2024 Technical Innovation Award Entry Form

Deadline: February 16, 2024

Download the guidelines for the 2024 FTA Technical Innovation Award.

Review the information below for details on what technologies can be entered in the Technical Innovation Award Competition, how the entry process works, materials necessary and competition deadlines.

Then, use the form at the bottom of this page to submit your entry. Upon completing the form, you will receive an electronic portfolio and instructions on how to submit the appropriate materials.

Eligibility

All representatives of the flexographic industry are eligible for the 2024 FTA Technical Innovation Award. Both FTA member and non-member organizations are invited to participate. Joint entries are welcome if two or more organizations are involved in developing an innovative technology.

The technology must be commercially available, must be proven in a commercial/industrial application and must be beyond beta-testing. All entries must be specific to the flexographic printing industry.

How to Enter

1. Complete the entry form below.
2. Upon receipt of your entry form and payment, you will receive an electronic portfolio.
3. Upload the various documents, supporting materials and testimonials pertaining to your entry to the electronic portfolio.

Entry Form

Download the guidelines for the 2024 FTA Technical Innovation Award.

Entry Guidelines

1. Each entry must consist of commercially available, result-oriented technology.
2. All entries will be judged based only on the information provided.
3. Supporting materials substantiating each entry are required.
4. A detailed statement, or an account that accurately provides a thorough representation of the product submitted, is required.
5. At least one user company must submit a letter including a written declaration certifying the technology’s character and performance, along with the value of the technology to their manufacturing process (i.e. how well it functions, return on investment, increases in productivity, etc.).
6. A key contact individual is required on each entry to answer any follow-up questions.
7. All submissions will be considered disclosure of technology.

Judging Details

Entries are judged by the FTA Technical Innovation Award Committee and scored in six specific areas. Judges place each entry into one of three categories:

• Prepress – Graphics: Prepress workflow solutions to include file preparation and/or desktop applications, and all plate imaging and plating technologies.
• Prepress – Pressroom: Any device and/or products that would be used in the pressroom prior to print production.
• Heavy Converting Equipment: Any types of presses and/or press components.

Written statements included with an entry should not exceed 250 words. Materials to be submitted with each entry and reviewed by judges include:

1. Description of Technology
• The technology must be described both clearly and accurately to ensure judges’ complete understanding.
• Must include a detailed statement that clearly describes the technology submitted, who will use it, how it will be used, the users benefits and the expected outcomes of the technology.
2. Technical Achievement
• Evaluated by the use of the new, innovative technology produced by your company that contributes to the advancement of the flexographic industry.
• What did you achieve?
• How did you achieve it?
• Why do you believe this is an achievement?
3. Technical Impact on the Industry’s Future: Evaluated based on your company’s assumptions of the product’s impact throughout the next five to 10 years.
4. Supporting Material Required
• Product marketing literature in PDF format
• User manual in PDF format
• Demonstration video or equivalent in digital format and/or photos of end-use results (i.e. samples, product, etc.)
5. User Testimonials: At least one user company must submit written declaration certifying the technology’s character and performance, along with the value of the technology to their manufacturing process. (i.e. how well it functions, return on investment, increases in productivity, etc.).
6. Presentation of Submission
• All submissions will be evaluated on both the completeness of the application and electronic portfolio.
• Failure to complete your electronic portfolio in its entirety may disqualify your submission.