Innovation for Outdoors

On Monday, 18 May 2026, the European Outdoor Week in Riva del Garda will host a dedicated Startup & Innovation Day as part of the initiative Innovation for Outdoors. The afternoon brings together startups, investors, corporate innovation leaders, and outdoor enthusiasts for a compact, high-energy program focused on the future of the outdoor industry.
Organized in partnership with the European Outdoor Group, MagNet, and SKInnovation, the event creates a curated space where emerging outdoor ventures meet decision-makers and ecosystem players from across Europe.

What to expect

Startup Pitches
10 selected startups will present their innovations live on stage, each followed by direct feedback and questions from a panel of industry experts and investors. In total, 15 – 20 startups will exhibit throughout the trade show day.

Panel Discussion: “The Future of Outdoor Innovation”
Leaders from startups, corporates, and the investment community will discuss where outdoor innovation is heading, from sustainability and materials to digital solutions and new business models.

Curated Networking
The afternoon concludes with an open meet & greet in the startup area, designed to facilitate meaningful connections between founders, investors, brands, retailers, and media representatives.

Community Afterparty
To close the day, the community gathers for an informal celebration of the outdoor startup ecosystem.

Who Should Attend?
The Innovation Day is open to all European Outdoor Week visitors, including investors, corporate representatives, retailers, media, startups, and anyone interested in the next generation of outdoor innovation.
Whether you are scouting new technologies, looking for partnerships, or simply curious about the future of the industry, Innovation for Outdoors offers a focused platform to discover what’s next.