Silmo Paris, the international eyewear trade show, has opened submissions for the 2026 Optical Design Contest, a worldwide competition inviting design students to explore emerging concepts in vision and optical innovation.

The program encourages participants to imagine future approaches to vision through functional, aesthetic, and conceptual design. Organizers describe the contest as an opportunity for students to consider design not only as a creative exercise but also as a means of expressing ideas, emotion, and forward-looking perspectives.

Finalist projects will be presented at Silmo Paris 2026, and the winning student and their school will share a 10,000-euro prize.

French designer Olivier Lapidus will chair the 2026 jury. Known for his work across fashion and global design, Lapidus has collaborated with research organizations including the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission and the French National Centre for Scientific Research on textile and fiber-optic innovation. He previously presided over the 2025 Silmo d’Or Awards and will continue in a mentoring role through this year’s contest.

Key dates for the 2026 competition include a registration deadline of June 16, nominee announcements in July, and the award presentation on Sept. 25 during Silmo Paris, which is set to take place Sept. 26-29 at the Paris Nord Villepinte.