The 28th edition of Ecomondo, organised by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), will transform the Rimini Expo Centre into a hub for circular innovation from 4th to 7th November 2025. The event will bring together start-ups, researchers, and companies to showcase transformative technologies designed to turn scientific research into tangible environmental solutions — from intelligent water management to circular bioeconomy and regenerative agritech.
The Innovation District will host 40 Italian and international start-ups, carefully selected for their technological value and commitment to sustainability. These innovators will highlight solutions that merge digital ecosystems, environmental intelligence, and sustainable production models, reaffirming Ecomondo’s position as Europe’s key platform for green, blue, and circular economies.
A circular innovation map
The Ecomondo 2025 Call for Start-ups received over 100 applications from Italy and abroad, reflecting the diversity of today’s circular innovation landscape. Applications covered six key ecological sectors:
- 26 in Waste as Resource
- 20 in Circular & Regenerative Bio-Economy
- 25 in Environmental Monitoring & Earth Observation
- 12 in Water Cycle & Blue Economy
- 6 in Bioenergy & Agriculture
- 2 in Site & Soil Restoration
This distribution mirrors global ecological priorities — from waste valorization to climate-smart agriculture and environmental data systems.
Among the 20 Italian start-ups selected, standouts include:
- High-efficiency aquaponic systems integrating vegetable and fish production with minimal resource use.
- A digital platform dedicated to measuring and improving soil health.
- Patented technologies that transform complex waste into high-performance polymers.
- A hybrid AI-driven software that optimises industrial machinery by learning and adapting in real time.
In addition, 20 Moroccan and Tunisian start-ups from the Lab Innova for Africa “Luca Attanasio” program—promoted by ITA with support from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs—will participate. Their presence strengthens the Euro-Mediterranean bridge for green and circular innovation, a key mission of Ecomondo in recent years.
Technology awards and recognitions
Ecomondo 2025 will celebrate technological excellence in the ecological transition through prestigious awards.
The Lorenzo Cagnoni Award will honor the most advanced and promising technologies across Ecomondo’s sectors. The gala ceremony will take place on 4th November, attended by policymakers, companies, and media, featuring keynote talks from international green leaders. This evening will double as a charity dinner, supporting Go Green, a company that repurposes rubber into children’s playgrounds and running tracks.
The Award for Sustainable Development, established by the Sustainable Development Foundation and Ecomondo, returns for its 15th edition. It celebrates start-ups, enterprises, and local authorities that have achieved outstanding eco-innovation and measurable sustainability results. Over the years, the award has honoured 43 first-prize winners, 379 recommended projects, and 2,300 participants, with several editions receiving the support of the Italian Presidency.
The 2025 award categories are:
- Circular Economy (Enterprise Section with the Circular Economy Network, and Start-up Section with CONAI and STEP SB).
- Decarbonization and Climate Adaptation (in collaboration with Italy for Climate, GSE, ISPRA, and ENEA).
- Nature Restoration Interventions (with the Green City Network, Nature Positive Network, and Po River Basin District Authority).
The award ceremony will take place on 5th November, from 2:15 to 4:00 p.m., within the Innovation District.
Young generation, science and vision
Ecomondo 2025 also focuses on the new generation of innovators. On 6th November, a dedicated session on STEM professions will include a keynote from astronaut Walter Villadei, aimed at inspiring students and young professionals to pursue technical-scientific careers in sustainability.
The Green Jobs & Skills Area, located within the Innovation District, will serve as a talent bridge between graduates, young professionals, and companies seeking to accelerate their ecological transition. It highlights Ecomondo’s growing role as both a knowledge platform and a career accelerator in the sustainable economy.
ECOMONDO 2025: where technology meets vision
Ecomondo 2025 stands as a laboratory of circular innovation, where technology, science, and enterprise converge to drive sustainable transformation. Through start-up showcases, awards, and visionary exchanges, the event reinforces Europe’s leadership in green transition and prepares young innovators to tackle the environmental challenges of tomorrow.
