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Formica Corporation has announced the winners of its ninth-annual FORM Student Innovation Competition, recognizing standout student furniture designs that creatively incorporated surfacing materials from the Formica portfolio.
The 2026 competition drew a record 303 eligible submissions from interior design, architecture and furniture design students across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Centered around the theme “Mood-Boosting Design,” this year’s competition challenged students to create original furniture pieces using three or more products from the Formica portfolio, including Formica Laminate and FENIX Innovative Materials. Entries explored how color, texture and material layering can influence emotional well-being and create engaging residential or commercial spaces.
“This year’s submissions reflect a thoughtful balance of function and emotion,” said Meghan Howell, North American Design and Creative Director for Formica Corporation. “It’s inspiring to see how students used our products in unexpected ways to create uplifting, purposeful spaces that spark joy.”
The winning students will receive cash prizes and attend NeoCon 2026 as guests of Formica Corporation, where the company will fabricate and showcase the grand-prize design during the event. Winners also will participate as featured speakers in the official NeoCon programming.
First Place
Kassandra Avila of Cégep de Trois-Rivières in Quebec, Canada, earned the grand prize for “VIVO,” a modular children’s furniture concept designed to encourage creativity, play and independence. Featuring rounded forms and a calming blue-and-white palette, the adaptable system supports children of varying sizes and activities while creating a soft, inviting atmosphere.
Competition judge Ayse Birsel praised the project for its “sophisticated and thoughtful use of Formica Laminate” and noted its cohesive approach to color, scale and functionality.
Second Place (Tie)
Two students tied for second place honors:
Vania Lau of Purdue University and her “Lumine” design
- Vania Lau of Purdue University for “Lumine,” a multifunctional bedside table featuring integrated lighting, storage and a pull-out lap desk designed to support a calming nighttime environment.
Émile Tessier of Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Quebec, Canada, and his “The Foam” design
- Émile Tessier of Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Quebec, Canada, for “The Foam,” a playful furniture concept inspired by soap bubbles and designed for educational and child-focused environments.
Third Place
Nicholas Luter of Ringling College of Art & Design in Sarasota, Florida, and his “The Pylon Pets” design
Nicholas Luter of Ringling College of Art & Design in Sarasota, Florida, received third place for “The Pylon Pets,” a stackable seating system inspired by Art Deco geometry and stylized animal silhouettes intended to bring playful interaction into public children’s spaces.
Honorable Mentions
Additional top finishers included students from Universidad de Monterrey, Dawson College, Ohio State University, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez and Middle Tennessee State University.
More information about the winning projects is available through the FORM Student Innovation Competition website.
