Design is back at the centre of attention in global yachting. The Design Innovation Award, one of the sector's most prestigious recognitions, has officially opened entries for its 7th edition. Created in 2020 and promoted by Confindustria Nautica, the Italian marine industry association, together with the Genoa International Boat Show, the award celebrates design excellence and encourages a culture of innovation across the whole chain.
More than a trophy, it has become a barometer of trends. Each edition reveals where design, technology and sustainability on board are heading.
"The Design Innovation Award was created to recognise the value of innovation as a driving force for the development of the yachting industry."
Piero Formenti, President of Confindustria Nautica
The 2026 novelty
The big change in this edition is the opening of a new category dedicated to marine components, which broadens the award's view beyond the finished boat and recognises those who design the parts and systems that make yachting work.
With this, the Design Innovation Award now has eleven product categories, plus special awards dedicated to Innovation, Career and Talent, and honourable mentions for works deserving of special attention.
"The Design Innovation Award is now much more than just an accolade."
Marina Stella, General Manager of Confindustria Nautica
An international jury
The entered projects are assessed by an independent jury, made up of national and international experts, chaired by architect Paolo Brescia, co-founder of the OBR studio. The criteria reinforce the award's philosophy: design quality, innovation, sustainability, and technical and scientific research.
"I am honoured to chair the jury of the Design Innovation Award."
Paolo Brescia, President of the jury
How to take part
Entries are made exclusively online, and show exhibitors may enter. The deadline runs until 18 September 2026, and the form is available on the award's official page.
The ceremony at the heart of Genoa
The trophy ceremony is set for 2 October, one of the most anticipated moments of the 66th edition of the Genoa International Boat Show, which takes place from 1 to 6 October 2026. Genoa is, historically, one of the main showcases of global yachting, and the award helps explain why: the show does not only display products, it displays the direction the market is heading.
For the sector, initiatives like this reinforce an increasingly clear message. The future of yachting is not built only with power or size, but with design, technology and responsibility, the same values that drive the ocean economy around the world. Mundo Mar follows the sector's major international events closely, and Genoa is an essential stop on that calendar.
By: Redação Mundo Mar
Photo: Mundo Mar
