MECSPE 2026, from 4 to 6 March, will host the sixth edition of Start Up Factory, the initiative designed to foster dialogue between start-ups and manufacturing companies.
The manufacturing sector continues to be a central pillar of the Italian economy and one of the main areas of development for innovative startups. According to the most recent data from Unioncamere and the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (June 2024), 12.9% of the nearly 15,000 Italian innovative startups are active in manufacturing, while around 80% are focused on business services, particularly in software development (44.2%) and research and development (14.6%).
These figures highlight how manufacturing — historically the engine of Italian exports — is becoming increasingly attractive to young entrepreneurs and investors, and how the dialogue between startups and industry is essential to accelerating the innovation and digitalization of the production system.
From March 4 to 6, 2026, BolognaFiere will host the twenty-fourth edition of MECSPE, the leading event dedicated to the manufacturing industry in Italy, which confirms its role as a key reference point for companies in the sector and for the entire ecosystem of applied innovation.
Innovation dialogue between start-ups and companies
In this context, the sixth edition of Start Up Factory returns as a protagonist, an event dedicated to promoting dialogue on innovation between startups and companies, in a highly specialized environment.
The initiative was launched with the aim of connecting innovative startups with established companies, fostering the exchange of expertise, experimenting with new business models, and promoting the adoption of enabling technologies in manufacturing processes.
Over the past editions, Start Up Factory has featured the participation of dozens of high-tech startups – from artificial intelligence systems applied to robotics to automation and industrial cybersecurity solutions – showcasing the growing dynamism and quality of the national innovation ecosystem.
According to data of UNIONCAMERE, the number of innovative startups registered in the Business Register has now reached 15,000 companies, confirming the resilience and dynamism of the Italian ecosystem, despite the challenges of the international context. In addition, the steady growth of innovative SMEs continues, as they increase their presence and influence within the national production landscape. In this context, manufacturing is reaffirmed not only as a key sector for the adoption of advanced digital solutions, but also as a strategic area for Italy’s competitive future.
For over twenty years, MECSPE, organized by Senaf, has been the ideal platform for promoting new technologies and fostering dialogue among all industry players, with particular attention to the involvement of startups and innovative SMEs.
A showcase of excellence for young entrepreneurs
In 2026, the Start Up Factory will once again be a central feature of MECSPE: a showcase of excellence for young entrepreneurial ventures offering cutting-edge solutions for the manufacturing sector.
The area will be animated by events, round tables, and networking sessions designed to encourage connections between startups, investors, established companies, and key players in the innovation ecosystem. The aim is to provide companies with practical tools to strengthen their competitiveness, face the digital transition, and accelerate the development of new ideas.
«The Industrio Ventures team is pleased to once again contribute to the Start Up Factory by involving some of the most highly regarded experts in strategic sectors for our economy, such as microelectronics, robotics, material testing, and cybersecurity. Most importantly, we are giving a voice to early-stage startups and techno-scientific spin-offs» emphasizes Gabriele Paglialonga, General Manager of Industrio Ventures, an accelerator and investor in industrial startups, which coordinates the initiative.
«MECSPE has always maintained a strong focus on innovation and industrial transformation. We are proud to give space to startups, which represent the driving force of change and technological growth in our country. Start Up Factory has become a key meeting point between new ideas and established companies — a decisive lever for the competitiveness of the Italian manufacturing sector» says Maruska Sabato, Project Manager of MECSPE.
Meanwhile, MECSPE’s commitment to manufacturing innovation will continue with the third edition of MECSPE Bari, scheduled to take place from November 27 to 29, 2025 at the Fiera del Levante: a new opportunity for connection and dialogue among companies and professionals from Southern and Central Italy’s manufacturing industry.
Facts and figures of MECSPE BOLOGNA 2025
66.573 trade visitors, 92.000 sqm exhibition space, more than 2.100 exhibitors, 2.000 sqm of MECSPE LAB – Spazio Innovazione along with 17 special initiatives and 120 conferences.
[1] Unioncamere – Dati startup innovative 2024 (https://sni.unioncamere.it/aree-tematiche/624/imprenditoria-
[2] Ministero delle Imprese e del Made in Italy – Report trimestrali 2024 (https://www.mimit.gov.it/it/temi/impresa/startup-innovative)
