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The world of food safety and hygienic design is built on a century of rigorous standards, but it is driven forward by the people who refuse to stand still.
Today, 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. (3-A SSI) is proud to pull back the curtain on a new era of leadership. We are officially announcing the inaugural class of the HyGEN Excellence Award winners — eight "under 40" rising stars who are bridging the gap between the 100-year 3-A SSI legacy and the cutting-edge technologies of tomorrow.
Hygienic design is often seen as a set of rules to follow. However, our 2026 honorees prove that these principles are actually a launchpad for innovation. From academic researchers at leading universities to engineering managers at global manufacturing giants, this class represents the "disruptors" who are making production lines safer, smarter, and more efficient.
As 3-A SSI Chair John Kuhnz notes, “These winners are the new stewards of the ‘Gold Standard,’ proving that rigorous hygienic design principles are the key to innovation, not a barrier to it.”
We invite you to join us in celebrating these eight individuals who were selected from a highly competitive pool of global nominees:
This isn't just about individual trophies. It’s about ensuring our industry’s expertise stays in sync with a rapidly changing world.
“While the 3-A Sanitary Standards have a 100-year legacy,our approach to them must never stop moving,” says Meri Beth Wojtaszek, 3-ASSI Executive Director.
We will be officially honoring these leaders during a recognition ceremony at the 3-A SSI 2026 Summit on Hygienic Design, happening May 4 to 7, 2026 at the Marriott Chicago O'Hare.
Please join us in congratulating the Class of 2026!
Check out our professional photographer's pics from the 3-A SSI 2026 Summit on Hygienic Design.
What's the link between Led Zeppelin and raw flour? Well, it's Kansas State University (KSU) graduate student Suhan Bheemaiah Balyatanda. She received the 2026 Dr. Ron Schmidt Student Travel Award and also was a member of the KSU first-place Student Hygienic Design Competition team.
3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. (3-A SSI) has selected 11 exceptional students to receive a 2026 Dr. Ron Schmidt Student Travel Award.
3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. (3-A SSI) announces winning teams in the inaugural Student Hygienic Design Competition.
