The purpose of the ET Foundation is to develop, promote and fund education, research and interest related to aluminum extrusion processes and technology. And in an effort to locate and reward new talent and design ideas, it conducts an annual design competition.

The competition is divided into two classes: Professional and Student. Winning entries will be those that best demonstrate the benefits of aluminum extrusions, whether by inventing a new product or improving an existing one. The designs submitted should address any combination of the following objectives: ease of fabrication and assembly, cost-effectiveness, innovation, new application capability, customization, close tolerances, improvement of extrusion processes, and likelihood of market success.

Since 2004, Hydro has been the exclusive prize sponsor for cash awards in both the Student and Professional design categories. To further support academic participation, the company also sponsors the Hydro Sustainable Design Award, a special award which recognizes the student entry that best addresses societal or environmental issues.

Visit etfdesign.org for design competition details and an entry form.