Formnext opens submissions for 2026 awards programme
Mesago Messe Frankfurt has announced that submissions are now open for the 2026 Formnext Awards. The Formnext Awards provide a view of current developments in the Additive Manufacturing industry and highlight projects, business models, and personal achievements that are already making an impact. They reflect the full spectrum of AM innovation, from technological advances and sustainable approaches to entrepreneurial and individual commitment.
“The Formnext Awards demonstrate where Additive Manufacturing is already delivering tangible value today – technologically, economically, and socially. They make visible which solutions are proven, which business models are viable, and which players are setting benchmarks. In doing so, the Awards offer valuable guidance within a highly dynamic market,” explained Sascha F Wenzler, Vice President of Formnext, Mesago Messe Frankfurt.
Submissions will be evaluated by an international jury, which has been partially reappointed for 2026. The evaluation process incorporates technological, economic, design, and strategic criteria. This year’s Formnext Awards will be presented in six categories.
AMbassador Award: For individuals or organisations that have made a lasting impact on the AM community through exceptional education, training, outreach, or personal commitment.
Design Award: For outstanding AM designs and products that successfully combine functionality, design, and manufacturing logic.
(R)Evolution Award: For products, technologies, or services that create clear added value for users through a high degree of innovation and fundamentally advance existing approaches.
Rookie Award: For young individuals or teams with promising business ideas who have not yet founded a company or have only recently done so.
Start-up Award: For young companies with viable business models, strong scaling potential, and clear market relevance.
Sustainability Award: For AM applications and products evaluated across their entire lifecycle and that demonstrably contribute to resource conservation and sustainable value creation.
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Petra Haarburger, President, Mesago Messe Frankfurt, shared, “Through the Formnext Awards, we create a framework in which quality, comparability, and responsibility become visible. They are part of our mission to shape technology hubs that provide guidance, enable networking, and sustainably support the industrial implementation of innovative technologies.”
The winners of the Formnext Awards 2026 will be honoured during the official awards ceremony at Formnext which is scheduled to take place November 17-20 in Frankfurt, Germany. In addition to the Formnext Award trophy, designed and produced in collaboration with SUTOSUTO and FKM Additive Manufacturing, winners will receive cash or non-cash prizes, such as individualised coaching for start-ups and rookies.
Submissions are now open. The deadlines are July 31, 2026, for the Start-up Award and August 31, 2026, for all other categories. Entries can be submitted here.
