Our Call for ideas supports innovative entrepreneurial projects that tackle real challenges through sustainable and responsible solutions, creating positive impact for society.
Every year, we reward startups that go beyond. Participating means joining a network of experts, partners and investors: a concrete opportunity for visibility and networking.
Who can apply
Teams or students, aged 18+, residing in Italy or enrolled at a MUR-recognized university
SMEs with stable operations in Italy
How can I apply?
Register on the website
Fill out the application form in the private area
Upload a video pitch
(max 2 minutes – mandatory)
Upload a pitch deck
(max 20 slides – .ppt or .pdf, max 100MB)
Additional optional materials
(prototypes, renderings, visuals)
Selection journey
Each project is carefully reviewed through a structured journey, from application to final recognition, involving external and internal committees, partners and expert jurors.
July 3
Applications open
30
September
Applications close
October
November
Idea Evaluation
December
Winner and awards announcement
50 pre-selected startups → evaluated by the GoBeyond Committee, which may also propose post-call collaborations with selected applicants.
20 semifinalists → selected and evaluated by the Partners Committee, which also awards special mentions.
6 finalists → evaluated by the Final Jury, which selects the overall winner and the Challenge winner.
Evaluation Criteria
Each project is assessed against the following criteria:
Rewards and opportunities
Beyond grants: GoBeyond connects you to a growth ecosystem offering visibility, mentoring and partner access.
- 1 €50,000
to the overall winnerThe best project will receive a €50,000 equity-free grant. There are no industry restrictions, as long as the project generates a positive social or environmental impact. - 2 €10,000 Prize
for the winning project of the Process Transformation ChallengeThe best project that transforms business processes will receive a €10,000 equity-free prize. - 3 “Emilio Petrone”
Internationalization awardFree participation in the INNOVIT acceleration program for the startup with a global vision, proven traction, and inclusive leadership. - 4 Advisory for finalist startups1:1 support from partners for all finalists: mentoring, strategic feedback, and networking to accelerate project growth in the 6 months following the award.
- 5 Free incubation for
3 idea-stage startupsThe 3 best idea-stage ideas will gain free access Startup Geeks’ online incubation program. 6 months of training, mentorship, and practical support. Up to 5 team members per startup. - 6 Prizes reserved to
semifinalist startups:Mamacrowd: 10% discount on one equity crowdfunding campaign for the selected startup
Google: fast-track to Google for Startups (+$25,000 cloud credits) for the selected startup
Zest: priority access to acceleration and PoC programs for the selected startup
SheTech: 2 free memberships for each female-led semifinalist startup
Carter & Benson: free founder assessment (up to 3 people) for the selected startup
Alkemy: free workspace in Milan, Rome, Turin (Jan–Jun 2025) for all semifinalist startups