Confindustria Ceramica (the Italian Association of Ceramics) and the Italian Trade Agency are proud to announce that the 2026 edition of the Ceramics of Italy International Tile Competition is now open for entries.
For the first time, Ceramics of Italy’s two long-standing competitions — the 30-year North American Design Competition and the 11-year La Ceramica e il Progetto based in Italy — are joining forces to recognize the best projects featuring Italian ceramic and porcelain tile on a global scale. The program expands the competition to honor outstanding projects by architects and interior designers worldwide that utilize ceramic and porcelain tile from Ceramics of Italy member brands.
Selected by an esteemed international jury, winners will receive cash prizes and join a CEU-accredited trip to Bologna, Italy, where they will be honored at a special VIP award ceremony during Cersaie 2026 – the world’s leading exhibition for ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings.
With four categories – Residential, Commercial, Design & New Applications, and Outdoor – and no fee to enter, the competition invites architects and designers to submit projects that showcase an expansive use of Italian tile and a keen understanding of the material’s practical, aesthetic, and sustainable qualities.
Eligible projects may include new construction, renovations, or architectural restorations completed between January 2021 and March 2026, and must feature Italian ceramic or porcelain tile produced and marketed by companies licensed to use the Ceramics of Italy trademark under their own brand names.
Winners will be notified in July and publicly announced during a VIP awards ceremony at Cersaie 2026, taking place in Bologna, Italy from 21–25 September, 2026.
Award recipients will receive cash prizes and attend the show alongside a delegation of leading design media, architects, and designers, and will present their projects before an audience of international design and trade press, manufacturers, and tile industry professionals.
No Entry Fee!
It's free to enter.
