The International Housewares Association (IHA) is proud to recognize the next generation of innovators through its 32nd annual IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) Excellence in Student Design competition. This year, six outstanding industrial design students earned top honors for their forward-thinking products aimed at enhancing convenience, sustainability and independence in the home.
As the industry’s premier student design contest, the competition showcases emerging talent and cutting-edge ideas from students worldwide. The six winners will present their projects at The Inspired Home Show® 2025. This opportunity allows them to pitch their designs and network with leading professionals in the home and housewares industry.
Innovative Designs for Everyday Challenges
This year’s winning designs tackle a range of household needs, from food preparation and sustainable cleaning to senior care and pet companionship.
First Place Winner
David Griffin, Junior, Western Washington University – Helios
Helios is an inflatable heating module that keeps meals warm on the go, offering a portable solution for travelers, campers and busy professionals. Griffin received the Grand Prize of $3,500.
Second Place Winners (Tied; each receiving $2,500)
David Minogue, Sophomore, University of Notre Dame – PullPal
Designed for senior citizens, PullPal is a dog whistle and training tool that strengthens the bond between older adults and their pets, promoting companionship and activity.
Delna Balsara, Senior, University of Notre Dame – Clean
Clean is a storage and disposal system for seniors managing incontinence care, streamlining the changing and cleaning process while preserving dignity and independence.
Third Place Winners (Each receiving $1,200)
Alex Marovec, Senior, Western Michigan University – Nimbus Electric Mop
Nimbus is a smart mop that collects spills and deposits waste directly into the sink, providing a hands-free cleaning experience.
Peter Carlsson, Kyle Hampton, and Amber Mies, Juniors, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Pail
Pail is a compact lunchbox designed to fit into a backpack’s bottle sleeve, making meal transport effortless for students and professionals.
Clara Rozmaryn, Junior, University of Kansas – Tilt
Tilt is a sustainable cleaning system that enables users to create their own eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning solutions using long-lasting glass bottles and recycled plastic components.
Honorable Mentions (Each receiving $250)
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Connor Burkett, Western Michigan University – Ignite Weed Burner: A chemical-free weed removal tool.
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Mia Nakano, University of Washington – Harbor: A fishing kit combining a cutting board, cooler and essential tools.
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Elizabeth Skinner, Western Michigan University – Gleam: A rechargeable handheld steam cleaner for kitchens.
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Jin Lee, College for Creative Studies – PURIVAC: A compact desk vacuum for workspace cleanliness.
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Anna Blessinger, Purdue University – Elio: An adaptive lantern for small spaces.
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Ada Carter, University of Illinois Chicago – Tula: A tulip-shaped rotating chair designed to encourage children to read.
About the Competition
Since 1993, the gia Excellence in Student Design competition has received over 7,200 submissions, launching countless careers and fostering the next wave of home innovation. The competition challenges college students to either redesign an existing housewares product to meet evolving consumer needs or create a new concept. Winners are selected based on innovation, feasibility, marketability and overall quality by an esteemed panel of 18 industry designers and professors, including past gia winners who have built successful design careers.