Start-up Area

The Start-up Area is dedicated to Italian and international start-ups and innovative SMEs that meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Start-ups: must have been established no more than 5 years ago;

• Innovative SMEs: must be registered in the dedicated special section of the Italian Business Register, in accordance with current Italian legislation.

In both cases, applicants must not have participated in the latest edition of KEY as a start-up and/or innovative SME.

What you will find:

• a dedicated exhibition area showcasing innovative technologies, products and solutions for KEY sectors;
• the Innovation Arena, featuring pitches, talks and in-depth sessions on the key trends shaping innovation and the energy transition;
• networking and business matching opportunities with companies, investors, institutions, hosted buyers and industry stakeholders;
• a high-level business environment designed to connect new technologies with concrete market needs.

Visibility: showcase your solution to KEY's national and international community of energy transition professionals and industry operators.

Business & Networking: join the Innovation District and build new relationships with companies, buyers, investors, institutions and other key players in the innovative ecosystem.

Pitch & Content: take part in the Innovative Arena activities and present your technology, project and business model to the KEY community.

Business Meetings: access the My Agenda platform to expand your network and request one-to-one meetings with international hosted buyers.

Dedicated conditions: take part in KEY with all-inclusive exhibition packages and special rates reserved for start-ups and innovative SMEs.

Desk solution: €889 + VAT

• exhibition workstation with desk (100 x 50 cm, height 98 cm), stool and customised logo graphics;

• electrical system, 1 kW power connection and socket;

• registration fee included and participation as an official exhibitor;

• listing in the event’s digital catalogue;

• visibility on the official KEY website and event App;

• access to the My Agenda – Business Meeting platform;

• networking opportunities through the KEY App even before the event;

• 2 staff passes;

• 1 outdoor parking pass;

• 50 invitation tickets for clients and contacts;

• dedicated Info Point for the Start-up Area;

• communication and visibility activities linked to the Innovation District;

• opportunity to take part in the Arena Next pitch sessions.

Desk + totem solution: €1,990 + VAT

Includes all the services listed above, plus a dedicated totem.

The Start-up Area can host a maximum of 36 start-ups and innovative SMEs.

Spaces will be allocated while availability lasts, subject to verification of the participation requirements and taking into account both the order in which applications are received and the business sector of each applicant.

The selection process is designed to ensure a diverse and representative mix of companies across KEY’s different product sectors, in line with the positioning and content of the event.

By completing the form, interested companies will receive the application form, which must be completed, signed and returned together with the required documentation:

• proof of payment by bank transfer;

• an up-to-date company registration certificate, for innovative SMEs only;

• a high-resolution logo in vector format (.ai, .svg or .eps).

Bring your innovation to KEY 2027 and connect with the energy transition market.

The Innovation District is organised by Italian Exhibition Group, in collaboration with ICE – Italian Trade Agency, ART-ER (the Emilia-Romagna consortium supporting innovation and entrepreneurship), Fondazione MAI (part of the Confindustria system), ANGI (National Association of Young Innovators) and Plug and Play, the world’s largest open innovation and venture capital platform.