EISENaward 2026 powered by ZHH
EISENaward 2026 powered by ZHH shines a spotlight on product ideas that are shaping the market – with a focus on technology, design and sustainability. It recognises companies in the hardware industry that are driving transformation and setting new standards with innovative solutions.
EISENaward 2026 will be presented live for the eighth time at EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair in partnership with the Central Association of the Hardware Trade (ZHH). The award provides a platform for technological progress and showcases the innovative strength of the industry. Exhibitors benefit from a powerful sales and PR tool, and trade visitors gain a valuable decision-making aid.
The award ceremony will take place on 3 March 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the stage of the EISENforum in Hall 10.2.
Who is on the jury?
A panel of distinguished industry experts selects the winners of the EISENaward from among all nominees. The jury is comprised of independent professionals from the fields of:
- Design
- Research
- Retail
- Skilled trades
- Press
Their expertise and independence ensure that only the most innovative products with real industry impact receive recognition.
The jury members include
Markus Austenfeld
Markus Austenfeld, Managing Director, Head of Sales, Ullner u. Ullner GmbH
- Has been with Ullner u. Ullner for almost 27 years.
- Experience in the sale of tools, machines, welding technology and occupational safety.
“For me, innovation in the field of tools means developing products that make the world of work noticeably easier and create new opportunities. Innovative tools enable more efficient, precise and sustainable work. They optimise existing work processes, save time and resources and at the same time increase the quality of work. This is not just about technical innovations, but also about further developing traditional craftsmanship and making it fit for the future.”
Dirk Hobein
Dirk Hobein
Dirk Hobein is a dry construction professional and impresses with inspiring insights into the world of the trade. He shares his expertise and practical tips that not only provide information, but also have a motivating effect on social media and via his craftsman service.
"For me, innovation doesn't just mean something new, but something that really works in the trade. I've been working on construction sites for many years and explain applications, materials and solutions to professionals and DIYers on a daily basis. That's why I evaluate innovation from a practical perspective: Does a product save time? Is it designed in an understandable way? Does it make work noticeably easier? A good innovation can be explained clearly without being complicated and brings real added value to everyday work. I find solutions that simplify processes, ensure quality and can be applied directly particularly exciting."
Prof. Matthias Schönherr
Prof. Matthias Schönherr
Professor of Presentation Techniques and Form Development in the Industrial Design programme at the University of Wuppertal. Works as a designer with extensive industrial experience in product development.
“Innovation from the perspective of industrial design lies in novel, improved functionality and aesthetics, placing the user at the centre. How can the product generate understandable, safe and positive benefits with optimum functionality? The form and design should make these characteristics visible and, in the best case, unfold many sensory levels during use, creating a genuine product experience. Functionality and design should form a strong unity that inspires enthusiasm. Design without a functional connection is merely decoration and has little lasting value.”
Thomas Klode
Thomas Klode
- Self-employed master carpenter in the field of furniture and interior design for 25 years
- Chairman of the North Rhine-Westphalia Carpenters' Association since 2021
“Innovation has to work in practice. It's not just an idea on paper, but something that is actually used. For me, innovation is when I think to myself, ‘Why didn't this exist before?”
Daniel Weg
- Managing Partner at FRITZWEG GmbH & Co. KG
- Third-generation production liaison trade
- Fan of digital procurement channels
“At FRITZWEG, we focus on innovative products and digital procurement channels that create real added value for our customers. As members of the EISENaward jury, we want to recognize solutions that demonstrate technical potential. Our aim is to combine product innovation and modern procurement practices, thereby providing impetus for the industry and our customers – from tailor-made product selection and consulting to an efficient, digital supply chain.”
Stefan Buhren
Stefan Buhren © Juliet Van Rensburg
Since 2019, Stefan Buhren has been editor-in-chief of Deutsches Handwerksblatt, Germany's highest-circulation business magazine with nearly 350,000 copies printed each month. He began his journalistic career while still at school, learning about utility value and business journalism at Gruner + Jahr in the early 1990s.
“For me, innovation means improving existing processes and – in line with the thinking of the great economist Joseph A. Schumpeter – implementing new combinations. Creative destruction means that something new replaces the old, thereby opening up new opportunities.”
Meet the nominees
Who can participate?
All registered exhibitors at EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair 2026 are eligible to apply for the award. We are once again looking for outstanding new ideas, inventions and solutions straight from the industry.
Entries may be submitted in the following three categories:
- Innovation
- Design/Ergonomics
- Sustainability
The application is free of charge!
The celebratory award presentation will take place during the EISENforum on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, the opening day of the trade fair. The three winners will be honoured live on stage. Throughout the entire trade fair, trade visitors will have the opportunity to discover the products of all ten finalists in a dedicated exhibition area.
The registration deadline for the EISENaward 2026 has expired.
Information on the nominated products will follow shortly.
Why apply?
There are many good reasons to participate in the EISENaward – whether you make it to the winner’s podium or are among the ten finalists.
Benefits for the three winners:
- A featured showcase in an online gallery on the website
- Media coverage and visibility via PR activities, including dedicated press releases
- Formal recognition during award ceremony with trophy presentation – providing high-impact visuals for PR, social media and customer communications
- Prominent placement with winner designation in dedicated exhibition area
Benefits for the ten finalists:
- Media coverage and visibility via PR activities
- Prominent placement in dedicated exhibition area throughout the event
- Opportunity to present products to trade visitors
Position yourself as an innovation leader, showcase your products on a high-profile platform and enjoy maximum visibility and media reach.
Winners of the 2024 EISENaward
The recipients of the 2024 EISENaward have impressively demonstrated how innovation, design and sustainability go hand in hand. Selected from among more than 50 submissions, three outstanding products took home the award:
- VersaMAG – C. & E. FEIN
- New cardboard cartridge – Pronova Dichtstoffe
- 6004CT/6005CT torque screwdrivers – HAZET
Impressions from the 2024 award ceremony
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