Maker Faire Rome 2026 opens calls for makers, schools and universities; deadline June 15

Maker Faire Rome has opened submissions for its 2026 edition, inviting makers, inventors, enterprises, startups and creatives from around the world to present projects at one of Europe’s leading events dedicated to innovation and technology. The fair, promoted and organized by the Rome Chamber of Commerce, will take place from October 23 to 25 at the Gazometro Ostiense.

This will be the event’s fourteenth edition, and all calls close on June 15. The Call for Makers offers applicants the chance to submit ideas to curators for selection. Chosen projects will receive, free of charge, space to exhibit their innovations, the opportunity to participate in a talk, or to propose interactive and educational activities for the public.

Submissions can cover a range of areas, including Technology and Innovation, Sustainability, Science and Health, Creativity and Culture, and Education and Society. Participants may propose one project and choose one or more modes of participation. Selected projects are shared across Maker Faire Rome’s channels, including social media, blog, online catalog and press materials.

Launched in 2013, the Call for Schools is run in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Merit and is free for all Italian upper secondary schools and equivalent institutions in European Union countries (students aged 14 to 18).

A jury of experts will select institutes to take part with a free exhibition space, enabling students and their teachers to present prototypes, applied research projects, innovative educational paths and solutions that combine technology, creativity and social impact.

For institutes based outside Rome that participate in person, a reimbursement is provided for a portion of travel and accommodation expenses. The Call for Universities and Research Institutes is aimed at public universities and research bodies wishing to showcase their work and connect with the wider innovation community.

Students will have the chance to meet companies, startups, institutions and other research centers. The call outlines four main participation modes, including exhibition with a personalized stand to interact with the public and the option to propose a workshop.

Submissions for all calls must be made by June 15. Selected participants will join an international platform that promotes digital culture, entrepreneurship and creativity, with opportunities to present their work to a broad audience at Maker Faire Rome 2026.