Applications are ongoing for the 8th International Innovative Natural Stone Design Competition, organized within the scope of Marble İzmir – International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair, one of the world’s largest natural stone exhibitions, to be held on April 14–17, 2026. Applications will be accepted until February 8, 2026. As Türkiye’s only internationally organized competition in its field, the Innovative Natural Stone Design Competition will once again bring together young talents from different countries in İzmir, showcasing creative and innovative uses of natural stone.
Hosted by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ, the competition continues to accept applications until Sunday, February 8, 2026. Designs will be evaluated by a distinguished jury composed of academics, designers, and industry professionals. Last year, 892 young designers from Türkiye and abroad applied, and this year promotional meetings are being held at various universities to encourage student participation.
Final and award ceremony on April 14
Following the application process, jury evaluations will begin and finalist projects will be selected. The final and award ceremony will take place on April 14, 2026, as part of Marble İzmir Fair. Finalist designs will be exhibited throughout the fair, meeting industry representatives and visitors.
This year, prizes exceeding 550,000 TL will be awarded. The first prize is 200,000 TL, second prize 130,000 TL, and third prize 65,000 TL. Additional awards include the Aegean Exporters’ Associations Special Prize, company special awards, design registration support, software awards, holiday prizes, production and internship opportunities, and special awards for international participants. A 3D printer will also be awarded to the university with the highest number of student applications.
Projects must be production-oriented
The competition aims to encourage high value-added products, strengthen the international competitiveness of the natural stone sector, and support young designers. It is open to undergraduate students from faculties of architecture, engineering, design, fine arts, and related departments, as well as students in associate degree programs and graduate (master’s and PhD) candidates.
Participants can apply with projects developed using natural stone or its by-products. Designs may include decorative home accessories, individual furniture pieces, value-added products for home and office use, as well as items such as sinks and bathtubs. It is essential that designs are not only conceptual but also feasible for production.
Jury members
The evaluation process will be conducted by a jury consisting of experienced names from academia, design, and the industry. Prof. Önder Küçükerman will serve as Honorary Jury Member. Other jury members include Dr. A. Can Özcan, industrial designers Adnan Serbest and Ahmet Toplu, interior architect Atilla Kuzu, Assoc. Prof. Ayşem G. Başar, Dr. Elif Kocabıyık, interior architect Esra Kazmirci, Prof. Çiğdem Kaya, Prof. Faruk Çalapkulu, architect Gökhan Karakuş, Prof. Ilia Palaguta, Prof. M. Lütfi Hidayetoğlu, Prof. Marinella Ferrara, Prof. Michal Stefanovski, industry representative Oben İnceler, architect Öznur Turak Eke, industry representative Remzi Boncuk, Prof. S. Meltem Özkaraman Şen, Assoc. Prof. Selçuk Demirci, Prof. Serkan Güneş, and interior architect Yeşim Kozanlı.
Application requirements, competition schedule, and detailed information are available at: https://www.degisiktasarimyarismasi.com, where applications can also be submitted online.