Organizer Information

This prestigious global competition is organized by Confindustria Ceramica (the Italian Association of Ceramics) and the Italian Trade Agency. For the 2026 edition, the organization has merged its long-standing North American and Italian design contests into a single, unified international platform. The program is designed to celebrate the creative, technical, and sustainable use of Italian ceramic and porcelain tiles in modern architecture and interior design.

Title & Description

Ceramics of Italy International Tile Competition 2026.

The competition honors outstanding projects by architects and designers that showcase an expansive and innovative use of Italian tile. Projects are evaluated on their overall design quality, how the tile enhances the setting, and the project’s sustainable attributes. As a "safe-to-fail" environment for architectural expression, it encourages the use of the Ceramics of Italy trademarked products to shape unique spatial experiences.

Category

Architecture and Interior Design (Residential, Commercial, Outdoor, and Design & New Applications).

Eligibility

  • Participants: Open to architects and interior designers worldwide.
  • Project Scope: Eligible projects include new construction, renovations, or restorations.
  • Timeline: Projects must have been completed between January 2021 and March 2026.
  • Material Requirement: Projects must feature ceramic or porcelain tile from Ceramics of Italy member companies (brands licensed to use the Ceramics of Italy trademark).

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Cash Prizes: Financial rewards for category winners.
  • Bologna Trip: Winners receive a CEU-accredited trip to Bologna, Italy.
  • Cersaie 2026: Award recipients will be honored at a VIP ceremony during Cersaie (September 21–25, 2026), the world’s leading exhibition for ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings.
  • Publicity: Projects will be presented to an international audience of trade press, manufacturers, and industry professionals.

Application Fee

Free to enter. Multiple submissions per applicant are welcome.

Application Requirements

  • Submission Form: Completed via the official competition portal.
  • Project Details: Documentation of the project’s design, technical performance, and sustainability.
  • Attendance: Participation at the Cersaie award ceremony in Italy is required for winners.

Key Dates

  • Deadline for Entries: June 5, 2026.
  • Winner Notification: July 2026.
  • Awards Ceremony: September 21–25, 2026 (during Cersaie).

Location

Bologna, Italy (Awards & Exhibition).

Additional Details

The international jury is chaired by Steve Clem (TVS) and includes experts like Alfonso Femia and Donatella Bollani. The jury focuses on how Italian tile serves as a catalyst for architectural creativity while maintaining high standards of technical and sustainable advancement.

Contact Information

  • Website: tilecompetition
  • Organizer: Confindustria Ceramica / Italian Trade Agency