NEXT GEN DESIGN 2026: FUTURES WORTH LIVING

In short

• European design competition for creative makers and designers (18–35)
• Theme: Futures Worth Living – designing for just and sustainable futures
• Participation individually or as a team (maximum 5 submissions)
• Submission deadline: 24 March 2026
• Selected projects will be presented at European design festivals and an international residency programme

The Next Gen Design Competition 2026 invites young designers and thinkers to explore new perspectives on societal and environmental challenges through design. Under the motto Futures Worth Living, the competition seeks projects that contribute to more sustainable, inclusive and resilient societies.

Design proposals may take different forms, ranging from products and systems to digital applications, spatial solutions or participatory formats.

Thematic focus
Projects may address a wide range of topics related to sustainability, technology and social innovation. Examples include circular products and systems, ethical applications of technologies such as AI, or design approaches that support care, inclusion and wellbeing.

The call also welcomes projects on sustainable fashion and textile systems, new housing and building solutions, food and urban systems, and platforms that support collective action or community-building. In addition, nature-integrated design and initiatives that raise awareness or encourage societal change through design are within scope.

Selection
An international jury will evaluate submissions based on the relevance of the challenge addressed, the quality of the design and the originality of the concept. The jury will also consider the project’s social and environmental impact, the responsible use of technology and materials, and the feasibility of the proposal.

What can you win?
Fifty selected projects will be presented in a travelling exhibition across European design festivals and will participate in an international residency programme.

Key dates

• 10 February – 24 March 2026: submission period
• 27 March – 7 April 2026: selection and jury process
• 10 April 2026: announcement of winners

More information
Full details about the competition and the application process can be found here.