The 20th Hardware InnovMetal Award (IMA) 2025
The 20th Hardware InnovMetal Award (IMA) 2025 is now open for entries!
The 20th Hardware InnovMetal Award (IMA) 2025 — formerly China Hardware Design Competition, has been recently announced for entries, centered on the theme “Design Driving the Future of Hardware”, IMA seeks to inject new functions, value, and user experiences into traditional hardware products.
Short description
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, InnovMetal Award (IMA) — formerly China Hardware Design Competition — is becoming a global innovation hub, leading the shift to “Designed in China.”
The InnovMetal Award (hereinafter referred to as IMA), formerly known as the China Hardware Products International Design Competition, was established in 2006. Over the past 19 years, it has been deeply engaged at the forefront of global hardware innovation, attracting more than 40,000 submissions from over 30 countries and generating an industrial output value exceeding RMB 30 billion.
In 2025, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, IMA has been officially upgraded and renamed. With higher prize funds, an improved competition structure, and stronger supporting resources, IMA aims to anchor itself in the strategic vision of “World Hardware Capital · Quality and Vitality in Yongkang.” It strives to become a global innovation and design hub for the hardware industry, driving the transformation from “Made in China” to “Designed in China.”
Centered on the theme “Design Driving the Future of Hardware”, IMA seeks to inject new functions, value, and user experiences into traditional hardware products. It strives to become a driving force for industrial transformation, guiding the hardware industry toward sustainable development and creating infinite possibilities for future living.
The InnovMetal Award (IMA) comprises two main tracks:
➜ Product Track — Primarily soliciting design products and services with outstanding commercial and social value, capable of rapid industrialization (no category restrictions). The aim is to attract outstanding innovative projects and teams for deep integration into Yongkang’s manufacturing sector
➜ Creative Track — with six distinct design competition, including:
“FEIJIAN” Health Cup & Pot Design
“LIJIUJIA” Home Fitness Equipment Design
“LONGYARD” Multi-functional Quick-Assembly Rooms/Sheds Design
“KINGMAX” Outdoor Leisure Products Design
“MUXING” Carbon Fiber Mobility Aids Design
“Hardware City” City Souvenir Design
The jury will consist of distinguished figures from the global design community, academic experts, senior enterprise designers, marketing specialists, industry experts, investors, corporate representatives, and veteran design professionals.
Final Evaluation and Award Ceremony will be at March–April 2026.
Who may enter?
➜ Product Track: Public registration is open to domestic and international university students, design agencies, enterprises, designers, and design enthusiasts (participants must be at least 18 years old). Teams may consist of no more than five members. Enterprises must meet the Classification Standards for SMEs and have no adverse records. Publicly submitted works will go through preliminary evaluation. Expert-nominated works, once approved by the organizing committee, may proceed directly to the second round.
➜ Creative Track: Open to domestic and international university students, design agencies, enterprises, and independent designers. Teams may consist of no more than three members.
Prize:
The total prize fund for both tracks is approximately $537,600. The main prize in the Product Track – Gold Star Award – is $140,000. The main prize for each competition in the Creative Track is $7,000.
Determined by a weighted score based on the number of submissions, shortlists, and awards achieved by the instructor’s students.the top ten will be determined by adding up the weightings and awarded the Outstanding Teacher Award.
Entry fees:
There is no entry fee to participate!
