ARMA Student Design Awards 2026

Nominations now open

Nominations close 22 May 2026

Download the information brochure and nomination form for more information, including rules and evaluation criteria.

2026 THEME - DESIGN FOR INCLUSION

Entrants are invited to explore innovative ideas that celebrate diversity and create solutions accessible to all.

This could involve re-imagining existing products to be more inclusive or developing entirely new designs that consider different abilities, ages, cultural backgrounds, and lifestyles. Projects might address areas such as education, healthcare, outdoor living, workplace design, or everyday products that enhance connection and participation.

The theme of design for inclusion offers a broad canvas for interpretation in our student design competition, encouraging participants to design with empathy, equity, and creativity at the forefront.

INFORMATION FOR LECTURERS

The Association of Rotational Moulders Australasia (ARMA) is passionate about connecting design and engineering students with real industry opportunities. That’s why we’re thrilled to be running our Student Design Awards in 2026 – and we’d love your students to be part of it.

Why get involved?

Students will:

Apply their design skills to a real-world manufacturing challenge.
Explore innovation and sustainability in product design.
Gain exposure by having their work showcased to industry leaders at our annual conference.
Compete for cash prizes ($3,000 first place, $1,500 second, $500 third) and potential licensing or employment opportunities.
Access exclusive experiences – ARMA can support with guest lectures or factory tours (depending on location) to give students a behind-the-scenes look at how products are made.

Proven Impact

Relaunched in 2024 after a 14 year break, the Awards attracted 13 entries and were praised by both students and industry.
Students said they valued the creativity, exposure, and fun of having their work judged at a live industry event.
From 1999–2010, the program helped launch careers, with some student designs even going into full production.

How it works:

Entries may be CAD drawings, schematics, photos of prototypes, or the prototypes themselves.
Designs must use currently available materials and be immediately manufacturable with existing technology.
All entries will be judged by a panel of ARMA members at Rotomould26 in Melbourne (22 - 24 June 2026), where the winners will be announced.
Entries are open to students in the Australasian region.

Interested? Contact ARMA for more information or to get involved.

LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION?

A large range of products is already in manufacture using the rotational moulding process. Click here to view the huge range of different products made by this process!

PRIZES

There is a total cash prize pool of AUD$5000.00 allocated for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Evaluation will be made by a selection of ARMA members chosen by the ARMA CEO at the annual Rotomould26 Conference & Trade Exhibition.