A public call for innovative startups with high potential: selection is based on merit, the final pitch is evaluated by a jury and the recognition is designed to generate credibility, visibility and a concrete competitive advantage.
Public call · Jury pitch · Certification pathwayInnovation Hub is designed to make the award tangible. The winner does not receive only visibility, but enters a structured path of positioning, assessment, communication and potential certification support.
The objective is to attract qualified startups, increase the public reach of the award and connect innovation with companies, investors, institutions and technical partners.
Publication in the award communication ecosystem, press materials and digital channels.
Final presentation before a qualified jury and selected stakeholders.
A structured process to highlight maturity, impact, scalability and governance.
A development route that may include certification, mentoring, positioning and partner relations.
The process is designed to be transparent, selective and useful for both applicants and the award ecosystem.
Startups submit their profile, sector, solution, traction and development objectives.
The organising secretariat verifies eligibility, completeness and coherence with the category.
Shortlisted startups present their project to an independent jury.
The winner receives recognition, visibility and access to the development path connected to the award.
Early-stage and scale-up companies with a clear technological, organisational or market innovation and the ambition to transform recognition into reputation, network and qualified growth.
Start applicationThe Innovation Hub is the section of Virtus Global Awards reserved for high-potential innovative startups. The call regulates participation in the dedicated categories; applications are reviewed by an independent jury, selected startups access the final pitch and winners are announced during the ceremony.
Eligible startups and innovative SMEs must be no more than 5 years old, not listed on regulated markets and have a product or service already on the market or in an advanced stage of development, such as a validated prototype or MVP.
Made in Italy Innovation: startups that transform a territory, supply chain or Italian know-how into an innovative product designed to compete abroad.
Global Scale-Up: startups with an exportable model and clear international vocation.
Deep Tech & Research: startups based on proprietary high-scientific-content technology, patent, patent application or origin from universities and research centres.
The selection has three phases: application through the public call; evaluation by the independent jury; final pitch before the jury. Access is exclusively merit-based.
The recognition is not a plaque, but a programme: certifications and credibility, positioning and visibility, growth through networking and events, internationalisation across the Award stages.