Intl. experts impressed by creative ideas at design contest

International experts expressed their appreciation for the innovative concepts showcased at the Shenzhen International Eyewear (Smart Wearable) Design Contest, as the award ceremony took place Wednesday at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District.

This year’s competition set a new record with 2,860 submissions — the highest in the history of Chinese eyewear contests. Esteemed judges from around the world, including France, Germany, and Japan, praised it as the most high-caliber domestic event they have experienced.

Valerie Riffaud Cangelosi, a leading European smart glasses expert, during an interview with Shenzhen Daily. Photos by Windy Shao

“It was truly fascinating. There were diverse participants presenting everything from academic proposals to industry projects, covering eyewear designs and smart glasses. Some products were aimed at assisting disabled people, which really showed the broad potential of eyewear and smart glasses innovation. The ideas were very creative,” said Valerie Riffaud Cangelosi, a smart eyewear expert from France, in an interview with Shenzhen Daily.

“There were quite a few designs that impressed me. Some companies created very innovative shapes and forms, while others presented highly creative smart glasses concepts, like an underwater mask with AR capabilities,” she said.

Building on the eyewear industry’s strengths, the contest aims to promote cross-industry integration in fields such as industrial design, digital vision, virtual reality, and smart wearables.

Nicolas Berdugo, CEO of French eyewear firm SEAPORT, during an interview with Shenzhen Daily.

“I had the opportunity yesterday to serve as a jury member for the contest, and I was amazed by the energy and talent on display. This is my first experience here, and I am truly thrilled,” said Nicolas Berdugo, CEO of the French eyewear brand SEAPORT, in a interview with Shenzhen Daily.

“The ideas around the use of AI in eyewear are fantastic. I saw so many novel concepts. I’m convinced a whole new category of products will emerge and be developed here in Shenzhen.”

“I believe smart wearable is revolutionizing the eyewear business. For a long time, it has been the same business — successful but static. This is fresh. This is a revolution. It will change how we live.”

Following a full day of intense presentations and judging on Tuesday, winners across five categories were announced. Zheng Weihao’s innovative “CustomVue,” featuring personalized smart eyewear with lenses that adapt their color to the user’s outfit, captured the Grand Jury Prize.

Lin Dianqun took first place in the Original Design – Master Category with the “Multi-Function Adjustment Glasses,” while Xu Jun and Dong Wenjun’s “Born in Great” secured the top spot in the Original Design – Professional Eyewear Category.

In the Smart Eyewear (Wearable) Design Category, Michael Kodochian won first prize with “Lexilens Eyewear,” a design notable for cutting-edge technology integration.

The Creative Visual Design Category was won by Martin Hugo’s MORPH ALPHA and MORPH BETA, which highlight the synergy of technology and artistry.

The competition showcased a vibrant fusion of technology and fashion, featuring smart glasses, health-monitoring wearables, and more.

Now in its ninth year, this eyewear design competition has become a vital platform for nurturing talent, unveiling breakthrough designs, and fostering integration between traditional eyewear craftsmanship and smart wearable technology. Winners receive resources that accelerate commercial production and invigorate industry innovation.

From Wednesday through Friday, the winning designs are being displayed in the “Design Contest Achievement Zone” at the 2025 eyewear expo.

Since its inception in 2014, the competition has attracted over 8,000 entries worldwide, resulted in more than 1,200 patents, and helped launch 60 new brands. Organizers see it not just as a contest but as an incubation platform that closely links creativity with market potential.

Aligning with Longgang’s “All in AI” strategy, this year’s event expanded its focus from smart glasses and VR/AR devices to embrace the broader “Smart Wearables” theme, encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration across technology, art, and craftsmanship.