Programm and Formats:
Established Formats at SKInnovation:
SKInnovation is known for its tried-and-true formats that make networking and business talks feel natural and effective. The Ski Lift Pitch, for example, allows startups to pitch their ideas while riding up the mountain, making it a quick and memorable way to connect with investors. Panel discussions and Fireside Chats offer valuable insights from experts in a relaxed environment. The Networking Gondola also lets participants chat informally while moving between the slopes, making every moment an opportunity to connect.
Ski Lift Pitch: Where Startups Pitch on the Slopes
The Ski Lift Pitch is one of the standout features of SKInnovation, offering startups the chance to pitch their ideas while riding the ski lift in the Austrian Alps. This unique setting not only makes pitching more exciting but also creates a memorable experience that is hard to forget. In 2026, there will be two distinct pitch competitions to cater to different stages of startup growth:
- Funding Pitch: For startups actively seeking investment, this pitch format takes place in the gondola as participants present their ideas to potential investors.
- Visibility Pitch: Held in the Olympia Bahn and the Olympia Café, this pitch format is designed for startups in the idea or pre-seed phase. Instead of seeking funding, these startups aim to get valuable feedback from investors and industry experts.
Both pitch competitions are set at 6 minutes to ensure a focused and impactful presentation, allowing startups to showcase their ideas effectively within a short timeframe.
To help bring the right startups and investors together, SKInnovation utilizes the 1-on-1 matchmaking system powered by AWS Connect, one of our trusted sponsors and partners. This matchmaking system ensures that each startup is paired with the most relevant investors, maximizing the chances of creating successful partnerships.
Why the Ski Lift Pitch is a Key Success Factor
At SKInnovation, networking is at the core of the event’s value. It’s not just about exchanging business cards, but about creating genuine, long-lasting relationships that can lead to successful collaborations. The Ski Lift Pitch is a perfect example of this approach, as it provides a unique and relaxed environment where startups can present their ideas to investors in a way that feels natural and unforced.
This pitch format embodies SKInnovation’s philosophy of fostering authentic connections, where both startups and investors can engage in meaningful conversations that go beyond the traditional pitch. As mentioned in our earlier blog post, Why SKInnovation is the Best Networking Event in Europe, the unique atmosphere of the event makes it an ideal setting for these types of deep, impactful connections.
The combination of pitching in the Alps, the 1-on-1 matchmaking system, and the personal spirit of SKInnovation makes the Ski Lift Pitch a truly unique opportunity. It’s not just about making a pitch – it’s about building relationships in a setting that fosters trust, collaboration, and long-term partnerships.
The Pitch Finale on Friday
The winners of the Funding Pitch competition will get the chance to pitch in front of the entire SKInnovation 2026 audience on the Main Stage at the Hoadl Haus. This is a final opportunity to impress investors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs. There will be exciting prizes to win, making the Pitch Finale an unforgettable highlight of the event.
Our Speakers
Both days of SKInnovation 2026 will be enriched by carefully selected keynote speakers, who will share their expertise on a wide range of topics from the entrepreneurship, startup, and business worlds. These speakers bring valuable insights and inspire attendees to think creatively and strategically.
The keynotes will take place on the Main Stage at the Hoadl Haus, offering a dynamic and engaging setting for deep discussions and learning.
For a preview of the incredible minds who will be taking the stage, check out our list of previous speakers and their topics. Get an idea of who has spoken in the past and which themes will be covered in 2026.
SKInnovation 2026 goes beyond just formal pitches and presentations. Skinnovation offers interactive formats like panel discussions, fireside chats, and Q&A sessions, where Skinnovators and guests can directly engage with industry experts and thought leaders. These formats are designed to create a deeper connection and facilitate knowledge-sharing.
