GIA Excellence in Student Design Awards
Scholarship Sponsored by International Housewares Association
Since 1993, we have been Acknowledging Emerging Talent in Industrial Design
Boost Your Design Profession
- Connect with industry leaders in search of innovative product concepts
Secure a Monetary Reward
- $12,000 in cash rewards, inclusive of travel and accommodation expenses
- The educational institutions of the winners also receive financial grants
An Unforgettable Opportunity
- Your design showcased at The Inspired Home Show 2025
The Global Innovation Award (gia) Student Design Competition, initiated by the International Housewares Association (IHA) in 1993, is acknowledged by design professionals and educators as a significant contribution to the field of industrial design education. This challenging competition is evaluated by design experts and housewares company managers. Each submission receives two written assessments. The top winners are invited to Chicago to present their product ideas at The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s Global Home - Housewares Market.
GUIDELINES
Who is eligible to participate?
Undergraduate and graduate students of industrial design, enrolled in a degree-awarding program at any university in North America or other countries, are eligible to participate. Students graduating in Spring 2024 can participate if the project was finalized before graduation. A student can submit multiple projects. Group projects are also accepted. If a group project wins, IHA will cover the travel expenses for one student and the cash prize will be divided among the team members.
What do the winners receive?
- Judges distribute $12,000 in cash rewards. An additional $3,000 is given to the winners’ educational institutions.
- The winning projects are exhibited at The Inspired Home Show, from March 2-4, 2025, at McCormick Place, Chicago
- Winners are provided with travel, daily allowances, and accommodation for five nights (from Friday, February 28 to Wednesday, March 5). IHA will bear the cost of economy-class flights up to $1,500 for a round trip to and from Chicago. Winners must be available for the exhibit and media interactions.
- Winners will be informed via email by January 31, 2025.
- Honorable Mentions receive a nominal cash prize. They are not obligated to attend the Show. Honorable Mentions are included in media releases.