Progetto Fuoco, the main worldwide event in the sector of biomass heating, which takes place from the 28^th of February to the 2^nd of March 2024 at Fiera di Verona, has organised the second edition of Give Me Fire – Progetto Fuoco Startup Award, an award dedicated to startups and innovation, promoted by Progetto Fuoco and Blum, in partnership with Aiel – Associazione Italiana Energie Agroforestali.

During the event the best European startup or innovative enterprise will receive an award.

Out of all applications from startups, a selection committee will choose the finalists of the contest, who will then be able to exhibit free of charge at the Progetto Fuoco 2024 exhibition.

The aim of the contest is to help all new enterprises that contribute to the innovation of the sector, to come into contact quickly with industrial partners able to accompany them on the market.

All companies that innovate in the sector will be able to apply by presenting projects related to:

• new forms of fuel
• innovations in wood supply
• materials for heaters and boilers
• solutions for furnaces
• detection and containment of emissions
• app and software solutions
• artificial intelligence
• 5G networks
• …

• All startups offering innovative solutions applicable to the world of heating and energy produced by wood can take part in the Give Me Fire – Progetto Fuoco Startup Award.
• A startup is defined as a company created no earlier than 2018, the main business of which is strongly characterised by innovative elements.
• The startups intending to take part in the contest must apply by completing the form published on the Progetto Fuoco website and by sending their entrepreneurial plan.
• Applications must be received by 18:00 hours on the 10^th of November 2023.
• By the 20^th of November 2023 a technical jury will select the finalists startups of the award, called upon to exhibit their services and products from the 28^th of February to the 2^nd of March 2024 at the fourteenth edition of Progetto Fuoco at Fiera di Verona.
• During the application phase, it will be expressly requested of the startups that they are available to be present at Progetto Fuoco 2024, should they be selected as one of the finalists, with a personalised desk made available to them by the organisers free of charge. Candidates’ availability to be present for the entire duration of the exhibition is a precondition to progressing to the final of the contest.
• No financial contribution from the startups is required
• During the exhibition, each of the finalists startups will participate in pitches and presentations to the jury and the public at Progetto Fuoco. The technical jury will select the winning startup based on its pitch and on documents presented during the application phase. The winning startup will be announced during the final event.

The prizes consist of a range of services and opportunities, specifically:

FINALISTS’ PRIZE:

• Personalised desk in Progetto Fuoco 2024 with the opportunity to exhibit products and promotional and informative material, as well as meetings with potential investors and industrial partners.

WINNER’S PRIZE:

• An equipped and furnished stand for Italia Legno Energia 2025.
• An equipped and furnished stand for the 2026 edition of Progetto Fuoco at Fiera di Verona
• Advertising services in PF Magazine, as well as on the website www.progettofuoco.com and its official social media profiles