About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
2026 InnovMetal Award: International Design Competition Offering $537,600 in Prizes
The 2026 InnovMetal Award (IMA) is inviting designers, students, researchers, creative teams and businesses worldwide to submit innovative product and industrial design concepts. With a total prize fund of approximately US$537,600 and no entry fee, the competition offers an opportunity to gain international recognition and connect creative ideas with the hardware manufacturing industry.
Formerly known as the China Hardware Products International Industrial Design Competition, the InnovMetal Award focuses on the theme “Design Driving the Future of Hardware.” It aims to encourage design innovation, improve traditional hardware products and support sustainable development through practical, market-oriented solutions.
The competition is organised around two main tracks: the Product Track and the Creative Track, which covers six specialised design challenges.
Application deadline: 31 October 2026.
Competition Details
Competition: 2026 InnovMetal Award (IMA)
Organiser: Yongkang Municipal People’s Government
Theme: Design Driving the Future of Hardware
Deadline: 31 October 2026
Expected results: March–April 2027
Total prize fund: Approximately US$537,600
Main Product Track prize: US$140,000
Main prize for each Creative Track challenge: US$7,000
Entry fee: Free
Eligibility: International applicants, including students, designers, research institutions and businesses
Official website: See the official InnovMetal Award website for application details.
About the InnovMetal Award
Established in 2006, the InnovMetal Award promotes the integration of industrial design and hardware manufacturing. The competition brings together international design talent and encourages the development of products that offer commercial value, social benefits and improved user experiences.
The award also seeks to strengthen the connection between innovative design and manufacturing in Yongkang, China, a centre associated with the hardware industry.
By encouraging practical, creative and sustainable solutions, IMA aims to help transform traditional hardware products and support the development of new products, services and technologies.
Competition Tracks
Applicants can choose between two main tracks, depending on their project and design objectives.
1. Product Track
The Product Track welcomes innovative products and services with strong commercial or social value and the potential for rapid commercialisation.
There are no restrictions on product categories, giving applicants flexibility to submit solutions across different areas of hardware and industrial design.
This track aims to identify promising projects and teams and encourage collaboration between designers and Yongkang's manufacturing industry.
The Gold Star Award, the main prize in this track, is valued at US$140,000.
2. Creative Track
The Creative Track features six specialised design challenges focusing on practical products, emerging needs and opportunities for innovation.
FEIJIAN — Green and Healthy Drinkware Design
This challenge focuses on drinkware concepts that support healthier use, environmental responsibility and improved user experiences.
LONGYARD — Multifunctional Quick-Assembly Room or Shed Design
Applicants are invited to develop adaptable room or shed concepts that can be assembled quickly and offer practical functionality.
LIJIUJIA — Home Fitness Equipment Design
This challenge seeks creative home fitness equipment that improves convenience, usability and the home exercise experience.
Hardware City — City Souvenir Design
Designers can develop distinctive souvenir products that communicate local identity and create value through design.
BUYANG — Smart Entry Door Design
This challenge focuses on innovative entry-door concepts incorporating smart features, functionality and contemporary design.
SIFANG — Smart Agricultural Machinery for Hilly and Mountainous Areas
Applicants are encouraged to develop intelligent agricultural machinery suited to the terrain and farming needs of hilly and mountainous regions.
The main prize for each Creative Track challenge is US$7,000. Applicants should consult the official rules for the complete award structure and any additional prizes.
Who Can Apply?
The InnovMetal Award is open to participants worldwide. Eligible applicant groups include:
University and research institute students.
University faculty members and researchers.
Design institutions.
Individual designers.
Design teams and studios.
Enterprises and businesses developing innovative products.
The competition may be particularly relevant to industrial designers, product designers, engineering innovators, design students and businesses seeking to develop new hardware products.
Applicants should check the official rules for detailed requirements, submission formats and any track-specific conditions.
Prizes and Benefits
The 2026 InnovMetal Award offers a combined prize fund of approximately US$537,600 across its two tracks.
Key prizes highlighted in the announcement include:
AwardPrize valueProduct Track — Gold Star AwardUS$140,000Creative Track — main prize for each of six challengesUS$7,000 eachTotal prize fund across both tracksApproximately US$537,600
Beyond the financial awards, the competition is designed to connect innovative ideas with manufacturing opportunities. Selected projects may have the opportunity to attract attention from industry stakeholders and explore pathways toward commercialisation.
Applicants should review the official competition rules for the full prize breakdown, judging process and any conditions attached to awards.
Application Fee
There is no entry fee.
Eligible participants can enter the competition without paying a submission fee, making it accessible to students, independent designers, creative teams and businesses.
Although entry is free, applicants should carefully review the official guidelines to ensure their submissions meet all requirements.
How to Apply for the 2026 InnovMetal Award
Interested applicants can follow these steps:
Access the official InnovMetal Award website.
Review the competition announcement, rules and submission requirements.
Choose the Product Track or one of the six Creative Track challenges.
Develop a design proposal that aligns with the selected track and the theme “Design Driving the Future of Hardware.”
Prepare the required project information, design materials and supporting documents.
Complete the official application process and submit the entry before the deadline.
Deadline: 31 October 2026.
The source announcement indicates that the official website is accessible through HTTP rather than HTTPS. Applicants should verify the website address and ensure they are using the organiser's official application channel before submitting personal or project information.
Why Enter the InnovMetal Award?
The InnovMetal Award offers designers an opportunity to turn creative thinking into practical solutions for the hardware industry. Its broad Product Track welcomes a wide range of concepts, while the six Creative Track challenges provide more specific areas for targeted innovation.
For students, researchers, independent designers and established businesses, the competition offers a chance to showcase ideas internationally, compete for substantial prizes and explore connections between design and manufacturing.
Those interested in industrial design, sustainable products, smart hardware, agricultural machinery or home-use products should review the official guidelines and prepare their submissions ahead of the October deadline.
Competition deadline: 31 October 2026
Entry fee: Free
Official website: Consult the official InnovMetal Award website for the application portal and full competition guidelines.
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