Final Call: Radical Innovation Submissions Close August 3 Last Chance to Enter the 20th Anniversary Competition

The 20th anniversary Radical Innovation competition closes August 3, 2026, with a new Technology Category added this year; winners announced October 22 in New York City.

Radical Innovation, the nonprofit platform dedicated to advancing groundbreaking ideas in hospitality and travel and produced by The Hardy Group, is entering the final stretch of its 20th anniversary competition. Submissions remain open but close on Sunday, August 3, 2026 — the last opportunity for professionals and students to enter this year's program.

This year's competition introduces a new Technology Category and a dedicated Technology Jury, joining the established Project and Product categories. The addition reflects the growing role of technology in shaping how hospitality is designed, built, and experienced.

Entries are welcome from across disciplines, including designers, architects, engineers, industrial designers, tech founders, and forward-thinking creatives. With only weeks remaining, Radical Innovation is encouraging anyone who has been considering an entry to submit before the August 3 deadline at radicalinnovation.io.

The ideas submitted this year underscore why this platform matters, and the opportunity to contribute remains open. As we mark our 20th year, I encourage anyone with a bold concept to bring it forward and have it seen by the people who can help bring it to life

John Hardy, Founder of Radical Innovation

Finalists will be selected through a jury process and paired with leading industry mentors to refine and develop their concepts ahead of the annual award ceremony. Winners will be announced on October 22, 2026, in New York City, where finalists will present to an audience of developers, designers, investors, and industry leaders.

Winning entries receive cash prizes, industry recognition, and ongoing exposure. Student winners also have the opportunity to apply for an Assistantship and full scholarship through Radical Innovation’s University Partners. In addition, winners will be connected to a network of technology leaders, operators, investors, and industry partners to further develop and advance their innovation.

For submission guidelines and to apply, visit radicalinnovation.io.

Submissions close August 3, 2026 - Click here to submit

Media Contact

Leah S. Blank

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Conceptualized in 2006, the Radical Innovation Annual Award Competition has been shifting the norm in the global hospitality industry by recognizing excellence in design, architecture, travel, products and more. Radical Innovation is an initiative that challenges creative thinkers and design visionaries at the professional and student level to pioneer compelling innovations that fuel the future of the hospitality and travel industries.

The Hardy Group is the leading Hospitality Development firm, offering unparalleled expertise in executing complex and strategic projects of all scales and types. For over 34 years, HARDY has spearheaded projects throughout the USA and Caribbean, consistently delivering results that surpass expectations. Providing certainty to owners and investors, mitigating risks, and consistently delivering on-time and within budget.