The competition period for the Product Development Path Makers – Future Trailblazers Award 2026 has officially begun. The award recognises projects, experiments and initiatives that have opened new pathways in product development and delivered significant impact for businesses and society. Nominations may be submitted until 21 October 2026.
In 2026, the award is organised jointly by Aalto Design Factory, Academic Engineers and Architects in Finland (TEK), the City of Espoo, the Federation of Finnish Technology Industries, the Chemical Industry Federation of Finland, the Finnish Forest Industries Federation, and the TT Foundation.
The competition seeks projects, experiments and operating models that have created new customer value, boldly challenged established practices, and laid the foundation for new opportunities and growth. The award takes a broad view of product development, covering physical and digital products as well as services and processes.
Both individuals and organisations may submit nominations. Four finalists will be selected, and each will receive a prize of €8,000. In addition, one finalist will receive the Ekman Award, which is determined through a public vote.
The Finnish Forest Industries Federation participates both as an organiser of the competition and as a member of the award jury. The Federation is represented on the jury by Marjaana Suorsa, Manager, Innovation Policy, who will take part in selecting the finalists together with other experts.
The 2025 award winners included Entteri, which developed AI-based dental X-ray analytics; Saab, which renewed the innovation model of the defence industry; Betolar, which advanced low-carbon concrete production; and Uute Scientific, which accelerated the development of microbial extracts.
Further information about the competition and how to submit nominations is available on the award’s website. The nomination period is open from 28 August to 21 October 2026.
