Formica Corporation has opened entries for the “2026 FORM Student Innovation Competition,” now in its ninth year. The annual contest invites architecture, interior design and industrial design students from the United States, Canada and Mexico to create original furniture pieces using Formica® Brand and FENIX® products.
This year’s theme, Mood-Boosting Design, challenges students to explore the role of furniture in enhancing well-being. Entrants are encouraged to use expressive elements like color, pattern and texture to create designs that inspire and uplift. Each submission must include a project statement, a color rendering and at least three Formica® Brand or FENIX® products.
“We know that design isn’t just about looking good but also feeling good, and who doesn’t want to feel better every time they walk into a space?” says Meghan Howell, North American Design and Creative director at Formica Corporation. “We’re excited to see how students interpret joy in their designs.”
Winners will be announced in May 2026 and honored at NeoCon, the leading design event for commercial interiors. The grand prizewinner will receive $2,000 and see their design fabricated and showcased at NeoCon 2026 in Chicago. Second- and third-place winners will receive $1,000 and $500 respectively. All three will be invited to attend NeoCon as guests of Formica, gaining valuable exposure to the professional design community.
The competition builds on a legacy of design exploration that began in 2008, when Formica challenged industry legends—including Zaha Hadid, Michael Graves and Massimo Vignelli—to create works of art with Formica® Brand materials. That spirit of innovation now continues through the FORM competition, spotlighting the creativity of the next generation of designers.
Entries are open through Feb. 27, 2026, at formica.com/studentcompetition. Full competition rules and resources are also available online.
