A program designed and delivered by WDA for Comtel

In a market where technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, innovation cannot be left to chance. It requires method, strategic vision, and the ability to turn ideas into concrete solutions.

With this perspective, Comtel, a listed company and a leader in ICT services, chose to rely on WDA | The Co-Founder You Need to design and lead ComNext, an Open Innovation program created to connect high-potential startups with an industrial ecosystem ready to adopt their solutions.

A tailored approach to transform innovation into business

ComNext was created to answer a clear question: How can we identify the most promising technologies and turn them into scalable projects capable of creating real value for the enterprise?

From the outset, WDA supported Comtel in defining the strategy and building a comprehensive journey that goes beyond selecting ideas, ensuring the ability to bring them to market quickly. Our model is built on three essential principles:

• Targeted scouting, to identify the most relevant solutions in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, automation, and regulatory compliance.
• Rigorous selection, conducted through clear criteria of technological readiness, strategic alignment, and integration potential.
• Structured acceleration, guiding startups through every phase, from validation to the definition of operational partnerships.

ComNext in numbers

Launched as an international call, ComNext generated strong and qualified interest, confirming its relevance in the technological innovation landscape. In summary:

• 92 applications received, including 16 from international startups;
• 16 projects selected for in-depth evaluation;
• 10 finalists admitted to the Selection Day, a pitch competition that enabled direct dialogue with Comtel’s top management.

After a thorough analysis and selection process, 4 startups were identified to start collaboration in September, with the goal of accelerating their integration into Comtel’s ecosystem.

The selected startups

The four finalists perfectly embody ComNext’s vision: solid innovation, operational concreteness, and market readiness.

• CyLock – Artificial intelligence solutions for automated cybersecurity vulnerability analysis.
• Tiledesk – Conversational AI for customer service and process automation.
• TrueScreen – Forensic certification of digital content with legal value.
• PugliAI – Generative AI for data management and workflow optimization.

The acceleration program

Starting in September, the winning startups will embark on a six-week intensive program, fully designed and managed by WDA to ensure tangible and measurable results. The program includes:

• Structuring operational and organizational processes
• Optimizing the business model and value proposition
• Preparing go-to-market strategies
• Defining strategic partnerships with Comtel for solution adoption

Each startup will be supported by a multidisciplinary team composed of Comtel managers and WDA advisors, with the goal of accelerating every phase of the journey and rapidly bringing innovation to the market.

A model that combines method and impact

ComNext demonstrates that innovation does not stop at exploring ideas but requires method, vision, and strong execution capabilities.

We are enthusiastic to have been chosen as the strategic partner for this initiative and to have contributed to building a replicable model that can inspire other companies ready to invest in Open Innovation.

We would like to thank Comtel for the trust and determination with which it chose to launch an initiative that raises the standard of innovation in the ICT sector.

If your company also wants to build an Open Innovation program capable of creating tangible value, WDA is the partner that can turn vision into measurable results.