Swedish designer Maria Benktzon is the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the DesignEuropa Awards 2023. The awards will be presented in Berlin on 5 September and will be live streamed.

Maria Benktzon is known for her innovative and inclusive designs of everyday objects, which have featured at MoMA, the National Museum of Sweden and the Smithsonian. She designed the iconic coffee pot used by flight attendants of SAS Airlines and the ubiquitous Tupperware knives.

She has developed an inclusive approach to design by creating elements that allow people with limited hand strength or movement to remain independent.

EUIPO has also announced the eight DesignEuropa Awards finalists, who come from seven countries. Almost 700 applications and nominations were received from 43 countries for both the Small and Emerging Companies and Industry categories.

Finalists

The finalists in the Small and Emerging Companies category are:

• Jarsty (Italy): All-in-one microwavable cooking system.
• Mindful Design Coffee Brewer (Austria): Pour over filter coffee set.
• RemigoOne (Slovenia): Integrated electric outboard motor.  
• ZigZag Boulder (Hungary): Outdoor modular climbing wall system. 

The finalists in the Industry category are:

• Cleveron 402 (Estonia): Automated self-service pickup point for click-and-collect orders.
• Full Automatic Espresso Coffee Machine (Italy): Coffee machine which offers the possibility of grinding coffee beans and makes up to 7 different types of coffee.
• The Performer (Croatia): Compact workspace for remote working.
• WithME (Poland): Collaborative office chair offering advanced ergonomics with minimal adjustments.

EUIPO Executive Director of the EUIPO, Christian Archambeau, said: “The DesignEuropa Awards highlight the effective use of design and how its protection can help drive economic, social, cultural and environmental development.”

The finalists were chosen by the DesignEuropa Awards Jury comprising design professionals, academics, entrepreneurs, former winners and IP experts. It is led by Isabelle Vérilhac, president of the Bureau of European Design Associations and Director of Innovation and International Affairs at the Saint-Étienne UNESCO City.

Picture from EUIPO website