The Olympic and Paralympic Torch of Milan Cortina 2026 received one of the 35 Honorable Mentions at the prestigious Compasso d’Oro* International Award 2025, promoted by ADI - Association for Industrial Design - in collaboration with the Italian General Commissioner for Expo 2025 Osaka. This recognition, established in 1954 by Gio Ponti, celebrates excellence in Made in Italy design.
The Essential torch was able to interpret the value of the Games in a modern key, embodying the theme of the Universal Exposition in Osaka, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” and representing the ability of Italian design to combine innovation and sustainability.
Among the most iconic symbols of the Games, the torch is produced by Eni, Premium Partner of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, in collaboration with Versalis, Official Supporter of the Games. The design development was led by Studio Carlo Ratti Associati, while engineering and production were assigned to Cavagna Group.
The torches pay tribute to Italian design: their minimal style and essential shape highlight the centrality of the flame, generated through a reusable burner fueled by bio-LPG. The iridescent and reflective finish, combined with a lightweight structure and the use of predominantly recycled materials, embodies the balance between innovation, sustainability and technology.
The official award ceremony was held on September 5th in the Auditorium of the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, in the presence of important personalities and an international jury chaired by Maite García Sanchis.
*To learn more
The Compasso d’Oro is the most prestigious award dedicated to Italian design, born from an idea by Gio Ponti in 1954. The symbol, designed by Albe Steiner, art director of La Rinascente, is inspired by the golden compass invented by Adalbert Goeringer. This tool is used to measure the golden section, also known as the “golden number” (1.618), which represents harmonious proportions and aesthetic balance. The logo therefore expresses the perfect harmony between functionality and beauty. This award is given to objects, products, projects, and research that stand out for quality, innovation, and aesthetic value, and it is considered an international benchmark in the design world.