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wallybeaconSpreading light on innovation

wallybeacon is a collaborative journey between Wally and international universities, aimed at engaging students in imagining and developing new ideas and exploring uncharted paths.

Designed in partnership with strategic design firm MAIZE to celebrate Wally's 30th anniversary, the initiative combines inspiration, mentorship, and collaborative creation to foster creative thinking.

By putting younger generations right at its core, wallybeacon provides them with an open platform where students can challenge the status quo, transform their ideas into tangible projects, and turn 'utopias' into reality.

About Wally

World leader in yachting innovation, Wally combines the latest technology with contemporary design, constantly looking at ways of improving the on the water enjoyment with performance, comfort, and style.

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Founded by Luca Bassani, passionate yachtsman and visionary entrepreneur, Wally changed the entire concept of cruising yachts and built an iconic brand both in the yachting industry and in the luxury market.

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Wally is the only yachting brand two time winner of the Compasso d’oro (in 2004 and in 2008), the world’s most important award for quality and design. In 2019, it became part of Ferretti Group.

Learn more

The journey

**Discover the wallybeacon journey**

For this first edition, Wally has defined 3 briefs for students. Each brings a challenge: finding an innovative solution or solving specific problems in the areas of "Personal Goods", "Innovative Living", and "Smart Services and Experiences".

The final result should embody the true "Wally spirit", seamlessly blending top-notch quality, design, and innovation. It’s not just about looking cutting-edge: per the brand’s philosophy, functionality and aesthetics go hand in hand.

The briefs

Personal goods

"Personal Goods" are high-end items for personal use. Within this category, Wally wants to focus on innovative solutions related to footwear, bags, and luggage. These items can be designed for sports, everyday life, or more formal occasions.

Innovative living

This product category embodies a cutting-edge approach to home life, integrating avant-garde design and smart solutions to enhance indoor and outdoor spaces. It includes innovative items – such as multifunctional furniture and functional design objects – that elevate the user's domestic experience.

Smart services and experiences

This category includes cutting-edge technologies that help people unplug from their daily routines, taking care of their physical and mental health or embracing a slower, more meaningful approach to spending their free time and traveling. It includes digital products (apps, platforms), services, and "phygital" experiences.

Explore the briefs

Are you ready to take on the challenge and design an innovative solution that addresses one of these brief areas?

The project timeline

The journey’s main moments

From 16/09/2024 to 02/10/2024

Launch of the call for ideas & teams applications Students read the three briefs, choose the one they’re interested in, form a team of up to four students, and apply to the wallybeacon program through this website!

From 16/09/24 to 10/10/2024

Ideas submission Student teams work on the first draft of their idea, based on the chosen brief. They describe it using the wallybeacon template and upload it to this website.

By 17/10/24

Teams selectionOnce the call for ideas is closed, Wally considers all the applications and selects the teams with the most interesting ideas to take part in the journey.

From 21/10/24 to 15/11/24

Mentorship program &: ideas development Upon receiving confirmation of their selection, the teams further develop their ideas with guidance from MAIZE’s expert mentors. The mentorship sessions help the teams transform their initial concepts into real projects. >Discover the mentorship program

18/11/24 and 19/11/24

Celebration event at the h-farm campus At the final two-day event, teams present their projects to the wallybeacon jury, competing for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards for the best idea. The journey concludes with Wally's 30th anniversary celebration, featuring speakers, food, drinks, and music! >About the event

The journey

The briefs

The project timeline

Why participate

Learn the innovative way of thinking

Experience the blend of collaboration and competition with exciting challenges from a leading design brand. See how imagination, teamwork, and business skills come together to create successful strategies and ideas.

Network with international students and professionals

Work with talented young people from top international universities. Build lifelong friendships and connect with others who share your passions. Meet Wally’s and MAIZE’s teams, as well as other professionals from around the world.

Get inspired

Open your mind and get ready to hear inspiring stories from leading speakers in the world of entrepreneurship and innovation, including Wally’s Founder and Chief Designer Luca Bassani and Managing Director Stefano de Vivo.

All expenses paid

All the wallybeacon journey is offered by Wally, from the Mentorship Program to the room and board for the two-day event. The only expense you'll need to cover is your travel to the H-FARM Campus or the nearest train station or airport (learn more here).

Recognition for the 3 finalist teams

Along with an unforgettable experience, Wally is granting special recognition to the top three finalist teams, honored for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place!

How to participate

Stay tuned

First and foremost, stay informed and ensure you don't miss any wallybeacon information or deadlines. Subscribe here to receive our updates via email.

Subscribe individually

Read the briefs and select the one you believe you can address. Form a students team of 4 people. Each team member must individually register for the program on this website, specifying the team name and chosen brief.

Upload the team's idea

Collaborate with your team to develop a first draft of your idea, addressing the chosen brief. Use the wallybeacon's template, which will guide you step by step. Submit the document through this website. Only one file needs to be uploaded per team.

Submit your idea

Wait for the confirmation

The wallybeacon team will review all submitted ideas and select those that best align with the briefs and the authentic "Wally spirit". The selected student teams will be notified, and will access the exciting Mentorship Program!