Nine startups, graduates of the second edition of the ARGO traveltech acceleration program, showcased their innovative solutions at the “Demo Day.” 

From platforms and mobile applications offering innovative services to industry operators and tourists to targeted solutions for mountain tourism, golf enthusiasts, and the arts sector, as well as emerging technologies for addressing passenger needs in airports and advancing inclusivity and sustainability—nine groundbreaking solutions were presented today at Venice’s M9 Museum during the ARGO 2024 Demo Day.  

This event marked the conclusion of the second edition of ARGO, the traveltech and tourism acceleration programme from the CDP Venture Capital National Accelerator Network. 

Launched by CDP Venture Capital SGR in collaboration with Italy’s Ministry of Tourism and based in Venice, the ARGO program is managed by Zest (co-investing alongside CDP Venture Capital) and VeniSIA (the innovation accelerator of Ca’ Foscari University Venice). Key partners include Intesa Sanpaolo and the Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center, supported by Corporate Partner Human Company and technical partner Scuola Italiana di Ospitalità. 

The Demo Day marked the culmination of a five-month program during which the startups engaged with partners across more than 30 sessions covering topics such as human resource management, communication strategies, metrics application, and financial planning. Participants received pre-seed investments from CDP Venture Capital and Zest, while six startups benefited from additional non-repayable funding from the Ministry of Tourism. All nine startups are now poised for subsequent funding rounds. 

The nine startups presented today join the seven from the first edition, bringing the total to 16 innovative ventures launched to market since ARGO's inception. 

 “We reaffirm the Ministry of Tourism's strategic interest in initiatives that promote innovation and foster new entrepreneurial ventures in the tourism sector,” stated Minister Daniela Santanchè. “The ARGO acceleration program, co-sponsored by the Ministry from its inception, is a valuable tool for energising new enterprises in tourism and fostering collaboration between these startups and traditional industry players, creating virtuous cycles that enhance competitiveness. Moreover,” she continued, “the Ministry underscores its commitment to supporting the most promising startups during both their development and post-acceleration phases, offering opportunities for growth and integration into our digital services.” 

“It’s immensely gratifying to witness the growth of the CDP Venture Capital Accelerator Network year after year,” said Stefano Molino, Senior Partner and Head of the Accelerator Fund at CDP Venture Capital. “This success is made possible by a robust network of managers, partners, and institutions like the Ministry of Tourism, which jointly support the growth of Italian startups dedicated to transforming the hospitality and travel sectors. As the Accelerator Fund, we remain committed to backing the development of the best projects through subsequent stages of growth.” 

 Traveltech startups play a pivotal role in the economic development of tourism, an industry projected to account for 10% of global GDP in 2024, with annual growth exceeding 12%,” noted Antonella Zullo, CEO of Zest Innovation. “The World Economic Forum estimates that digitalisation in tourism could generate $305 billion in value by 2025. Innovation is crucial to the sector’s growth, and ARGO aims to make a meaningful contribution by launching traveltech startups ready to deliver solutions for more sustainable and accessible tourism while digitally transforming this key economic driver.”  

“We are very pleased with the journey undertaken by ARGO since its inception,” commented Prof. Carlo Bagnoli, Scientific Director of VeniSIA. “This second Demo Day highlights the growing use of Artificial Intelligence within the tourism sector, demonstrating its vast potential. At VeniSIA, Ca’ Foscari University’s Deep Tech Venture Builder, we’ve long been committed to AI innovation, which aligns seamlessly with the experimental projects accelerated in Venice—an iconic city for launching groundbreaking solutions in travel and hospitality.” 

“Our commitment to ARGO underscores our dedication to fostering a tourism industry rooted in sustainability, guiding the sector towards a more innovative, accessible, and environmentally conscious future,” added Viviana Bacigalupo, General Director of Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center. “This aligns with Intesa Sanpaolo’s broader role in promoting innovation and supporting Italy’s economic ecosystem, alongside the Group’s financial initiatives. Tourism is a vital sector for Italy, with Intesa Sanpaolo allocating €10 billion to accelerate transitions and support more efficient and sustainable hospitality, as part of the ‘Your Future, Our Business’ program, which provides €120 billion through 2026.” 

“We are proud to renew our involvement with the ARGO project, which we joined during its first call two years ago to drive tourism innovation, particularly in open-air experiences,” said Luca Belenghi, CEO of Human Company. “Supporting startups and SMEs in this sector is a top priority for us. ARGO aligns perfectly with our digital transformation goals, helping to build an innovative ecosystem vital for advancing sustainable tourism and addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry. ARGO is a project with tremendous human value, emphasising the urgency of pushing further towards digitalisation and sustainability in our sector.” 

 “As the Scuola Italiana di Ospitalità, we are delighted to support ARGO’s startups for the second consecutive year,” concluded Francesco Ottoboni, Innovation and Education Manager at SIO. “This collaboration reinforces our mission to foster the country’s tourism ecosystem by promoting expertise and guiding new innovative ventures to address the evolving needs of the market.” 

Startups Presented at ARGO Demo Day 

Herop: A real-time Bed Bank platform revolutionising airline disruption management. It offers immediate bookings for hotels, transport, and restaurants. With its proprietary AI algorithm, the platform optimises customer choices and ensures efficient passenger distribution. 

 Mountain Maps: An app making mountain exploration accessible to everyone, from seasoned hikers to novices. Its real-time navigation provides metrics and useful services to help users choose the best trails based on their needs and experience level. 

 Offtryp: A B2B SaaS platform connecting travel agencies and institutional websites to enhance digital personalisation in travel. By combining AI with human expertise, it enables users to explore destinations digitally and create customised itineraries effortlessly. 

 Aloe: A plug-and-play software solution for hotels to offer ancillary services to guests. Aloe specialises in e-bike rentals, providing guests with the opportunity to explore destinations while preserving the environment and immersing themselves in local culture. 

 Pin Vision: An app offering personalised digital services for golf players and clubs, enhancing gameplay and simplifying course management. Its advanced GPS database provides precise, up-to-date information on thousands of golf courses worldwide. 

 Plaza: A cutting-edge AI platform for customer support in the tourism sector. Plaza assists hotels and property managers by automating and optimising guest interactions, ensuring 24/7 service availability. 

 Cora Hospitality: A digital AI assistant for operational control in hospitality venues. It optimises daily operations, improves staff workflows, monitors costs, and simplifies inter-departmental communication. 

 Travelin: An accessibility platform for museums, attractions, and cultural sites, helping organisations become more inclusive. It empowers people with disabilities to navigate facilities that might otherwise be inaccessible. 

 Mae: A community app connecting people through art. It helps users find like-minded individuals to meet at art events and enables artists and galleries to engage in unprecedented ways. Mae’s AI-driven art journal allows users to share their emotions about art, enabling professionals to build communities around their projects.