Call for Startups

Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags Innovation Village Retail 2026

1. Introduction

For over 50 years, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags has been the global benchmark for the footwear and fashion accessories industry. The latest edition of the fair recorded 8000 attendees from over 100 international markets and more than 1100 exhibitors, brands, and represented companies from 36 countries.

Within this context, Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, the event organizer, in collaboration with Retail Hub, promotes the Innovation Village Retail, a hub dedicated to startups and innovative projects capable of redefining the future of retail. The companies will compete on the main stage in front of a jury of experts, who will select the winner of the Startup Competition on Monday 12th January 2026.

Joining the Innovation Village Retail means:

• Presenting your startup in front of top global decision-makers in the fashion sector;
• Accessing an international ecosystem of business, networking, and visibility;
• Contributing to shaping the new frontiers of retail through technology, sustainability, and new shopping experiences.

Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags is more than a trade show, it's a year-round active community. In addition to two physical editions, it hosts roadshows and international networking activities, generating a constant flow of opportunities.

Startups selected for the Innovation Village Retail will benefit from continuous opportunities for exposure, visibility, and the development of strategic relationships over the two years following participation (January 2026 – January 2028).

2. Objectives and Opportunities

The goal of the project is to support the most innovative entrepreneurial ventures in fashion retail by facilitating direct contact with institutions, buyers, and international companies.

Finalist startups will have access to:

• A dedicated exhibition space within the Innovation Village Retail, with a personalized station;
• A digital profile on the event app;
• Visibility to the entire community through the fair’s official channels (newsletter, press releases, social media);
• A pitch on the Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags main stage, moderated by industry experts;
• Networking with sector professionals.

3. Who Can Apply

The call is open to startups established from 2018 onwards, with innovative projects applicable to the fashion industry, particularly in footwear, leather goods, and accessories.

Priority will be given to projects addressing current retail challenges, including:

• Traceability and supply chain transparency;
• Sustainability and environmental impact reduction;
• Logistics optimization and lead time reduction;
• Smart inventory management;
• Advanced sales data analysis;
• B2B and B2C e-commerce;
• Omnichannel and phygital solutions;
• Artificial Intelligence, Virtual and Augmented Reality applied to retail;
• Advanced customer experience and multi-platform customer relationship management.

Startups are also required to:

• Ensure their presence at the fair and participation in pre-event meetings;
• Provide communication materials within the requested deadlines;
• Actively participate in the digital platform to maximize business opportunities;
• Have at least one team member with fluent English for participation in pitches.

4. Selection and Final Prize

Applications must be submitted by 6:00 PM on Thursday 13th November 2025, by completing the form available below.

By Friday 21st November 2025, a technical committee will select the finalist startups that will participate in the Innovation Village Retail and the Startup Competition, taking place from Saturday 10th January 2026 to Tuesday 13th January 2026.

The winning startup will receive:

• Free participation in the June 2026 edition, with a dedicated station and full services;
• A video interview and official promotion through the fair's channels;
• Networking opportunities with buyers, associations, and companies in the sector;
• An exclusive interview published in the international partner magazine Foto Shoe 30 (to be released in February 2026).

5. Contacts

Retail Hub – for information about the call and participation: 📩 a.mascaro@retailhub.it
Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags – for information about the fair: 📩 marketing@exporivaschuh.it

🌐 www.exporivaschuh.it