The John Hardy Group has announced the Radical Innovation Award call for entries and 2016 competition details. The event is set to take place on 5 October at New York’s New Museum. The deadline for submissions has been extended to 6 May.

Now in its tenth year, Radical Innovation is an incubator led by top hospitality executives and design minds seeking to challenge the hotel industry and elevate guest experience using progressive thinking in design and operations. The Radical Innovation Award invites contestants to submit their ideas for the next big hotel concept and compete for a grand prize including $10,000 to further their concept, as well as chance to have their idea realised. The competition is open to all; both students and professionals are encouraged to enter.

Contestants are invited to submit their ideas online from 16 March – 6 May, and all entries require a clear and compelling brief along with realistic design renderings showing how the concept would be brought to life. The jury will judge concepts on creativity and design, as well as potential impact on the industry.

“We love the element of surprise but we do like concepts that solve real-world problems,” says John Hardy. “The more real it is, the more feasible. Yet, we’re really looking for the next big industry shift. We want you to author that nagging concept that’s been in the back of your head. The one that you know would be great but the world may not be ready for it yet. We are.”

The jury will select three finalists, including one student winner, to participate in the Radical Innovation live event. Finalists will be provided transportation to New York City, where they will pitch their ideas on-stage at the New Museum on 5 October. A live vote by audience and jury members will determine the grand prizewinner and recipient of the $10,000 cash prize. The student winner will receive a $1,500 cash prize, as well as the opportunity to receive a two year full scholarship to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she or he will earn a Master’s Degree in Hospitality Design, valued over $60,000.

Since being founded in 2006, Radical Innovation has awarded over $100,000 to hospitality minded firms and creative thinkers. The event is co-produced by The John Hardy Group, Global Allies, official partner Sleeper, and media partner Architizer.

Radical Innovation jury:

• Michael Medzigian, CEO and Director, Carey Watermark Investors
• Jena Thornton, LEED AP, Managing Director, Eagle Rock Ventures
• Simon Turner, President, Global Development, Starwood Hotels
• James Woods, COO, The Bowls
• Wing T. Chao, Founding Principal, Wing T. Chao Architect
• Claude Amar, President, The John Hardy Group International

www.radicalinnovationaward.com