

How can incubators and investors help startups develop their business—both in terms of acquiring capital and addressing the challenges and opportunities of going to market? Experts will present success stories and practical methods of interaction between incubators and startups.

With the participation of:

  • Giulio Pezzini – Acceleration Lead @ Zest Group

  • Emanuele Petrolito – Head of Marketing Department @ Credito Sportivo e Culturale

  • Anthony La Salandra – Co-Founder @ Run The World App

  • Denny Calovi – Founder @ Mountain Maps

  • Federica Tadini – Operations Manager @ G-Factor

Moderator: Lorenzo Succi – Director, Uni.Rimini S.p.A.

SYSTEM-WIDE INITIATIVES FOR THE PROMOTION ABROAD OF INNOVATIVE SMES AND STARTUPS: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS SUPPORTING INTERNATIONALIZATION

30 maggio | 11:00 - 12:00 , Hall B2 - Innovation Arena

The issue of access to capital—through equity and financial credit—is crucial for the development of next-generation innovative enterprises, including startups born as university spin-offs. This workshop aims to provide a clear and practical overview of the tools offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), the Cultural and Sports Credit Institute, and the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), with the goal of giving participants concrete guidance on accessing sustainable growth pathways, both in the domestic market and internationally.

With the participation of:

  • Massimo Carnelos – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

  • Tommaso Giordano – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

  • Luca Paldino – Head of Central Italy and Sardinia Area @ Cultural and Sports Credit Institute

  • Matteo Masini – Italian Trade Agency (ICE)

  • Lorenzo Succi – Director, Uni.Rimini S.p.A.

EUROPEAN FUNDS FOR INNOVATION IN SPORT. A PRACTICAL WORKSHOP BY THE EUROPEAN PLATFORM FOR SPORT INNOVATION

30 maggio | 12:00 - 14:00 , Hall B2 - Innovation Arena

Curated by Alberto Bichi – European Platform for Sport Innovation (EPSI)

PITCH SESSION: STARTUPS FOR THE FUTURE OF WELLNESS

30 maggio | 15:00 - 18:00 , Hall B2 - Innovation Arena

Presentations curated by:

  • BMR GENOMICS
  • CHAMELEON GYM
  • DIGITALREHAB
  • EFFINGO
  • FIGO
  • FISHFORM - TEAM
  • EXTRATIME
  • FOOD FOR HEALTHY LIFE
  • GOLEE
  • HUMTELEMED S.R.L SOCIETÀ BENEFIT
  • MIRANWAY BY LE MIRANDA
  • MAMA SCIENCE
  • MOTO TRAINER
  • MOVE&FEEL
  • MYREA BRUPI
  • NIVERBEC
  • REAL-MOVE
  • TEPY
  • VITALIZEDX EUROPEPERSONALIZED CARE
  • VST
  • WATCHFIT.TECH

At the end of the presentations:

AWARDING OF THE THREE BEST INITIATIVES
curated by Fabio Comi and Pasquale Pignalosa, INVITALIA

REVERSE PITCH
curated by Pasquale Pignalosa, INVITALIA

Special mentions will also be awarded by the European Platform for Sport Innovation (EPSI) and the ADRINCLUSIVE project.

VISIONS FOR WELLNESS 2030 AND THE CREATION OF INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS IN WELL-BEING

31 maggio | 10:00 - 11:00 , Hall B2 - Innovation Arena

During the workshop, technological trends and new formats for wellness will be presented, with the aim of showcasing future models of collaboration between startups, companies, and institutions to accelerate innovation while also considering new opportunities at the international level.

With the participation of:

  • Paolo Bonaretti – President, Clust-ER Health Emilia-Romagna

  • Federico Smanio – CEO @ Wylab

  • Arianna Conci – Startup Program Manager at Trentino Sviluppo

  • Debora Miccio – Commercial and Marketing Director @ Credito Sportivo e Culturale

  • Lorenzo Succi – Director, Uni.Rimini S.p.A.

WORKSHOP – THE OPPORTUNITIES FROM INVITALIA FOR STARTUPS AND SCALEUPS IN THE WELLNESS SECTOR

31 maggio | 11:00 - 12:00 , Hall B2 - Innovation Arena

The workshop will present the main national incentives and services offered by Invitalia to support the creation and development of innovative Italian startups. Tools such as project support, networking activities, business matching, and matchmaking will be explored, with the goal of concretely supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.

With the participation of Massimo Calzoni, Head of Service Promotion and Support at Invitalia

FIT TECH REVOLUTION: THE FUTURE OF WELLNESS IN THE DIGITAL ERA

31 maggio | 14:00 - 15:00 , Hall B2 - Innovation Arena

Digital technologies are transforming the way we experience sport and wellness. This conference explores the role of startups in the FitTech sector, presenting innovations such as wearables for health monitoring, personalized training apps, and gamification platforms to encourage physical activity. How do these solutions improve the user experience, making fitness more accessible, motivating, and data-driven? Challenges related to data privacy and the integration of these technologies into daily life will also be discussed, along with how innovation is shaping a future where health and technology go hand in hand, with a particular focus on opportunities for the Italian and European markets.

With the participation of:

  • Stefano Manzoni – Co-Founder & COO Buddyfit

  • Marika Marciano – Founder Pole-Mood

  • Ousseni Bara – Founder & CEO Runtheons

  • Alberto Ronco – CEO & Co-founder Trainect

  • Alberto Clemenzi – CEO Salute360

  • Fabrizio Lobasso – Deputy Director General for Economic Internationalization at the Directorate General for the Promotion of the Country System – MAECI

Moderator: Gabriele Ferrieri – President ANGI

CYCLE TOURISM NEW DEVELOPMENT PATHS AND INNOVATIVE MODELS THANKS TO STARTUPS

31 maggio | 15:00 - 16:00 , Hall B2 - Innovation Arena

Sports tourism is becoming an important and mature segment of the national Tourism System, and within this segment, Cycle Tourism plays a fundamental role. During the workshop, data and growth trends of the sector will be presented, along with digital innovation models that can help it innovate and better align with the innovations demanded by the market.

With the participation of:

  • Paolo Bulleri – ISNART Representative

  • Carlo Pasqualini – Bike Hospitality Federciclismo

  • Laura Vici – CAST Department of Statistical Sciences UNIBO

  • Fiorenza Favero – Sales & Partnership Manager IT-ES Komoot

  • Lorenzo Succi – Director Uni.Rimini S.p.A.

Useful attachment

Documenti caricati dall’organizzatore

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Innovation Arena programme

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