Alibaba has officially unveiled Wonder on Ice, a large-scale interactive AI showcase at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, highlighting how artificial intelligence and cloud computing are reshaping the future of fan engagement.

Located at Milan’s iconic Piazza del Castello, with the historic Castello Sforzesco as its backdrop, Wonder on Ice transforms the public square into a futuristic digital hub. The installation demonstrates how AI-driven technologies can power immersive experiences, personalized retail journeys, and more connected Olympic Games.

The opening ceremony on February 7 was attended by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry and Alibaba Group Chairman Joe Tsai, underscoring the growing role of technology partners in the Olympic ecosystem.

AI, Cloud, and Personalised Fan Experiences

At the heart of Wonder on Ice is a visually striking, snow-globe-inspired pavilion. Inside, visitors are guided through an AI-powered interactive journey that adapts in real time to their interests, offering a tailored virtual retail and storytelling experience.

The showcase illustrates how Alibaba’s AI and cloud infrastructure can deliver personalization at scale — a concept that extends beyond retail into how fans discover content, interact with brands, and experience live global events.

Speaking at the launch, Coventry praised the collaboration, saying the partnership continues to strengthen the Olympic Games by making them more accessible, connected, and engaging through technology.

Joe Tsai echoed that sentiment, noting that Wonder on Ice reflects a shared belief between Alibaba and the IOC that technology should enhance excitement while supporting sustainability and global inclusion.

AI-Generated Art Meets Olympic Culture

The debut of Wonder on Ice also marked the reveal of the Alibaba Cloud AIGC Championship at Milano Cortina 2026, a global AI-powered fan engagement initiative developed with the IOC and the Games’ organizing committee.

Using Alibaba’s AI video-generation tools, fans worldwide created original digital artworks inspired by winter sports. A curated selection of 100 AI-generated pieces will be projected onto the Wonder on Ice pavilion throughout the Games.

In a historic first, the collection will be formally acquired by the Olympic Museum, making it the first set of AI-generated artworks to enter the institution’s permanent collection.

Building on Paris 2024, With a Focus on Sustainability

Alibaba’s Wonder on Ice builds on innovations introduced at the Paris 2024 Olympics, expanding the use of AI and cloud technologies across broadcasting, sustainability, and venue operations.

For Milano Cortina 2026, Alibaba is delivering:

• Cloud-powered broadcasting workflows to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions
• AI-enhanced 360-degree replays for richer viewing experiences
• AI-driven sustainability tools for smarter energy use and carbon management

All systems are powered by Alibaba’s Qwen AI models, reinforcing the company’s position as a key digital infrastructure partner for the Olympic Games.

Why Wonder on Ice Matters

As global sporting events grow in scale and complexity, Wonder on Ice serves as a real-world demonstration of how AI can elevate fan engagement while supporting sustainability goals. It also signals how future Olympics may blend physical venues with intelligent digital layers to create more immersive, personalized experiences.

For Milano Cortina 2026, Wonder on Ice is not just a showcase — it’s a preview of how technology and sport are converging on the world’s biggest stage.

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