A' Design Awards opens 2026 wearable technology nominations

A' Design Award & Competition has opened nominations for its 2026 International Wearable Technologies Design Awards, with entries due Sept. 30, 2026 and winners set for announcement May 1, 2027. The contest targets wearable and smart-device makers worldwide and offers laureates publicity, jury recognition and a package of promotional prizes.

Why it matters: - The competition gives wearable technology designers and manufacturers a global platform to validate products that blend hardware, software and everyday utility. - Winners can gain publicity, design recognition and promotional support that may help products reach buyers, partners and media. - The awards also spotlight categories where wearables are expanding fastest, including health, fitness, communication, productivity and smart fabrics.

What happened: - A' Design Award & Competition opened entries for the 2026 A' International Wearable Technologies Design Awards. - The call for entries was announced July 22, 2026, in Como, Italy. - Eligible applicants include wearable technology designers, brands, manufacturers, fashion designers, textile engineers, electronics engineers, industrial designers, technology companies, fashion brands, biomedical engineers, smart fabric specialists, IoT device designers, fitness technology experts, virtual reality specialists, augmented reality designers, consultancy firms and R&D companies worldwide. - Products and smart connected devices developed within the last 10 years are eligible. - Participants can register at the entry portal.

The details: - The competition uses a two-phase process. - Entrants begin with a complimentary preliminary evaluation. - Projects that pass the preliminary stage can move to nomination. - A nominal fee applies for nomination consideration. - Eligible categories include smartwatches, fitness trackers, AR glasses, VR headsets, wearable medical devices, smart textiles, wearable computers, smart jewelry, body cameras and connected accessories. - Sub-category descriptions are posted at the award category page. - Entries are judged anonymously by an international jury of more than 300 academics, industrial designers, electronics engineers, healthcare specialists, technology experts and innovation professionals. - Judging focuses on usability, engineering quality, technological innovation and design excellence. - The entry deadline is Sept. 30, 2026. - Results will be announced May 1, 2027. - Professional-edition laureates receive the A' Design Prize, which includes PR, marketing and publicity tools.

Between the lines: - The awards are structured to function as both a competition and a promotion engine for winners. - The jury and anonymous review process are designed to frame the contest as merit-based rather than popularity-based. - The prize package goes beyond a trophy and certificate, signaling that visibility is a central part of the program. - The awards are also aimed at a broad ecosystem, not just consumer gadget makers, which could help bring in more specialized medical, textile and industrial wearables.

What's next: - Entrants can continue submitting projects until Sept. 30, 2026. - Winners will be named May 1, 2027. - Laureates will receive an interview, a press release, a press kit with design images and other materials, and distribution to accredited press members and confirmed press partners. - Past winners are listed at the winners page. - More information is available at designaward.com.

The bottom line: - The 2026 A' Wearable Technologies Design Awards are positioning wearables as a high-design, high-visibility category, with a broad entry pool and a promotional package built to amplify winners well beyond the trophy case.