Less than one month remains before the submission deadline for the 2026 Video Competition “European Rising Stars: Celebrating Women and Youth in Cooling”, an initiative promoted by AREA in partnership with World Refrigeration Day to highlight skills, innovation, and emerging talent in the RACHP sector.
Now in its fourth edition, the competition aims to showcase best practices in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump technologies, with a strong focus on young professionals and women. The deadline for video submissions is set for April 26, 2026 (midnight), leaving a limited window for interested participants.
Two categories are available: Category A – RACHP Youth Best Practice, dedicated to participants under 25 and focused on hands-on technical skills, and Category B – RACHP Women in Cooling, open to women of all ages and centered on design and application excellence. Participants are required to submit a video (maximum 10 minutes) clearly demonstrating their activity, with entries accepted in all European languages .
Winners in each category will receive a €1,000 prize, a commemorative trophy, and the opportunity to attend the AREA General Assembly in Madrid on May 22, 2026, with travel and accommodation covered. Second and third place participants will also be awarded official trophies.
The initiative reflects the growing importance of skills development and professional recognition within the European transition toward low-GWP technologies. By providing visibility to emerging professionals, the competition contributes to strengthening technical excellence and supporting the next generation of the cooling sector.