Radical Innovation Awards Ceremony 2026
Radical Innovation celebrated its landmark 20th Anniversary on October 22, 2026, at CURRENT at Pier 59 in New York City. The event welcomed 170 hospitality executives, architects, designers, developers, entrepreneurs, and emerging talent from around the world to celebrate two decades of groundbreaking ideas and recognize the winners of its 2026 global competition.
This year's celebration featured the most dynamic and engaging program in Radical Innovation's history, introducing an enhanced format that brought guests closer to the innovators and their ideas. All finalists were showcased through concept videos, with Product, Technology, and Student Project finalists taking the stage to share the inspiration behind their submissions. Professional Project finalists participated in live Q&A sessions with the jury, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the creativity, development, and potential impact of their concepts.
A highlight of the awards ceremony was the special 20th Anniversary keynote, "20 Years of Radical Impact," featuring three past Radical Innovation winners: Graeme Labe of Luxury Frontiers, Caspar Schols of Casper Schols Studio, and Yasmin Solimon of Cooper Carry. Moderated by Stacy Shoemaker Rauen, the conversation explored the journey from visionary concepts to real-world impact, the challenges of bringing innovative ideas to life, and the role Radical Innovation has played in supporting creativity throughout the hospitality industry.
The evening also marked an exciting milestone with the introduction of the Technology category, recognizing the growing role of technology in shaping hospitality. The addition expanded the competition beyond its established Project and Product categories, providing a new platform for innovators exploring the intersection of technology, design, guest experience, and sustainability.
Congratulations to the 2026 Radical Innovation Winners!
Professional Project: AFTER LIGHT | Luxury Frontiers | South Africa
Student Project: SALT CONSTELLATION | Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Toluca | Mexico
Professional Product: FOLDED POETRY | Folded Poetry | United States
Student Product: MYCOFORM | Kealakehe High School | United States
Professional Technology: AEES | Prime Renovation | United Kingdom
Student Technology: BLUE SENSE LAB | National Taipei University of Education | Taiwan
In honor of the 20th Anniversary, guests also experienced a special video reflecting on Radical Innovation's journey since 2006, followed by a celebratory toast recognizing the extraordinary community of innovators, jurors, sponsors, and industry leaders who have helped shape the competition over the past two decades.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of six winning concepts across the Professional and Student divisions of Project, Product, and Technology. Selected for their originality, creativity, and potential to transform the hospitality industry, this year's winners represent a diverse range of ideas, from immersive architectural experiences and sustainable materials to adaptive environments and emerging technologies.
Since its founding, Radical Innovation has become an internationally recognized platform for ideas that challenge conventional thinking and reimagine the future of hospitality. Over 20 years, the competition has attracted more than 1,500 submissions from over 75 countries, bringing together more than 6,000 attendees and 300 sponsors and partners.
As Radical Innovation looks toward 2027, the organization is preparing to explore a new chapter in its evolution. While the future format continues to take shape, its founding mission remains unchanged: to provide a platform for visionary ideas, encourage unconventional thinking, and connect innovators with industry leaders who can help bring their concepts to life.
Radical Innovation is produced by The Hardy Group (HARDY) with the generous support of its 2026 sponsors: DFL Legal, Global Allies, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hospitality Net, Ferguson, Shawmut & First Finish, Whirlpool, AHLA Foundation, Allied Group, Andreu World, Archivism, BERMANFALK, Beyer Brown & Associates, Chartres Lodging Group, Continental Contractors, Cooper Carry, DLR Group, Hospitality Logistics International, IA Interior Architects, Marc Phillips Decorative Rugs, Poltrona Frau, Ridezign, RIVUR, Dr. Bharat & Milan Shah, The Saturday Crowd, Summa International, and Valley Forge Fabrics.
Radical Innovation's education partners include UNLV School of Architecture and the University of Illinois School of Architecture.
Photos credit: Matthew Carasella
