Confindustria Nautica and the International Boat Show have announced the opening of entries for the seventh edition of the Design Innovation Award. Launched in 2020 and promoted by Confindustria Nautica and the International Boat Show, the award is open to all exhibitors at the event, who may submit original products—manufactured within the past year—that are being presented at the Boat Show. The initiative aims to showcase design excellence and foster a culture of innovation within the recreational boating industry. The seventh edition will take place during the 66th International Boat Show, scheduled for October 1–6, 2026, in Genoa.
“The Design Innovation Award was created to recognise the value of innovation as a driving force for the development of the yachting industry. This decision is consistent with the very nature of the Genoa International Boat Show, which is not only one of the sector’s most important international events, but also a sector-wide tool designed to support the growth of the entire supply chain. Ever since its inception, Confindustria Nautica has sought to establish an award capable of expressing the sector’s values with authority, entrusting the assessment to an independent jury composed of international experts, which ensures expertise, rigour and impartiality.”
An award for the finest examples of contemporary yachting
Over the course of seven editions, the Design Innovation Award has established itself as a leading international accolade dedicated to innovation and design culture within the yachting industry. Held in conjunction with the International Boat Show, the Award highlights the best of contemporary yachting each year, recognizing projects that best embody the evolution of design, innovation, and sustainability. Paolo Brescia will chair the international Jury – comprising distinguished Italian and international experts from the fields of design, yachting, research, media, and institutions – which will select the winners through an independent, multidisciplinary evaluation process, a hallmark of the Award since its inception.
A deep bond with the sea
Architect and co-founder of the firm OBR – Open Building Research, Paolo Brescia is a leading figure in contemporary architecture. After collaborating with Renzo Piano, he founded OBR in 2000; the firm is now responsible for numerous projects of national and international significance. Notable examples in Genoa include the Casa della Vela and the Waterfront di Levante – developed in collaboration with Renzo Piano – which represent a significant instance of urban regeneration and provide the new setting for the International Boat Show. His profound understanding of design and his connection to the sea – honed through extensive sailing experience – make him a particularly fitting figure to chair the Design Innovation Award Jury.
11 categories showcasing the future of the nautical industry
The Design Innovation Award comprises eleven product categories, alongside Special Awards dedicated to Innovation, Career Achievement, and Talent, as well as Honorable Mentions for products deserving of special recognition. All entries will be evaluated based on criteria that reward design quality, innovation, sustainability, technical-scientific research, and the ability to interpret the evolution of the contemporary nautical sector.
How and by when to submit entries for the International Design Award.
Entries must be submitted exclusively online by September 18, 2026, by completing the form available on the official International Boat Show website: https://www.salonenautico.com/design-innovation-award/
The winners will be announced on Friday, October 2, during the evening dedicated to the Design Innovation Award—one of the most anticipated events of the 66th International Boat Show, celebrating the finest examples of contemporary boating and the projects set to shape its future evolution.
Emilio Martinelli
