The official results of the TAIPEI CYCLE d&i awards 2026 have been released.
32 award-winning entries will be showcased at TAIPEI CYCLE, presenting the key innovative trends in bicycle innovation.
The evaluation process for the TAIPEI CYCLE d&i awards 2026 has been successfully completed. An international jury of bicycle design and industry experts gathered in Taipei from 14 to 15 January for a two-day in-person evaluation and in-depth discussion.
A total of 103 entries were evaluated this year, representing key markets in the international bicycle industry. The jury noted that, against the backdrop of the continuous adjustment and transformation in the global bicycle industry, the entries as a whole demonstrated a more pragmatic approach to innovation, with design thinking clearly focused on usage scenarios, product feasibility, and overall completeness.
Following a rigorous selection process, 32 entries were honored with the TAIPEI CYCLE d&i awards 2026. Among them, six entries received the Gold Award, and one entry was honored with the Startup Award, reflecting innovative design achievements from both established brands and emerging startups.
The awards ceremony will take place on 25 March 2026, at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, where all the winners will be recognized and will share their design achievements and innovative values with industry professionals and the media.
TAIPEI CYCLE d&i awards 2026 – Highlights at a Glance
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103 qualified submissions
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32 winning entries
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6 Gold Award winners
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1 "Gold Award – Startup" winner
Winners’ Exhibition – 25 to 28 March 2026
All winning entries will be exhibited in a dedicated area at the Nangang Exhibition Center during TAIPEI CYCLE 2026. This will allow professional buyers and cycling enthusiasts from around the world to get a close-up look at these innovative solutions, which combine design thinking with industrial practice. Winning products will also be featured on the world's largest design award platform – www.ifdesign.com to showcasing this year’s design innovations to the international market.
Jury Perspectives
During the evaluation period, the jury conducted a thorough review of each entry, examining the defined criteria of idea, form, functionality, differentiation, and sustainability. The following insights reflect the key observations shared by the jurors on this year’s submissions:
Chris Lintaman | Lintaman, Canada
“This year’s competition reflected challenging economic conditions, with many companies focusing on thoughtfully refining existing products to improve quality and usability. Products that addressed the complete user experience, specific niches, and sustainability stood out, underscoring the growing importance of responsible and future-oriented design.”
Henry Chang | Gearlab, Taiwan
“It has been a challenging year for the cycling industry in Taiwan and globally. Despite the current market slowdown, it is encouraging to see products targeting different segments of the cycling market. One of the fastest-growing segments is older riders, and I would welcome more submissions that address their needs. I am also pleased to see entries designed for specific audiences such as children and young people.”
Johanna Loomis | Vay, Germany
“Innovation was limited this year, with many entries focusing on refining existing solutions rather than introducing new ones. Automotive safety features are increasingly being applied to bicycles, shifting from passive warnings to active interventions. Meanwhile, accessories that enhance interaction with other road users have emerged as a key safety improvement. However, as technology use increases, considerations for disassembly, recycling, and sustainability remain insufficient compared to other industries.”
Johnson Wu | Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D Center, Taiwan
“This year's competition proposals demonstrate diverse achievements in technological innovation within the bicycle sector, that address practical needs such as riding safety, enjoyment, and ease of maintenance. Many entries strengthen their innovative value through patented technologies and functional restructuring. E-bikes also continue to evolve, using modular designs to integrate various usage scenarios such as carrying passengers or cargo. Whether or not these proposals win an award, they all contribute positively to the future development of the bicycle industry.”
Kris Verstockt | Cre8, Belgium
“This year, most entries are very mature in their development, and many could be introduced to the market without the need for further modifications. However, many of the design improvements were incremental rather than proposing radically new products. While this is not necessarily negative, a large portion of the submissions focused on improving existing pain points rather than addressing new ones.”
Moses Hu | Accell Group, Taiwan
“In reviewing the entries, I believe that designers are no longer limited stacking design aesthetics and functionalities but have also started to consider the balance between design, society, the environment, and technology. This vibrant creativity gives me greater confidence in the future design potential of the bicycle industry. Many products demonstrate excellent design concepts and considerable market development potential.”
Torgny Fjeldskaar | FJELD, Switzerland
“This year continued to reflect the challenges facing the industry, with many companies adopting a cautious approach and focusing on incremental innovation. Modularity emerged as a clear trend, particularly suited to urban use and diverse carrying needs. There are also a continued blurring of traditional product categories. Sustainability remained a key focus, with several strong examples demonstrating how new materials and production methods can reduce carbon footprints. Overall, there are solid entries, especially in components and accessories, which addressed practical pain points, highlighting a growing emphasis on functionality and substance over pure aesthetics.”
The TAIPEI CYCLE d&i awards 2026 continue to serve as a key indicator of industry innovation and development in the global bicycle industry, reflecting forward-looking trends amid evolving challenges and showcasing noteworthy design highlights at the upcoming TAIPEI CYCLE.
