Designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte and produced by COGITECH, these trophies will be awarded by a jury of experts chaired by Jean-Michel Wilmotte himself and Sébastien Maschino, director of the exhibition and editor-in-chief of FORMÆ. The jury will bring together renowned figures, including Sammy Bernoussi (co-founder of hall.haus and industrial designer), Tristan de Witte (president of Réseau Excellence EPV), founder of the Zaventem workshops and Belgian designer Lionel Jadot, artist Mathias Kiss, design and craftsmanship expert Alain Lardet, Pauline Leprince (designer), Amélie du Passage (Petite Friture), Soline Rouland (development director at the Wilmotte & Industries design studio), and Laurent Scordino (director of the École Boulle). Their mission: to reward unique and masterful approaches to materials, based on demanding criteria relating to innovation, transformation and creative process. The winners were selected in advance based on their applications, with the awards ceremony scheduled for 9 October 2025, during the exhibition’s opening night. The four winners will then benefit from exclusive visibility in 2026 through a tailor-made communication campaign orchestrated by FORMÆ magazine and its platforms.

Talk with Sylvain Quidant, Founder of COGITECH

‘Our work in this collaboration consists of translating Jean-Michel Wilmotte’s vision by repurposing materials, refining finishes and making the project more sustainable. Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of materials and the synergy between our design studio and our workshops, we are able to transform theoretical concepts into concrete objects. The material then becomes a real storytelling tool, bringing Mr Wilmotte’s designs to life and enriching the history of the project through the choice of materials and their finishes. Designed in gouged or sandblasted textured wood, carbon, expanded cork and Matière Papier, this trophy combines raw and sophisticated materials, varnished and natural finishes, smooth surfaces and textured finishes. The gouged or sanded wood evokes nature, bearing the traces of craftsmanship. The recycled paper composite (Matière Papier), dyed a deep cobalt black, gives it the refined look of ceramic. The dyed expanded cork, with its raw appearance, is reminiscent of burnt cork. Finally, carbon marquetry embodies sophistication and modernity. This diversity illustrates the extent of our expertise: the combination of traditional techniques (carbon marquetry, cabinetmaking, moulding) and innovative materials enhanced by bold finishes.’ •


photos : trophy manufacturing process, COGITECH © All rights reserved • FORMÆ Trophy, designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, produced by COGITECH © COGITECH