Light + Building 2026 will soon take place with the goal of showcasing the latest developments in the industry.

From technical lighting and lighting components to smart building technology and security systems, the Designplus Award by Light + Building honors exceptional innovations and sustainable designs in the fields of lighting, electrical engineering, and home and building automation.

In collaboration with Stylepark, a platform and magazine specializing in architecture and design, Messe Frankfurt offers exhibiting companies the opportunity to enter their products in the competition. In addition to the official award ceremony, the winning brands will benefit from two exclusive digital presentation formats and a comprehensive communication program that highlights their award-winning solutions.

New categories for more inspiration

The competition now features six categories instead of four, including two special awards, offering an even greater platform for creative and sustainable solutions.

The new special categories, Young Innovators + and Sustainable Exhibition Stand +, reinforce Messe Frankfurt’s commitment to supporting start-ups and promoting sustainable trade fair design.

Award categories:

• SUSTAINABILITY & FUTURE ENERGY +: Seeking energy-efficient systems, renewable heating solutions, storage technologies, and concepts for circular economy and resource conservation.
• SMART & CONNECTED SOLUTIONS +: Products and systems that leverage efficiency potential through IoT, artificial intelligence, BIM, or smart networking.
• LIGHTING DESIGN & ATMOSPHERE +: Focused on luminaires and lighting systems, as well as intelligent controls and lighting design tools.
• USER EXPERIENCE & INTEGRATION +: Honoring projects that promote new living and working environments, combine sustainability and design, and place people at the center of the experience.
• YOUNG INNOVATORS +: Open to start-ups and young innovators supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, as well as exhibitors in the Young Design area.
• SUSTAINABLE EXHIBITION STAND +: Recognizes exhibitors who stand out for particularly sustainable booth concepts.

Selection process and recognition

An independent jury of experts with extensive experience in the key topics of Light + Building will select the winners in a two-stage process. After an initial evaluation of the submissions, the nominees will be announced, followed by the final selection of the winners.

The evaluation will focus on products that make a decisive contribution to a more sustainable building sector. Both nominated and winning products will be presented in an online gallery and displayed in digital info hubs throughout the exhibition grounds during the fair.

During Light + Building 2026, the winners will be recognized in an official award ceremony and will receive the exclusive Designplus Award trophy.

The award-winning solutions will gain visibility beyond the trade fair, as the Designplus Award is highly regarded in the industry and strengthens companies’ market positioning in the long term.

Register and participate

All exhibitors at Light + Building 2026 are invited to submit their most innovative and sophisticated products to the Designplus Award by Light + Building. Registration is open until January 19, 2026. The jury meeting will take place on February 4, 2026.