INNOVATION DAY 2026

What is the Innovation Day?

The Innovation Day will take place for the first time in 2026, as part of the ICAR Congress. 2026 is a pilot year for this new format. The Innovation Day gives delegates from ICAR member organisations the chance to work directly with ICAR partners, to help develop better alpine rescue and emergency response.

Because this is the first year, we will develop and improve the format together with the ICAR community. Its success will depend a great deal on how actively delegates take part. This means not only attending the Innovation Day, but also joining in the presentations, workshops, demonstrations and discussions offered by the ICAR partners. Delegates’ feedback and ideas will help us shape a good, lasting format for future ICAR Congresses.

Connecting expertise – promoting innovation

ICAR currently works with over 30 partner companies. Many of them make equipment and solutions for alpine emergency rescue. Others bring specialised knowledge and expertise. The Innovation Day connects this expertise with the practical experience of mountain rescue organisations, to help develop better rescue equipment and solutions.

A practical and interactive programme

The Innovation Day is a new, separate event. Please do not confuse it with the Practical Day on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. The Innovation Day will focus on workshops, product presentations and direct exchange with ICAR partners. Because the event takes place in the city of Innsbruck, there is only limited space for outdoor demonstrations. Most of the programme will therefore take place indoors at Congress Innsbruck, with some activities outdoors where space allows.

 

DATE:	Saturday, 10 October 2026
TIME:	13:00–17:00
VENUE:	Congress Innsbruck
WHO:	Delegates of ICAR member organisations

Registration for workshops and product presentations

You do not need to register in advance to attend the Innovation Day itself — all delegates of ICAR member organisations are welcome. We are developing the detailed programme together with our partners over the coming weeks. Some workshops, product presentations and demonstrations have limited space. During the Congress, we will display registration lists so that delegates can sign up for the sessions they want to attend. For the latest programme updates, please visit www.alpine-rescue.org.

 

Please take an active part!

We encourage all ICAR member organisations to tell their delegates about the Innovation Day, and to support their participation on Saturday afternoon.

This exchange between rescue organisations and partner companies brings practical experience and technical expertise together. It helps to further develop alpine emergency rescue.

We look forward to an innovative and practice-oriented exchange in Innsbruck!