From an impressive field of 84 entries submitted by 65 IWF 2026 exhibiting companies, judges have selected the seven winners of the prestigious IWF Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award.
Following live, in-person demonstrations before the judging panel, the winning innovations were chosen for their ability to advance woodworking technology, manufacturing and industry performance.
The seven 2026 Challengers Award winners were officially announced at 11:00 a.m. today at the Level 2, Building B Overlook, adjacent to the Challengers Award Gallery.
IWF 2026 Challengers Award Winners in Alphabetical Order
Con-Vey
Con-Vey’s Patent-Pending Edge Damming System for Plywood Repair Lines
Booth: B8320
Felder Group
Creator 1250
Booth: B5000, B5010
Kouros Tools
Sand-R-Light PRO
Booth: A10129
Kundig USA Inc.
KUNDIG Regent- Biggest Planing and Sanding Machine for Glulam & Timber Elements
Booth: A10102
Northtech Machine
Northtech’s iGlueSRCD: Automatic Glue Applicator for Stile and Rail Cabinet Doors
Booth: B7335
SCM North America
ACCORD 500 EDGE: One Machining Center: Total Flexibility
Booth: B6973, B6953, B7153, B7173
Stiles Machinery
Venjakob VEN AIR Vortex: High Quality Coating with Reduced Filter Cost
Booth: B4835, B4853
Congratulations to this year’s winners—and to all 65 exhibiting companies whose innovations made the 2026 competition one of the most exciting showcases of what’s next for the woodworking industry.
