The ITA encourages project owners, contractors, engineering consultants, equipment manufacturers, research institutions and innovators from around the world to submit their entries by the deadline of June 30.
There are eight categories in the 2026 awards and projects nominated must have completed their major civil engineering works between March 1, 2023 and April 1, 2026.
The categories are:
Major Project of the Year – over €500m
Recognising large-scale underground projects that demonstrate exemplary safety, innovative engineering, sustainability integration, strategic delivery, cost optimisation, community engagement and outstanding value.
Project of the Year – €100–500m
Celebrating high-impact infrastructure projects exhibiting exceptional design, technological advancement, construction management, environmental responsibility and stakeholder value.
Project of the Year – €100m
Honouring important projects of smaller scale that deliver significant social, environmental or technical benefits to communities and the wider industry.
Project of the Year – Rehabilitation, Upgrading & Re-purposing
Acknowledging excellence in the improvement, modernisation or new use of existing underground structures. The focus includes innovation, sustainability, safety, value engineering, client satisfaction, public engagement and successful handling of operational constraints.
Technical Innovation of the Year
Recognising pioneering technologies, processes or engineering solutions that materially advance the state of the art in underground construction, with proven implementation during the eligibility period.
Product/Equipment Innovation of the Year
Rewarding transformative products, machinery or equipment that extend industry capabilities, improve safety and efficiency, or introduce breakthrough performance based on documented full-scale results.
Elevated Thinking – Underground: Shaping the Future
Celebrating visionary approaches that transcend engineering, highlighting leadership, advocacy, societal impact, environmental resilience and forward-thinking utilisation of underground space.
Young Tunneller of the Year
Honouring exceptional young professionals born on or after January 1, 1989, who demonstrate strong leadership, technical excellence, commitment to advancing the industry and measurable contributions to their organisation or project teams.
This year’s ITA Awards are organised in collaboration with the Portuguese Tunnelling and Underground Space Commission (CPT), which marks its 20th anniversary in 2026. The celebrations will take place in Lisbon, forming a three-day programme from November 4-6.
For information and the online entry form click here. For more details contact awards@ita-aites.org
