The international exhibition Ecomondo, organised by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), will once again position Italy as a key driver of the green and circular economy in Europe. Scheduled from 4 to 7 November 2025 at the Rimini Expo Centre, the event will feature 40 start-ups and hundreds of companies working on technologies linking digitalisation, environmental protection and sustainable productivity.
The Innovation District, the beating heart of the event, will bring together Italian and international start-ups selected for their technological maturity and market potential. Their projects span regenerative bioeconomy, intelligent water management, advanced material recycling, and circular agritech — all key growth vectors for a sustainable industrial model.
A Growing Innovation Ecosystem
The call for Ecomondo 2025 attracted over 100 applications from start-ups, illustrating investor confidence in the circular economy’s business potential. Applications covered six strategic areas:
- Waste as Resource (26 projects)
- Circular & Regenerative Bio-Economy (20)
- Environmental Monitoring & Earth Observation (25)
- Water Cycle & Blue Economy (12)
- Bioenergy & Agriculture (6)
- Site & Soil Restoration (2)
This diversification reflects the economic maturity of the green sector and its growing contribution to national and European GDP.
Among the selected innovators, several Italian start-ups stand out with AI-based systems, low-consumption aquaponic production, and digital platforms that enhance soil health and industrial efficiency. The participation of 20 North African start-ups—from Morocco and Tunisia—through the Lab Innova for Africa “Luca Attanasio” programme further reinforces Mediterranean economic cooperation in sustainability and technology transfer.
Awards to Accelerate the Green Transition
Ecomondo will host major economic and technological awards that recognise sustainable entrepreneurship. The Lorenzo Cagnoni Award will celebrate the most promising ecological transition technologies during a gala dinner on 4 November, attended by policymakers, industry leaders, and investors.
The Award for Sustainable Development, created by the Sustainable Development Foundation and Ecomondo, marks its 15th edition. With 43 award-winning projects and 2,300 participants over the years, it highlights companies delivering both environmental and economic results. Categories for 2025 include:
- Circular Economy (enterprise and start-up sections)
- Decarbonisation & Climate Adaptation
- Nature Restoration Interventions
The awards ceremony will take place on 5 November within the Innovation District, reinforcing Ecomondo’s role as a catalyst for sustainable investment.
Training, Jobs and Sustainable Growth
Ecomondo also focuses on human capital — a key factor for long-term growth. On 6 November, astronaut Walter Villadei will deliver a keynote on STEM careers, encouraging young talent to join the green industries. The Green Jobs & Skills Area will facilitate recruitment and upskilling, bridging companies and the next generation of sustainability professionals.
Ecomondo: Where Innovation Meets Policy
By combining economic vision, technological innovation, and institutional cooperation, Ecomondo 2025 reaffirms Italy’s leading role in the European green transition. The event’s ecosystem connects start-ups, research, and enterprises to shape the circular economy of tomorrow.