Panel Discussions
Be part of the conversation! SKInnovation offers panel discussions that provide a unique opportunity to hear from leading voices in the startup, AI, sustainability, and new work sectors. These sessions are open and inclusive, where Skinnovators and guests can ask their burning questions and gain valuable insights into cutting-edge topics. Participation is encouraged, making it the perfect chance to dive deeper into subjects like connecting theory with practice and more. Contributions help enrich the discussion and fuel new ideas.
Fireside Chats
Set in the relaxed atmosphere of the Hoadl Haus with a stunning view of Innsbruck, fireside chats bring speakers into intimate one-on-one conversations. A moderator will guide the discussion, covering current topics in the SKInnovation world. This format is more personal, small, and natural, allowing for a deeper connection with the speaker and the topic at hand.
Q&A Sessions
After listening to the keynote speakers, SKInnovation offers Q&A sessions in the Hoadl Haus, providing Skinnovators and guests the chance to engage on a more personal level. Here, they can ask direct questions to the big names who are speaking on the Main Stage. This is a unique opportunity to gather insights from their career paths, business experiences, and founding journeys. It’s a chance to connect with them in a more intimate and informal setting, fully embracing the SKInnovation ethos of Networking on (Next-)Eye-Level.
Masterclasses, Yoga, Breakfast, and Exclusive Lunches at SKInnovation
Masterclasses at the Olympia Café
Experts from various industries will offer Masterclasses at the Olympia Café. Open to all Skinnovators, this is the place where practical tips will be shared, and concrete concepts will be developed, presented, and further refined. It’s an opportunity to gain hands-on, actionable knowledge and connect more closely with SKInnovation speakers. With a mix of workshop-style learning and community vibes, these Masterclasses are an essential part of the SKInnovation experience.
Yoga and Breakfast at Hoadl Haus
Each morning at SKInnovation starts with yoga at the Hoadl Haus. At 2,340 meters above sea level, yoga offers a perfectly balanced start to the day, helping you feel centered and energized. Afterward, enjoy a healthy breakfast to fuel up before diving into a full day of exciting events and networking. For those looking for an alternative, breakfast is also available at the Olympia Café, where you can continue the day with more casual conversations.
Exclusive Lunches for Investors and Corporates
SKInnovation offers exclusive lunch events for investors and corporates—a chance to engage in more personal networking over a great meal. These lunches, held at the Hoadl Haus, provide a relaxed environment for building valuable connections and having deep conversations on eye-level with fellow industry leaders.
Female Lunch for Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
On Thursday, SKInnovation also hosts a special Female Lunch for our female founders and aspiring entrepreneurs. This is a unique opportunity to connect, share experiences, and grow the network of female Skinnovators. The Female Lunch is a supportive environment where women in the startup world can exchange ideas, build partnerships, and empower one another to succeed.
Side Events: SKI Race, Sundowner- and Afterparty
Ski Race
On Thursday, SKInnovation will feature a team race where captains from the startup and entrepreneurship scene lead their teams down a specially designed race track from the Hoadl Haus to the middle station. This race isn’t about who’s the fastest, but how well the team works together. Open to all levels of ski skills, it’s a fun and inclusive event where the emphasis is on team performance. Amazing prizes await the winning teams and their captains!
Sundowner Party
Thursday evening will close with a Sundowner Party like no other. As the last rays of the sun reflect off the mountain peaks, the evening will be filled with drinks, great music, and good vibes at 2,340 meters above sea level. It’s the perfect way to relax and unwind after a day full of networking and innovation.
Afterparty
To finish off SKInnovation 2026 in style, the event will conclude with a lively afterparty on Friday evening. Ski après meets business as attendees let loose in a casual, fun atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the event, connect with new friends, and have a lot of fun before heading home.
SKInnovation 2026 is just the beginning. Each year, the event continues to evolve and improve, offering new opportunities for Skinnovators to connect, collaborate, and grow. With unique formats, stunning locations, and a community-driven spirit, SKInnovation remains at the forefront of innovative networking in Europe.
