Crystal Cabin Awards return to Hamburg with new category for start-ups
Submissions for the 2026 Crystal Cabin Awards in Hamburg remain open until November 15, 2025
The Crystal Cabin Awards are returning to Hamburg on April 14, 2026, with a new category. The upcoming 19th edition of the awards will take place at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, celebrating exceptional cabin products and concepts during the Aircraft Interiors Expo.
For the first time, the 2026 awards include a category dedicated to young companies, called “Breakthrough Start-Ups.” To be eligible, entrants to this category must be startups no older than seven years.
“The idea behind introducing the ‘Breakthrough Start-Ups’ category for the 2026 Crystal Cabin Awards really came from our wish to give emerging innovators their own space within one of the most prestigious competitions for aircraft cabin innovation,” Angela Wockert, Manager Communication & Events, Crystal Cabin Awards, tells PAX Tech. “We have seen that startups often bring fresh perspectives, agility and bold ideas that challenge established ways of thinking. That is exactly the kind of energy needed to drive real transformation in aviation.”
Angela Wockert, Manager Communication & Events, Crystal Cabin Awards
The category aims to encourage visionary approaches and breakthrough technologies that could redefine the passenger experience, improve sustainability or create new value for airlines, OEMs and suppliers. For suppliers who are new to the aviation industry, the Crystal Cabin Award provides an opportunity to gain visibility and credibility on a global stage, Wockert explains.
“It is the only international award dedicated exclusively to aircraft interior innovation, so it provides a trusted platform to showcase fresh ideas and breakthrough technologies directly to key decision-makers across the entire supply chain,” Wockert adds. “It gives young companies a chance to be seen and to be part of the conversation shaping the future of the cabin.”
She says the response from the industry to this new category has been overwhelmingly positive, with established players viewing it as an opportunity to connect with creative newcomers and explore potential collaborations. Meanwhile, she says startups recognize the value and visibility that accompany recognition from these esteemed awards.
“The category helps bridge the gap between innovation and implementation, turning great ideas into tangible advancements for the entire aviation ecosystem,” Wockert explains, noting that even being shortlisted can open a lot of doors, from building partnerships and attracting investors to raising brand visibility and media attention.
Submissions remain open until November 15, 2025, with the application form available online here.
“The Crystal Cabin Award is so much more than just a prize. It is really a global stage for innovation and a trusted seal of quality in aircraft cabin design. For startups especially, it offers both visibility and validation. It is a unique chance to stand out, connect with industry leaders around the world and gain the kind of recognition that can genuinely accelerate business growth,” concludes Wockert.
