Join the B2B Matchmaking Event in Milan: Boost Your ICT Startup

Are you an ICT startup looking to take your business to the next level?
Are you developing innovative ICT solutions, products, or services and interested in forming partnerships with ICT companies from the EU?

If yes, the EU Support for the Competitiveness of Kosovo’s ICT Sector project invites you to apply for participation in an exciting B2B Matchmaking Event to be held in Milan, Italy, in June 2022.

About the Event

This event will provide four Kosovar ICT startups the opportunity to meet with Italian ICT companies and key stakeholders, such as the National ICT Association and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Italy. The aim is to explore potential business opportunities and establish direct cooperation with companies from the Italian ICT cluster, which represents a vibrant sector of highly developed, high-tech, and value-added innovation companies.

The event will be organized in collaboration with Enterprise Europe Network Kosovo (Prishtina REA & STIKK).

Event Agenda

Day 1: Opening and B2B Meetings

On the first day, the event will kick off with an opening and introductory session. Following this, participants will engage in personal B2B meetings with Italian and Kosovar counterparts. These meetings provide an excellent opportunity for startups to promote their products or services, explore potential synergies, and form valuable collaborations.

Day 2: Site Visits and Further Networking

On the second day, Kosovar startups will visit their Italian counterparts to continue discussions and explore cooperation prospects in more detail. Participants will also visit Tech Park Milan, a hub of innovation and technological advancement.

Benefits of Participation

• Explore New Business Opportunities: Identify potential partners and grow your business.
• Create Strong Business Links: Build meaningful, long-lasting connections with key players in the industry.
• Expand Your Market Reach: Access new markets and enhance your global presence.

Covered Expenses

By the Organizer:

• International Travel and Accommodation in Milan (3 nights).
• Meals and Local Travel within Milan.
• Registration on the IT platform, including business meetings and support before, during, and after the event.

By the Selected Participants:

• Visa Issuance Fees and any other expenses not included above.

Who Can Apply?

Kosovar ICT startup companies with high potential for international cooperation are invited to apply. Applicants should meet the following eligibility criteria:

Eligibility Criteria:

• For all the above criteria, the applicant should be able to provide a relevant certificate or receipt if requested.
• Candidates who participated in the Business and Management training provided by the Project will be granted additional 10 points.
• Priority will be given to female managers in case of equal score.
• Managers/Companies participated in previous international B2B events are ineligible.
• Please note that only successful applicants will be notified. 

Apply here: https://ictkosovo.eu/application-b2b-milan-italy/ leads to APPLICATION FORM for the B2B and Matchmaking Event Milan- June 12-14, 2022.

Selection Criteria

Scoring Criteria	Weight (Max 160)
Annual Turnover (2021)
Between 50.000€ – 100.000 €	30
Over 100.000 €	50
Share of Exports in Turnover
Up to 20 %	30
21 – 60 %	50
Above 60%	40
Staff Headcount
4 – 10	30
11 – 20	50
More than 20	40
Manager’s Experience
2 Years	40
Above 2 Years	50
Candidates who participated in the Business and Management training provided by the Project	10
Essential criteria
Sector of Industry Information & Communication Technologies Ownership 100% Private owned (min.51% of equity belongs to Kosovar citizens) Operating time: max.4 years Staff Headcount: min. 4 employees English Language Manager’s Experience: min. of 2 years in middle or top managerial position in the company.