Submit Lighting Design Projects for the NLB’s 2026 Tesla Awards by January 19, 2026 for Early Bird Discount. Winners Announced at LEDucation 2026.
The National Lighting Bureau is announcing the Call for Entries for the 7th Annual Tesla Awards. This program recognizes excellence in lighting projects that, through the creative use of lighting systems and controls, illustrate the value of lighting. This includes, but is not limited to, improved visual performance, promotion of health and wellness, positive environmental impact, enhanced safety and security, and increased overall occupant satisfaction. The program also provides recognition for creative solutions that overcome exceptional challenges or provide outstanding community benefit.
The main intent of the Tesla Awards is to promote best practices for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor lighting applications. The program aims to do more than highlight beautiful architecture by recognizing projects that provide a narrative and “how to” guide for others with similar lighting challenges.
For the second year, submitted projects will be eligible to receive a Special Citation Award for Innovative Lighting Controls, sponsored by the Lighting Controls Association.
New for 2026
Submitted residential projects will be eligible for a Special Citation Award for Exemplary Residential Lighting, sponsored by the American Lighting Association. Judges will consider projects based on innovation and application effectiveness. Emphasis will be placed on the illustration of best practices that can be adopted across similar residential applications including, but not limited to, single-family, multifamily and 55+ housing.
Anyone may enter a project for the Tesla Awards. Projects should have been completed within the 2023, 2024 and 2025 calendar years. Enter submissions via the designated online submittal process by January 19, 2026 to qualify for the early bird entry fee of $50 per submission. For entries received after January 19, 2026 and no later than February 2, 2026, the entry fee is $100 per submission. The NLB will announce winners during LEDucation 2026 in New York City.
Judging criteria include:
- Innovation
- Application effectiveness – adherence to high quality lighting principles
- Energy effectiveness – includes controls strategy
- Universality – how readily the design applies to other applications
- Sustainability – includes ease of maintenance, use of recycled materials in product/packaging or materials that are recyclable, and other environmental measures
Special credit points can be awarded at the discretion of the judges for extra project challenge and project impact – e.g., budget, timing, location challenges/limitations, and social benefit (community impact, pro bono projects, historic preservation, etc.)
For more information, visit the National Lighting Bureau’s website.