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of equity investment, from 5% to 15%, for each startup. At the end of the program, the best startups can access a follow-on investment.
of acceleration that will touch on all the key aspects of the startup’s success. From the idea, to the startegy, to the product, to the market, we will build a scalable business together.
The startup will work alongside the companies, directly within production environments. They will leverage on assets and specific capabilities for the POC development.
This will foster the development, testing and improvement of the solution and establish a relationship with the production area.
Access a founders’ network, Subject Matter Expert, investors, and mentors coming from the business, digital, and manufacturing world.
We are looking for startups with innovative technologies and digital solutions which can be implemented in production areas and manufacturing processes, in order to meet real factory needs.
Are you unsure if your solution could be relevant for our accelerator?
Select technologies and application domains to discover some relevant use cases.
Select an application field and a technology
If you have developed any use case that you cannot find, apply and propose it to us! We’re happy to have a chat with you.
Distributed, decentralized transaction logs for tracking shared and irrefutable data between different parties
VR 3D computer graphics, platforms for augmented reality
Virtual simulator, models for digital manufacturing
Platforms leveraging computational capacity and cloud-based data systems
Internet-of-things: platforms that integrate smart sensors or other sensors. It includes software systems for the monitoring and maintenance of equipment and assets.
AI-based data collection, analysis, processing and solution creation
Encryption, hashing algorithms, and any systems that protect against cyber attacks
Digital solutions to support robots and factory machines
Activities to streamline and optimize maintenance, through failure prediction, intelligent planning, and remote assistance systems
Techniques and processes for the design of products and services
Systems for quality control and all activities aimed at improving the quality of products and services
Production techniques and the organization of activities along all operational processes
The evolution of the user experience through interaction with products and with the company, to discover the true wishes of customers
The evolution of the user experience through interaction with products and with the company, to discover the true wishes of customers
In funding for digitization, innovation, competitiveness, and culture
The worker of the future, with a new DNA and new ways of interacting with the production process
in funding for digitization, innovation, competitiveness, and culture
Country in the world for export of manufactured products
Companies in the manufacturing sector
Value-added to the manufacturing sector from Italian producers
Venture capital deals in 2020
Growth of the manufacturing sector in 2021
The accelerator is an innovation ecosystem that brings together Italian leaders who invest, operate in manufacturing, and support startups’ growth. It exists to stimulate and grow effective, sustainable system initiatives.
Investor & Promoter
Manager and co-investor
Ecosystem Enabler
Ecosystem Enabler
Ecosystem Enabler & investitore
Corporate Partner and Investor
Corporate Partner and Investor
Corporate Partner & Investitore
Corporate Partner and Investor
Corporate Partner and Investor
Corporate Partner and Investor
Managing Partner - GELLIFY
Managing Partner - GELLIFY
Innovation Consultant - GELLIFY
Head of Business Development - Fameccanica
Partner & CEO - Auxiell
CEO - Poggipolini
Group Technical Director - SCM Group
Industrial Strategic Planning - Comer Industries
CEO - Vis Hydraulics
Managing Director - Industrio
Head of Business Development - Fameccanica
Partner & CEO - Auxiell
CEO - Poggipolini
Group Technical Director - Scm Group
Industrial Strategic Planning - Comer Industries
CEO of - Hydraulics
Managing Director - Industrio
Research and Development Manager - Fameccanica
Innovation Scouting Specialist - SCM Group
Operations Director - Comer Industries
Industry 4.0 Specialist
R&D Senior Mechanical Engineer - Sens-in
The selected startups embark on a challenging path lasting 6 months:
In the first 3 months, we reinforce the business idea by building the foundations to create scalable solutions in the world of digital manufacturing, through a structured program with 1:1 mentorship, vertical bootcamps on specific issues, and support designed on the specific needs of each startup.
In the 3 months that follow, each startup will be involved in the creation of a POC (proof of concept) developed in collaboration with one of the manufacturing companies, which also serves as an investor in the program, and with the Forward Factory team to arrive at the demo day – not with the usual slides but with one use case that’s ready for take-off.
1:1 Coaching, Mentorship, and Bootcamp with experts on vertical factory issues and with program specialists on key topics (product, marketing, sales)
Periodic meetings between the founders to share progress, best practices, and experiences
Work stations at the GELLIFY Phygital HUB for each start-up, side-by-side with the other founders.
Meetings with corporate managers and visits to the corporate production sites
Daily work in dedicated spaces provided by the corporate to develop your own solutions and experience the factory
Design of a pilot (POC) guided within a manufacturing investor company.
165k of equity investment + subsequent follow-ons up to a maximum of €300 K
Final demo day with presentation of the solution and the results of the POC to a broader audience of investors and leading manufacturing companies in the sector.
Apply for your startup using the dedicated form and don’t miss out on €165 K in investment and the chance to work alongside a top Italian manufacturing company
We suggest to apply as soon as possible!
During the event, we will give a detailed explanation of we are looking for and what the selected startups will do. Do not miss this opportunity to discover Forward Factory in detail.
*The event will be held in Italian.
During the event, we will give a detailed explanation of we are looking for and what the selected startups will do. Do not miss this opportunity to discover Forward Factory in detail.
*The event will be held in English.
Last day to nominate your startup! Hurry up and don’t miss this opportunity.
The launch event for Forward Factory’s first batch!
Build to Scale (first 3 months). The startups will participate in the training program in the field and dedicated sessions with the
accelerator’s ecosystem experts.
Each startup will be paired with one of the investor-partner companies to identify their first dedicated pilot project (POC). Matches will be based on the best fit between the startup’s application / technology environment and the specific needs of the company.
The factories are unlocked!
Startups and companies will work side by side to develop the POC in the factory environment, with the support of accelerator experts.
Final event of Forward Factory’s first startup batch!
The startups will talk with the investor-partner about the program results and POC. Talks will be held in front of a panel of international investors and other companies potentially interested in the solution. The best startups in the batch will have the possibility of accessing a follow-on investment from Forward Factory.
The application will be reviewed by the Forward Factory team and we will evaluate all the relevant aspects for being successful during the program: Idea, Team, Project Status, Business Potential, …
Great! You have taken the first step! Now wait for feedback, if you access the next selection we will ask you for availability for some calls and to deepen some documents together with you (business plan).
Yes, that’s right, the startup must already have a working prototype or an MVP to work on during the development phase of the POC with companies
In order to receive the investment and access the program, your startup must be established in Italy. In case you haven’t formed it yet this could be the perfect opportunity! If you have a registered office abroad, it could be an opportunity to open your own office in Italy.
Yes of course, feel free to suggest forward factory to the startups you know!
Yes sure! Forward Factory’s investment is € 165k for an equity of 5% -15%.
No, it will not be necessary to be full time in Bologna for the acceleration period. However, you will be required to be present for some activities to do together. During the development of the POC some transfers to the production sites of the investor partners will be necessary
The official language of the program will be English. During the 1to1 meetings or other specific activities in the event in which the participants are all Italians, the language will be switched to Italian.