Vortex powered by MIT DesignX

Venice, Italy

Vortex powered by MIT DesignX supports local entrepreneurs and helps launch new ventures dedicated to solving problems experienced in Venice as well as other coastal and historical cities, and places experiencing a major loss of full-time population.

The program is four in-person, two-day sessions built on MIT’s venture design method, supported by a network of experienced entrepreneurial mentors, and culminating in a final Pitch Day. Equity-free, in Italian and English, at Fabbrica H3, a startup incubator and co-working space inside the ex-church of Saints Cosmas and Damian on the Giudecca island in Venice.

Admission Process

Partners

SerenDPT

Location

Fabbrica H3

Dates

17-18 September
01-02 October
22-23 October
05-06 November
30 November – Pitch Day

Open to

Early stage startups

Vortex is aimed at early-stage teams with a clearly identified need, a first business hypothesis and an initial solution or prototype ready to be tested and validated. A more detailed fit criteria is available on the Vortex website.

Participating startups are not required to be based in Venice or to establish their venture there. Venice is the location and context of the program, while the Call is open to relevant teams regardless of where they are based.

Timeline

Applications Open 29 JUNE
Applications Close 1 AUG

Up to 12 teams are selected for participation in the program.

Program Starts SEPT
Program Ends NOV

The program includes a series of two-day workshops where participants apply DesignX tools and methods to map their innovation opportunity, build solutions, and design sustainable models for impact. Teams work with a network of mentors and program experts.

Pitch-out NOV

At the end of the program, teams pitch in front of investors and partners.

FAQs

This program is open to teams of 2+ members. It is not necessary to have a registered startup at the time of application. Ideas can be submitted by anyone, regardless of age and origin or background (whether students, professionals, or community members).

An individual cannot apply as a single proponent and cannot apply as a member of more than one team. Vortex is delivered in Italian and English.

We are looking for ideas or early stage startups dedicated to solving problems in the following sectors:
Art and Architecture: sustainability, maintenance, and preservation
Tourism of the future: fair accommodations and sustainable mobility
Water, Energy and Environment
Smart tools for cities and citizens

We seek diverse, interdisciplinary teams working on challenging ideas to design high-impact solutions and launch a real venture based in Venice. Ideal candidates are ideas with a connection to Venice, or to the problems the city experiences.

DesignX Venice is a IN-PERSON PROGRAM on site, at H3 Factory, in Venice, Italy. SerenDPT provides free workspace for the selected teams during the on-site workshops. In-person attendance (at all fall workshops and Final Pitch) by at least 2 applicants for each team is mandatory to access prizing and benefits. All the expenses for attending the program in person are borne by the participants.

Vortex is equity-free, there is no training or participation fee, and the intellectual property remains with the startup.