24 hours of team challenges, embedded in a weekend at Bending Spoons HQ for Italy’s top business-minded students and graduates

Milan

October 18-20, 2024

Need a reminder?

Drop in your email and we'll send you a note before the application deadline.

Applications open on May 24

What is First Ascent business?

First Ascent Business is a weekend-long event for Italy’s most promising students and recent graduates who share a passion for business, technology, and taking on ambitious challenges.

 It’s an unmissable, all-expenses-paid opportunity to network, impress, and find out what you’re capable of.

  • Put your talent to the test
  • Hone your collaboration skills
  • Compete for an amazing prize
  • Connect with other remarkable young minds
  • Get a close-up look at Bending Spoons
“It was an amazing event, where I met extraordinary people and enjoyed every single minute of the experience.”
FIRST ASCENT PARTECIPANT
“The event has been a great chance to collaborate with talented, like-minded people ,to solve tough challenges, but also to have fun together and to learn an incredible amount of things in such a short time.”
FIRST ASCENT PARTECIPANT
“The Ascenders were all brought together by a very rare and invaluable combination of traits: having incredibly remarkable stories and achievements under their belt, while at the same time being extremely humble, likeable, down to earth and overall eager to learn from each other.”
FIRST ASCENT PARTECIPANT
WHO ORGANIZES FIRST ASCENT BUSINESS?

Leading European tech company Bending Spoons organizes First Ascent Business.

Since its founding in 2013, the company has served nearly half a billion people across the globe, with 100 million people using its products each month. And with its international team and award-winning culture, Bending Spoons is one of Italy's most sought-after workplaces.
First Ascent Business is completely free—all expenses, including travel, accommodation, and activities, are covered by Bending Spoons.

WHY PARTICIPATE IN FIRST ASCENT BUSINESS?

Test your abilities and reach new heights

Collaboration meets competition in a series of exciting challenges that connect the complexities of business and tech. Get a feel for how logic, teamwork, and business acumen make the difference in developing successful strategies.

Network with the best

Collaborate with other incredibly talented young people. Forge lifelong friendships and share your passions with like-minded peers. After all, great business is all about curious people coming together and making remarkable things happen.

All expenses paid

Travel, accommodation (two nights), food, drinks, and activities—Bending Spoons, organizer of First Ascent Business, is picking up the tab.

A top prize for an impressive win

While all participants get to enjoy a free trip to Milan, each member of the winning team will receive a brand-new Macbook to further sweeten their victory.

Need a reminder?

Drop in your email and we'll send you a note before the application deadline.

Applications open on May 24

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

Does this sound like you? If so, we can’t wait to receive your application:

  • You’re a student at an Italian university, or you graduated from an Italian university in 2023 or 2024.
  • You’re ambitious, eager to test your limits, and ready to dive into a tough challenge.
  • You’re passionate about innovations in the digital space and curious about the business side of the tech industry.
THE SELECTION PROCESS

Only the top 30 applicants will make the final cut, with a carefully designed multi-step selection process in place to ensure the exceptional level of all participants. The selection will be announced by September 2024.

  • Screening based on CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts
  • A few online problem-solving and behavioral tests
  • An online interview
  • First Ascent Business
EVENT SCHEDULE
18
October 2024,Night
  • Welcome dinner and team assignment
19
October 2024,Morning
  • Bending Spoons introduction
  • Challenges start
19
October 2024,Afternoon
  • Quick lunch
  • Challenges continue
19-20
October 2024,Night
  • Buffet dinner
  • Challenges continue
20
October 2024,Morning
  • Challenges end
  • Breakfast and relax
  • Team presentations
  • Winners announced

Need a reminder?

Drop in your email and we'll send you a note before the application deadline.

Applications open on May 24