Next edition 13-16 June 2026
Join the community that is reshaping the footwear, bags and accessories supply chain.
Innovation Village Retail
The Innovation Village Retail is the technological core of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags.
In a market where fashion retail is evolving at an unprecedented pace, the fair strongly believes that innovation is a key strategic driver to anticipate future challenges.
More than an exhibition space, it is a true “fair within the fair”: an ecosystem where visionary start-ups, established players and investors come together to share solutions capable of reshaping the entire value chain. From artificial intelligence to sustainability, it showcases the technologies set to transform the global purchasing experience.
The project is developed by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, organiser of the fair, in collaboration with Retail Hub and under the scientific coordination of Alberto Mattiello, member of the Scientific Co mmittee of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags.
Innovation Village Retail 10 editions of innovation
Launched in January 2022, the project has now reached the milestone of its tenth edition. Over the years, Innovation Village has established itself as a key observatory, hosting 76 start-ups from 23 countries and becoming a global hub for innovation in fashion retail.
Joining this ecosystem means:
Presenting your vision to leading international decision-makers in the fashion industry.
Accessing a high-level global network, maximising visibility and business opportunities.
Actively shaping the future of retailacross technological innovation, sustainability and evolving purchasing models.
In a fast-changing market, Innovation Village provides up-to-date solutions and practical tools to support today’s and tomorrow’s business.
Discover the start-ups
Retail is already changing the rules New frontiers in retail
The Innovation Village Retail focuses on projects that offer concrete solutions to the challenges that are reshaping the fashion industry and that operate in the following cutting-edge areas:
Transparency and responsibility
Solutions for supply chain traceability, sustainability and environmental impact reduction
Operational efficiency
Optimisation of logistics, lead time and warehouse management through advanced data analysis
Enhanced experience
Evolution of e-commerce (B2B and B2C), omnichannel and phygital solutions integrating artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality
Customer centricity
New approaches to multi-platform customer relationship management and advanced customer experiences
Join the community Start-up Competition
The highlight of Innovation Village Retail is the Start-up Competition,
where companies will take the stage in three pitching sessions followed by a final round.
The competition is further enhanced by the Investor Simulator, a dynamic and engaging format in which jury members allocate virtual budgets, simulating real investment decisions. Based on the strength of the pitches and the solidity of the business models, experts will select the winner, evaluating innovation, scalability and the concrete impact on the value chain.
Many startups have taken part in the Innovation Village Retail over the years. Which ones will be next?
Explore all the participating start-ups Dozens of start-ups, ideas
and innovation.
13 - 16 JUNE 202616 - 19 JANUARY 2027
Exhibition CentreVia Baltera, 20 - 38066 - Riva del Garda (Italy)