The Crystal Cabin Award, one of the world’s most prestigious honors exclusively for aircraft cabin innovation, is kicking off the next round. For 2026, the competition is opening its doors specifically to young companies: the new “Breakthrough Start-Ups” category invites start-ups to submit their ideas for the future of flight.
The new category seeks bold ideas, visionary approaches, and technologies that rethink air travel – whether for passengers, airlines, OEMs, or suppliers. Eligible entrants are start-ups no older than seven years whose concepts have the potential to transform the industry.
Submissions for the Crystal Cabin Award 2026 from companies, institutions, and students are now open. The application deadline is November 15, 2025.
Eight Categories – One Stage for Tomorrow’s Innovations
The Crystal Cabin Award 2026 features eight categories reflecting the aviation industry’s key future themes – from sustainable flight and accessible cabins to digital services and visionary start-up ideas.
Sustainable Cabin
Aviation has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050. Achieving this requires innovation across the board, including in the cabin. Entries that measurably reduce aviation’s environmental footprint and accelerate the transition to climate-neutral flight are sought.
Accessibility
This category honors solutions that make flying easier and more comfortable for all passengers, from accessible seating and lavatory solutions to new cabin layouts and assistive technologies.
IFEC & Digital Systems
From smarter entertainment to the connected cabin: this category recognizes digital innovations such as inflight entertainment platforms, connectivity solutions, or integrated software concepts that enhance both the passenger experience and airline operations.
Passenger Comfort
Seats, overhead bins, lighting, and more: this category is for innovations that noticeably improve travel comfort, especially when they benefit a broad range of passengers.
Cabin Technologies
This category focuses on individual technical components such as galleys, environmental control systems, safety systems, or waste and potable water systems, that deliver clear advantages for airlines or passengers.
Cabin Concepts
Holistic cabin design: this category awards complete concepts that combine multiple elements into a coherent overall experience, from premium cabins to visionary design solutions.
University
Students worldwide can present their ideas for the cabin of the future. The focus is on fresh visions with real added value, regardless of how far along they are technically.
Breakthrough Start-Ups (new)
For the first time, the award features a dedicated category for young companies. Eligible entrants are start-ups no older than seven years. Bold concepts, innovative technologies, and visionary approaches that challenge the aviation status quo and open new perspectives for airlines, manufacturers, suppliers, or passengers are sought.
Jury, Process, and Award Ceremony
All submissions will be evaluated in a multi-stage process by an international jury of 27 industry experts. Finalists will be announced in spring 2026. The award ceremony will take place on April 14, 2026, during the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.
Early bird discount
This year, applicants once again have the opportunity to benefit from an early bird discount. Participants who submit their application by October 5, 2025, are eligible for a reduced participation fee of €280. After that date, the submission fee will be €380, as in the previous year. Students are exempt from the fee entirely.
About the Crystal Cabin Award
The Crystal Cabin Award is the most prestigious international prize dedicated exclusively to innovations in aircraft cabins. Under the motto “Let your ideas take off,” it annually honors outstanding products and concepts that enhance the flying experience – from smart single seats to connected galleys. Entries are evaluated by an independent jury representing academia, engineering, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and trade media. The award was initiated by the Hamburg Aviation cluster and is organized by the Crystal Cabin Award Association. Since 2007, it has been presented during the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. Today, it is recognized worldwide as a seal of quality – and as a springboard for many products that later enter service in commercial aircraft.
Featured image credited to Jan Brandes
