The convergence of technology, new skills, and the football industry returns to the spotlight during Rome Future Week. On September 25, 2026, the capital will host “AperiTech, between sport and innovation”, a format promoted by SFS ExtraTime in collaboration with Theorema and Social Media Soccer, designed to examine the transformation dynamics reshaping the SportTech sector.
The event will take place in Rome at Spiriti Armonici, located in Piazza Istria 21, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, offering a dynamic and informal networking environment for digital transformation leaders, emerging startups, and the next generation of sports business professionals.
From Pitching on Stage to Business Models: The SportTech Journey
At the core of the discussion lies an analysis of the growth path undertaken by startups that participated in past editions of the Social Football Summit. The event will trace the various development stages of young ventures in the industry, moving from initial pitches and field experimentation to strategic matching with established corporations and the creation of concrete business opportunities.
Furthermore, the gathering will serve as a key showcase for SFS ExtraTime, a initiative built to establish a direct connection between students, young innovators, and leading players in the Football Industry.
Panel Discussion and Key Speakers
The deep-dive panel will feature insights from industry experts and sports advisory professionals. Speakers include Vincenzo Filetti, Partner at Theorema and Head of SFS ExtraTime; Margherita Romaniello, Project & Communication Manager at Go Project Srl; and Riccardo Nasuti, Sport Strategic Advisor. The discussion will be moderated by Guido Fabbri, Innovation & Communication Expert, who will guide the conversation on emerging tech trends and new career opportunities transforming modern sports management, all within a collaborative networking setting.
To attend the event and find further information, participants can visit the official Social Football Summit channels and register via the dedicated link.
SFS and Rome Future Week: The Evolution of Sport Tech at an Innovation-Focused Aperitif
The convergence of technology, new skills, and the football industry returns to the spotlight during Rome Future Week. On September 25, 2026, the capital will host “AperiTech, between sport and innovation”, a format promoted by SFS ExtraTime in collaboration with Theorema and Social Media Soccer, designed to examine the transformation dynamics reshaping the SportTech sector. The event will take place in Rome at Spiriti Armonici, located in Piazza Istria 21, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, offering a dynamic and
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