GUIDELINES

WHAT are we looking for?

We are looking for ideas(*) or early stage startups dedicated to solving problems experienced in Venice as well as other coastal and historical cities. Every MDXV edition will have specific themes. In 2023, the themes are


(*) At MITdesignX Venice, Intellectual Property (IP) is considered the property of the individuals and/or teams. MIT and SerenDPT will not stake IP or patent claims to new ideas developed at MITdesignX Venice. 

WHO are we looking for?

MITdesignX Venice seeks diverse, interdisciplinary teams  working on challenging ideas to design solutions and launch a real venture based in Venice.  Teams should be composed of at least 2 people and not more than 5.

EVERYONE is invited to submit an application, whether students, professionals, or community members of all backgrounds. 

An individual cannot  apply as a single proponent and cannot apply as a member of more than one team.

Ideal candidates are ideas with a connection to Venice, or to the problems the city experiences.

MITdesignX Venice is suitable for newborn teams or incorporated startups that are in the pre-seed or seed phase (*) or in the pivoting phase (unless technological pivoting).

(*) click here to find out more about the startup phases & pivoting.

HOW can you participate? 

Applications can be submitted online (in English) during the submission period. Applications are open from May 1st to July 31, 2023.

We encourage individuals and teams to attend preparatory events that are programmed before the submission deadline. 

Up to 10 ideas will be selected to participate in the Fall program.

Requirements

Anyone can be a member of a team, regardless of age, origin or background.

Participants are required to speak a good level of English. The entire program (workshops and final pitch) will be held in English.

Evaluation Criteria 

Applications go through a selection process that reviews ideas based on:


Preference will be given to teams with one or more members from Venice or the Veneto.

Up to 10 teams are selected.

Funding and Support for Teams

Each selected team will receive €4.000 to fund initial team expenses needed to develop the idea. 

If selected for the fall program, in-person attendance (at all fall workshops) by at least 50% of the team (*) is mandatory to receive funding. 



(*) rounded down to the closest integer: at least 1 attending applicant for teams of 1 up to 3 applicants;  2 attending applicants for teams of 4 or 5 applicants

Funding Rules and Procedures