Start-ups and innovation

SUN Next: the best start-ups dedicated to the beach sector

A defibrillator resistant to sand and water, a glass that always keeps drinks cold, apps for sharing sun umbrellas, a luxury floating lounger, and wearable sensors to improve sports training by the sea.

These increasingly innovative and technological proposals are among those from the start-ups selected by SUN Next, a space that hosts ten young companies offering products and services for open-air tourism and beach establishments in particular.
The initiative is organised with Mondo Balneare, the leading information and services website for the beach sector, and CNA Emilia-Romagna.

The proposals will make their debut at SUN and then be rolled out to beach establishments over the next few summers.

Drincover is a cover for glasses designed by Rimini-based company Athena Find, which keeps the drink contained inside at a constant temperature; Playsummer is a luxury floating lounger equipped with a parasol and ice bucket from Berlin start-up Water Play Gadget; Samaritan Pad, proposed by Naples company Auexde, is the only defibrillator certified for use on the beach, as it is resistant to sand, water and salt.

But the future of the beach also lies in sharing: on the back of Airbnb, sun umbrellas rented for the season can now be shared when you’re not using it. Through the Playaya app and the Click to Beach platform, beach establishments can give their subscriber customers the chance to do just that.

Meanwhile, Ravenna start-up Trippet is targeting hospitality for pets, with a self-test in the form of a game for hoteliers and beach establishments that wish to measure the degree to which they welcome pets, and thereby receive free advice and a starter kit at a special price.
Also from Romagna, Forli-based Turingsense offers the wearable sensor Pivot, which brings to life sporting and fitness experiences for tourists, in line with their abilities and interests.

Romagna has the most flourishing beach innovation scene, partly thanks to the company network Slow Bike Tourism, which promotes more sustainable form of tourism, and the E-Bike Factory Italia format, which promotes cycling in beach resorts. Finally, Impla from Como has designed a comfortable footrest flap for loungers.