Rome Future Week Returns to the Eternal City September 21st - 27th 2026
Rome Future Week – The annual festival in Roma dedicated to innovation, technology, sustainability, culture, and the future is back for its 4th edition
from September 21st until September 27th 2026
Conceived by SCAI Comunicazione Srl Società Benefit in collaboration with the Department of Productive Activities, Equal Opportunities and Investment Attractions of the City of Roma, Rome Future Week puts into focus the future of the Eternal City.
Like Rome itself, Rome Future Week is local yet global with a program highlighting seminars, talks and workshops on various topics and networking gatherings open to all.
With over 150 locations and over 400 events spanning the city of Roma, the theme this year is Raw Materials “Materia Prima” referring to “the initial spark that guides our choices, giving shape to ideas and opening up the space for action”
“At the beginning of every intention is the drive that determines reality”
Raw materials in this case, does not have a single shape. Metaphorically speaking, it can be anything from the curiosity, intuition, desire and decision to change direction or to create something that doesn’t quite exist yet.
The international festival dispersed throughout the Capital of Italy is comprised of an array of events hosted in different venues, covering a multitude of topics. Rome Future Week brings together not just businesses, start-ups, associations but schools, universities, cultural organizations, and communities.
Imagining the Rome of tomorrow…
With subjects covering emerging trends from start-ups, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, smart working and smart cities to important issues like equality and wellness in the workplace, culture and social innovation, social impact, sustainable mobility, and shaping the future with environmental sustainability and responsibility, RFW2026 also brings into the mix food because afterall, this is Italy.
As part of a buzz-worthy, interactive, and shareable experience Smash Tag introduces the “Sandwich of the Future”, enticing people in a fun and delicious way to play.
A collaboration between Smash Tag (a premium smash burger chain, Italian at heart with an international reach) and Rome Future Week, the launch of the “Panino del Futuro” (Panini of the Future) is a secret sandwich not present on the menus which can only be ordered after solving a timed quiz about Roma. So an initiation that is both educational and informative, teaching fellow Romans as well as those living and visiting here about this most historic city.
Founded in Rome on April 9th, 2021 in Piazza Bologna, Smash Tag was the first Roman brand dedicated to the smash burger (an American technique of flattening fresh meat on a hot griddle to caramelize the surface) With the motto “We didn’t create the burger, we make it better” now has locations not only in Rome but Latina, Naples, Porto Cervo, Athens, Mykonos, and Malta.
“The burger itself is an edible manifesto with a recipe uniting two very different worlds and cuisines”.
How it works:
By scanning the QR code which can be found on postcards, posters and shop windows, you can access the quiz - a five-word crossword puzzle about Rome, with questions changing with each game. Once you complete the quick (correctly) the password appears, and you’ll have to say it aloud at the cash register. Anyone who finishes the game in less than 30 seconds receives a different password which also earns you a free Smash Tag Cheese Pull. The sandwich is paid full price and can only be ordered in store – no discounts and no home delivery.
Available at Smash Tag stores across Rome, Latina and even Naples during Rome Future Week.
“An initiative that combines food, gamification and innovation, transforming an everyday product into an experience to be discovered and shared”.
With English-friendly events and seminars available not just in Italian but also in English, Rome Future Week appeals to Romans, expats and global professionals alike.
From exhibitions to training designed to attract the younger generations, each hub introduces fresh new content, with a strong support for the non-profit sector and an emphasis on further strengthening the ties between civic participation and their communities.
Numbers from previous editions included 70,000 + participants, 1,000 + speakers, 400 + events and over 250 participants. And growing each year. With a rich schedule of events all over Rome, participation of RFW2026 is free but some seminars may require sign-up or an RSVP.
A laboratory of ideas, innovation and discussions, Rome Future Week is the largest networking event – an exchange of skills and perspectives with a particular focus on diversity and gender representation. An open platform connecting people and expertise so you can see what is changing and meet those who are already working towards building a better and brighter future.
Discover the full Rome Future Week 2026 Program:
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