The Metex Prize 2026 winner is Hana Rehorčíková
Hana Rehorčíková was awarded the 2026 Metex Prize for her work ‘Regenerative binderless panels from Baltic reed’. The thesis, that was completed in the Contemporary Design programme, transforms invasive Baltic reed, an overgrown plant that harms coastal ecosystems, into biodegradable, glue-free panels for interior applications.
Bridging material innovation and design, it demonstrates a viable alternative to conventional MDF-type boards while contributing to wetland restoration and Finland’s circular bioeconomy.
Its original research, rigorous experimentation, and relevance to Finnish industry earned it the Metex Prize.
The Metex Prize is awarded for excellence in Master’s thesis work done in collaboration with a technology company or to promote the significance and use of design and art in Finnish industry. This year's other nominees were Eva Astria from International Design Business Management programme and Riccardo Grossi from Collaborative and Industrial Design programme.
Founded in 1948, Metex Cooperative was a Finnish export organization collectively representing companies, particularly within the metal industry. These companies established the Metex Foundation. Following the conclusion of the cooperative's operations, the foundation was transferred to the Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation as the Metex Fund. The Centennial Foundation supports the development and expertise in the technology industry. The foundation annually awards grants and prizes, such as the Metex Prize, to promote Finnish technological expertise.
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