FORM 2026 Student Design Competition Winners Announced by Formica Corporation

Formica Corporation has announced the winners of the ninth edition of the FORM Student Innovation Competition, FORM 2026. This year's challenge asked students to create furniture pieces that convey well-being under the theme 'Design that Lifts the Spirit.' A record 303 projects were submitted from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The second place was a tie between Vania Lau of Purdue University for 'Lumine,' a multifunctional nightstand with integrated lighting, hidden storage, and a retractable desk, and Emile Tessier of Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu for 'The Foam,' a playful piece inspired by soap bubbles for children's educational spaces. Third place went to Nicholas Luter of Ringling College of Art & Design for 'The Pylon Pets,' a seating system inspired by Art Deco geometric figures of dogs and cats. Winners will receive cash prizes and will be invited as special guests to NeoCon 2026, where the winning project will be fabricated and exhibited. They will also speak at the event. Notable finalists include Fátima Cervantes (Universidad de Monterrey), Maryssa Baril (Dawson College), Faith Schneider (Ohio State University), Miguel Ángel Aguilera Sáenz (Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez), Natalie Darbonne (Middle Tennessee State University), and Grace McCoy (Ohio State University).