The European graphic industry is once again turning its attention to young people with the launch of the new edition of the Young Talent Award 2026, a competition promoted by Intergraf to highlight innovative ideas and visions about the future of print. Intergraf, which represents the graphic industry at the European level, brings together 22 national federations from 21 countries, promoting initiatives dedicated to innovation, training and skills development in the printing sector.
The award, aimed at young talents interested in the graphic and printed communication sector, offers a €3,000 prize and the opportunity to present their work in front of leading representatives of the European industry. The 2026 edition invites participants to address the following question: “what opportunities do you see for print in an increasingly personalized future?”
Candidates will need to analyze how the graphic industry can evolve in a context increasingly characterized by automation, data use and tailored communication, identifying challenges and opportunities for the sector. Suggested topics include:
- technological innovation and the development of data-driven printing solutions
- integration between print and digital media
- customer experience and new market models
- ethical and privacy implications in the use of data
- the role of print in increasingly integrated communication ecosystems
Maximum creativity, without AI
To ensure originality and depth of analysis, Intergraf has also specified that the use of artificial intelligence tools for developing the main ideas is strongly discouraged, favoring authentic and personal contributions.
Project submission and award ceremony
The deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2026. Entries must be submitted in English to the Intergraf secretariat. The winner will be announced and invited to present their work during the Print Matters 2026 event, which will take place June 5, 2026, in Budapest.
Talents awarded in previous editions
In past years the competition has already given visibility to many young professionals. Among the most recent winners are Sarah Schumacher (2025), who analyzed strategies to attract new generations to careers in printing; Pien Haks (2024) with a study on the impact of AI on the graphic industry; and Manon Lassaigne (2023), who explored the role of print in a world dominated by digital media.
