Transforming IT pressure into a lever for performance and value creation.

Paris, 9 December 2025 - Ready For IT is accelerating innovation even further! For its 7th edition, to be held in Monaco from 2 to 4 June 2026, Ready For IT is reaffirming its commitment to supporting the IT departments of French mid-sized companies in transforming their organisations. To meet their challenges in terms of competitiveness, growth and innovation, the event is launching its Ready For IT Start-up Prize, a springboard dedicated to young companies that are shaping the sovereign technological infrastructures of tomorrow.

At a time when Europe is stepping up its efforts in the area of digital sovereignty, Ready For IT aims to offer strategic visibility to start-ups that are profoundly transforming the IT ecosystem and providing concrete solutions to the challenges faced by organisations.

‘To boost innovation, we need to support those who create it. The Ready For IT Start-up Prize is designed as a springboard for young technology companies that are actively contributing to European digital sovereignty,’ emphasis Maria Iacono, Director of Ready For IT.

 

An prize designed to showcase innovative solutions (AI, Data, Cyber, Cloud, Infrastructure)

The Ready For IT Start-up Prize aims to highlight and introduce as many people as possible to young companies offering next-generation solutions in the fields of AI, Data, Cybersecurity, Cloud and Infrastructure.

These sectors are key priorities for CIOs, who are looking for partners capable of sustainably accelerating the performance of their organisations with complete confidence. The aim is to identify the start-up best able to meet the current operational needs of businesses, thanks to a truly distinctive solution that creates immediate value.

Applications will be evaluated according to four key criteria:

  • their maturity in the market, with particular attention paid to companies in the acceleration phase;
  • the sectors concerned are: AI, cybersecurity, data, cloud, infrastructure;
  • the innovative and distinctive nature of their solutions;
  • the relevance of their response to the specific needs of businesses.

Participation in the Start-up Prize is open to companies:

  • created after 1st January 2021,
  • based in the European Union, Switzerland, Norway or the United Kingdom,
  • financed by European funds,
  • offering a next-generation IT solution,
  • that have never participated in Ready For IT as an exhibiting partner.

 

A jury of experts at the heart of the European IT ecosystem

To ensure a rigorous selection process that is representative of current issues, applications will be reviewed by a jury composed of recognised digital experts: IT executives, investors committed to European innovation, specialists in cybersecurity, AI, data and infrastructure, as well as several decision-makers who attend Ready For IT every year. Their in-depth knowledge of market needs, operational experience and familiarity with the issues facing organisations guarantee a rigorous and objective assessment. This panel, grounded in both the realities on the ground and the dynamics of disruptive innovation, brings an informed perspective that will enable the most promising start-ups, best positioned to contribute to European technological sovereignty, to be identified.

 

An exceptional springboard for the winner

The winner of the Ready For IT Start-ups Prize will enjoy privileged access to the 2026 edition, including a fully equipped corner in the Start-ups Village. They will also benefit from an ‘Elevator Pitch’ session to present their solution to the decision-makers in attendance.

Key dates:

  • 2 December 2025: opening of applications and official launch of the Prize
  • 23 February 2026: closing date for applications

 

The Ready For IT Start-up Prize aims to become an essential event for identifying, supporting and promoting high-potential innovations that will strengthen European digital independence. This award opens up a new avenue for bringing innovative start-ups and IT decision-makers together, in a context where technological sovereignty is no longer an option but a necessity.