Emilia-Romagna concluded its participation in the 2026 SMAU international roadshow with the event in New York.
Following the events in London, Paris and Stockholm, the Emilia-Romagna Region, ART-ER and a regional delegation travelled to the United States to strengthen international connections and explore new opportunities for startups and innovation organisations.
Held from 10 to 12 June, SMAU New York brought together startups, investors, corporations, innovation intermediaries and Italian institutions.
The Emilia-Romagna delegation included three innovative startups, four accelerators and regional innovation organisations, as well as a representative from ART-ER’s Startup Unit.
The participating startups showcased technologies for advanced manufacturing and infrastructure management:
- Builti develops FIBA, a SaaS solution combined with engineering services for the assessment, monitoring and digital management of critical infrastructure and complex assets.
- D-Mod produces lightweight and flexible solutions for complex metal components using advanced large-scale metal 3D printing and Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing technologies.
- Opseed develops a collaborative AI agent for high-volume manufacturing, supporting production efficiency in industries including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, consumer goods and packaging.
The delegation also included Cluster BUILD, focused on construction and the built environment; Fondazione Reggio Emilia Innovazione and its Tech Up Accelerator; Bologna-based startup studio Feedel Venture; and MISTER Smart Innovation, an accredited laboratory within the Emilia-Romagna High Technology Network.
Alongside the SMAU programme, the delegation met key organisations from the New York innovation ecosystem. Visits included SOSA, an international open innovation platform; Newlab, a technology hub supporting startups in mobility, energy, advanced manufacturing and climate tech; and SOSV, an early-stage investor specialising in deep tech.
The mission also provided insights into soft-landing and market-entry opportunities through the NJ BASE International Soft Landing Program and the Transatlantic Innovation Hub by ATLAS, which supports Italian startups and innovative SMEs entering the US market.
The New York event marked the final stage of an international programme designed to increase the visibility of Emilia-Romagna’s startups, build relationships with global innovation ecosystems and create new opportunities for investment, industrial collaboration and international growth.
