FORMATO2026: the third edition of the design competition kicks off in Minsk

Marking Italian Design Day 2026, the Embassy of Italy in the Republic of Belarus in Minsk, once again in synergy with New Studio (Minsk) and a selected group of valued sponsors, has organized the third edition of the design competition aimed at professional designers and students, with the goal of promoting the culture of Italian design, with a particular focus on the Salone del Mobile. 

The competition – the only one of its kind in Belarus dedicated to industrial design – is now called FORMATO. The initiative represented an important opportunity for professionals and student designers, attracting 90 projects across 4 categories (seating, lighting, accessories and furniture). 

On 19 March, the final evening of FORMATO2026 took place in the presence of the jury, composed of Natalia Galonskaya, interior designer; Aleksandr Kratovich, architect; Aleksandr Pugachov, dealer of major Italian brands; Ales Cherniavsky, industrial designer; and with Marilia Pederbelli, curator at the Design Museum of the Triennale di Milano, joining via video link. 

For the first time, as announced by Dr. Pederbelli, the Premio Milano was awarded. The prize, established by the Embassy, highlights the connection between the IDD  and the Salone del Mobile.Milano. In another first, the best wooden furniture project received an award from the sponsor PMC (Postavyj Mebelnyj Tsentr), which will produce a prototype of the design.