The ITA Tunnelling Awards 2026 have attracted more than 100 projects and initiatives from around the world.
Following the administrative verification process, 81 entries have been validated and will proceed to the first phase of evaluation by the panel of judges. Submissions that were incomplete or did not meet the eligibility criteria were not included in the judging process.
The ITA says this year’s Awards showcase excellence across the full spectrum of underground infrastructure, innovation and professional achievement.
The most competitive categories this year are Technical Innovation of the YearandYoung Tunneller of the Year, each receiving 18 validated entries. They are followed by Project of the Year (€100-500m) with 12 entries, while Major Project of the Year (over €500m)andProduct / Equipment Innovation of the Year each have 10 entries.
The Awards continue to reflect the international reach of the tunnelling industry. The validated submissions represent 27 countries and territories. China leads this year’s entries with 21 validated submissions, followed by India with eight and Italy with six.
Projects have also been submitted from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Hong Kong, China, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, the US.
The winners will be announced at the ITA Tunnelling Awards 2026 ceremony, on November 5iin Lisbon. The event will run alongside the CPT 20th Anniversary Conference.
For more information about the ITA Tunnelling Awards 2026 and the CPT 20th Anniversary Conference, including the programme, venue and registration details, click here.
