The Startup Competition is returning to Innovation Village Retail, a project by Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags in collaboration with Retail Hub. Since 2022, Innovation Village Retail has been showcasing the best Italian and international start-ups dedicated to fashion and retail at the fair.
From 10 to 13 January 2026, the Riva del Garda exhibition centre will be transformed into an innovation laboratory where young entrepreneurs will present their ideas to a panel of experts, buyers, and industry professionals. Organised by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags will once again be a global reference point for the footwear and leather goods industry. The last edition attracted more than 1,100 exhibitors and 8,000 participants from all over the world, making it a platform for business, training and networking. The fair is increasingly focused on the future, thanks in part to the Innovation Village, which is entirely dedicated to innovation in fashion retail.
New for 2026 is the Investor Simulation:
The Startup Competition will feature a new Investor Simulation format. Each juror will be given a virtual budget to invest, which they must allocate between the competing startups during the pitches and in the final. This mechanism simulates the decision-making process of real investors, making the competition more dynamic and engaging, and bringing it closer to market logic.
Opportunities for growth and international visibility
Following the success of projects such as IRISPHERA, the winner of the last edition, Innovation Village Retail has established itself as a unique platform for start-ups looking to grow and gain international recognition. Selected start-ups will have the opportunity to present their innovative ideas at one of the world's leading hubs for the footwear, leather goods, and accessories sector.
How to participate:
Applications are open and can be submitted via this link: https://exporivaschuh.it/it/startup-competition. The deadline for applications is 6 p.m. on 13 November 2025. The winning start-up will then have the opportunity to participate in the next edition of the fair free of charge in January 2026.
