Yachting Ventures has partnered with the Genoa Boat Show to introduce an International Startup Zone and Startup Demo Day at this year’s event, which takes place from 1-6 October 2026. The initiative will provide exhibition space for 10 marine startups.
Now in its 66th edition, the Genoa Boat Show has been held for more than six decades. The organisers reported 124,248 visitors and more than 1,000 exhibitors in 2025.
The International Startup Zone will be located in the entrance area of the Palasport as part of the show’s Young Generation Programme, hosted within the Blue Arena. The Blue Arena brings together initiatives focused on boating, innovation, maritime culture, institutions, education and inclusion. It also provides a space for discussion and engagement with students, professionals, enthusiasts and the wider public.
The Young Generation Hub will include three startup areas. Alongside the existing ITA Agency Startup and Ligurian Startup zones, Yachting Ventures will oversee the International Startup Zone, bringing together 10 startups from across the leisure marine sector.
Each startup will have a dedicated 2sqm exhibition space for static product demonstrations, as well as access to a shared networking lounge throughout the show. Participation also includes marketing support from Yachting Ventures, including press releases, social media promotion, newsletter coverage and event-related content.
The three startup areas are expected to attract investors, exhibitors, journalists, innovation organisations and other marine industry representatives.
The programme concludes on Saturday 3 October 2026 with a Demo Day on the terrace of the Blue Pavilion. Participating founders will present their businesses to investors, Genoa Boat Show exhibitors, journalists and invited industry representatives.
Gabbi Richardson, founder of Yachting Ventures, says: “Genoa has made a real commitment to supporting startups, and we’re excited to build on that by bringing an international dimension to the programme. By combining the exhibition space and Demo Day, we’re creating a clear pathway for founders to pitch in front of investors and industry leaders at one of Europe’s leading boat shows.”
Marina Stella, general manager of Confindustria Nautica – the Italian Marine Industry Association, adds: “The Genoa International Boat Show is where tradition meets the future. Championing start-ups and young talent means investing in innovation, fostering dialogue between new ideas, research and industry, and creating the conditions for today’s insights to become tomorrow’s opportunities for the entire marine sector. Supporting this journey is an integral part of our mission: to help drive the growth of a sector that is increasingly competitive, sustainable and attractive to future generations.”
Yachting Ventures has organised investor showcase events at several international boat shows. The company says it supported more than 80 startups pitching at industry events around the world in 2025, connecting founders with investors and other industry stakeholders.
How to apply
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