Sustainability and inclusion take center stage in the seventh edition of the awards celebrating the future of the mountains
At an altitude of 2,732 meters, where the Dolomites meet the sky, innovation is not just a technological challenge but a vital necessity. Lagazuoi EXPO Dolomiti has officially opened call for entries for the seventh edition of the Lagazuoi Winning Ideas Mountain Awards (WIMA). This curatorial competition selects and rewards the most avant-garde projects destined for the highlands. Companies, startups, and non-profit organizations have until April 30, 2026, to present solutions capable of redefining the concept of high-altitude innovation.
Three Categories for a Sustainable Future
The award, conceived by Stefano Illing, does not limit itself to celebrating product aesthetics; it analyzes the virtuous interaction between humans and the mountain environment. Proposals can be submitted in three distinct areas:
- Equipment and Clothing: technical garments and accessories designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
- Projects and Services: innovative solutions for exploration and the enhancement of the territory.
- Food and Wine Production: agricultural excellence from municipalities above 600 meters that focuses on novel production processes.
This year, the jury will place a particular emphasis on two fundamental pillars: inclusivity and sustainability. Special mentions will be awarded to those who successfully break down physical or environmental barriers through high-altitude innovation.
A Jury of Experts and Visionaries
The WIMA 2026 scientific committee features prominent names from journalism and industrial design. Divided into specialized commissions, experts such as Giampaolo Allocco (Industrial Design), Paolo Paci (Meridiani Montagne), Emanuele Bompan (Renewable Matter), and Annalisa Cavaleri (MICHELIN Guide) will evaluate the proposals to identify projects that represent the true state of the art in the sector.
The Exhibition: Innovation on Display Among the Clouds
The selected projects will not only receive formal recognition but will also become the stars of an exclusive exhibition opening on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Lagazuoi EXPO Dolomiti. The exhibition, running until March 2027, will transform the cable car arrival station into an open-air laboratory between Cortina d’Ampezzo and Alta Badia.
Participating in WIMA means joining a network that, over the past six years, has gathered over 200 projects, becoming the benchmark for those who believe that high-altitude innovation is the key to protecting and consciously experiencing the UNESCO World Heritage of the Dolomites.
Regulations and registration here
