SME Programme
GROW YOUR VISIBILITY. YOUR NETWORK. AND YOUR BUSINESS AT ITU DIGITAL WORLD
At ITU Digital World, we understand that SME and startup success is key to ICT industry growth and socio-economic development throughout the world. That’s why we’re working to help tech SMEs and startups scale up their business activities and global impact – as a key part of our international platform of ICT public and private sector leaders.
Who's it for?
Our platform provides support, visibility, investment and networking potential to tech SMEs and startups from around the world looking to take their solutions or products to the next level.
- High-growth SMEs and startups with solutions in the market and ready to expand
- ICT-specific products or services; or ICT-dependent business model
- Solutions or products with real social impact
- Focus on enablers such as broadband connectivity, IoT, AI, 5G
- Vertical sectors including smart cities, healthcare, digital finance, connectivity solutions, agritech and sustainability
The benefits
- Valuable international exposure
- Connect to curated audience of buyers and investors
- Access leading academics, coaches and business mentors
- Peer networking in InnovationSpace
- Structured matchmaking activities
- Share best practices, solutions and ideas
- Expert insight and understanding of critical ICT issues
- Gain recognition by entering the ITU Digital World Awards
- Visibility through onsite showcases and pitching sessions
- Invitation for your SME CEO to network in the LeaderSpace Lounge
I am very excited to know a lot of people are recognizing the work we are doing. Here you get to network with people you wouldn’t have back home, some of whom want to work with us when we go back, so we are going to convert all this into business.
This is extremely good because it allows us now to take our message to a bigger audience, which is the reason we came here in the first place. We have so many discussions, the opportunities we see, taking that message to governments – it is exceptional.
Being now in a place where ITU can recognize us for the work we have done, this is just the beginning, this is a long journey but it has started well, thank you! I met wonderful people who understand the problems and really want to make a difference, and it’s overwhelming.
It’s fun. I thought coming to a conference or exhibition would be very tense, but going around you see people having fun, networking. It is a very great platform, not just for business to business or government to government, but actually people and startups like me get so much opportunity from this event.
The SME Award from ITU Telecom World was a very excellent tool for us to start new business with new companies. Whenever I see Japanese venture companies who have innovative unique technology I tell them you can join ITU Telecom World, it is a good platform and we really appreciate ITU and ITU Telecom World.
We as a country look at this as an opportunity to bring our innovators to showcase their solutions and product but also to link with the rest and learn what is happening so they can develop more ideas in order to become a service that will have a transformative effect on the economy.
Every year we come with a new crop of startups that gets a new lease of life through the engagement that they have at events such as this, and so we thank ITU for this opportunity to engage and to innovate together.
Programme activities
ITU Digital World Awards
Enter the Global SME Awards (and the Government Award, if you are on a National Pavilion) recognizing innovative ICT-based solutions with real social impact – and gain international visibility, UN recognition, partnership, networking and mentorship opportunities.
Find out more on the Awards
Pitching sessions
Pitching sessions showcase the best small companies competing for the Global SME Award at ITU Digital World in front of our wide audience of event delegates. Our expert jury of investors, and analysts select the Global SME Award winners based on:
- Business model
- Social impact
- Innovative use of ICT
- Scalability
SME masterclasses and workshops
Focus on the business attributes that matter in our expert-led masterclasses providing practical and inspirational guidance on capacity-building, product development, funding and investment.
InnovationSpace activities
Showcase your SME, innovative project or ICT solution with an independent stand in the InnovationSpace or within a National Pavilion in the event exhibition. Network with your peers, benefit from international visibility, and set up bilaterals or demos with potential investors, partners and buyers
Forum debates
Join panel debates and interactive sessions bringing together leaders from government and industry with SMEs to explore digital transformation in depth – from digital health to new connectivity solutions, the role of innovation hubs, smart cities and much more.
Networking and matchmaking
Network with our ITU Digital World audience to unlock partnership potential, make connections and close deals throughout the event, including:
- Structured matchmaking platform connecting SMEs with relevant buyers and investors
- Informal networking events and social functions
- Central meeting point in the InnovationSpace on the exhibition floor
- Powerful online directory of attendees through the popular event app