Milan has strengthened its position on the international technology map with the first Italian edition of CES Unveiled, held October 21 at Allianz MiCo. Organized by the U.S.-based Consumer Technology Association (CTA) in partnership with the Italian Trade Agency, the event brought American technology leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs together with Italy’s growing innovation ecosystem.
More than 100 exhibitors presented technologies spanning artificial intelligence, aerospace, digital health, agricultural innovation, and advanced manufacturing. Italy contributed 51 startups from 13 regions, occupying approximately 700 square meters of exhibition space. CTA President and CEO Kinsey Fabrizio and Executive Chair Gary Shapiro attended, underscoring the importance of stronger transatlantic cooperation.
The relationship already has substantial momentum. Nearly 700 Italians attended CES 2026 in Las Vegas, alongside more than 60 Italian exhibitors. Around 50 exhibited at Eureka Park, the event’s dedicated startup showcase, demonstrating Italy’s ambition to compete internationally.
Investment figures offer further encouragement. According to Growth Capital and Italian Tech Alliance, Italian startups and innovative companies attracted €1.477 billion across 210 funding rounds in the first nine months of 2026, compared with €855 million in the corresponding period of 2025. Although fewer deals were completed, larger investments point toward a maturing market.
For American companies, Italian startups offer expertise rooted in world-class manufacturing, design, engineering, and research. For Italian entrepreneurs, U.S. investors and business networks can help turn promising technologies into internationally competitive companies. Milan’s event created opportunities for those relationships to begin well before CES 2027. The gathering also featured mentoring opportunities and a startup pitch competition designed to connect founders with international markets.
The next CES, scheduled for January 6–9 in Las Vegas, will celebrate the exhibition’s 60th anniversary. With new emphasis on health technology, artificial intelligence, and industrial innovation, it promises another opportunity for Italian ingenuity and American entrepreneurial scale to work together.
