Open Call until 26 March: Next Gen Design 2026 – »Futures Worth Living«
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The second edition of the Next Gen Design Competition is now open, inviting bold young designers and thinkers across Europe to reimagine how we live, create, care, and coexist in a rapidly changing world. Under the theme Futures Worth Living, the competition calls for visionary projects that challenge outdated systems, strengthen communities, and propose humane, sustainable alternatives for tomorrow.
Who Can Apply
Designers, makers, researchers, activists, technologists, and creative thinkers aged 18–35, born, studying, or living in Europe. You may apply individually or as a team, with up to five submissions.
What We’re Looking For
Projects that use design—across objects, systems, spaces, technologies, and interactions—to enable more just, resilient, and human-centred futures. Themes include circular and regenerative design, ethical tech, community-driven solutions, inclusive tools for care and wellbeing, sustainable fashion, adaptive housing, food systems, biodiversity, and design for cultural and educational impact.
Why Apply – Benefits for Participants
Winning the competition means joining a pan-European cohort of emerging change-makers and gaining access to exceptional opportunities:
- Inclusion in the Next Gen Design Traveling Exhibition 50 winning works will tour major European festivals from May to November 2026, including Mikser Festival (Serbia), What Design Can Do @ Dutch Design Week (Netherlands), designaustria at designforum Wien during Vienna Design Week (Austria), Barcelona Design Week (Spain), and Skopje Design Week (North Macedonia).
- Next Gen Design Residency Program One representative per winning project will join a fully supported 4–5 day design residency in one of the partner cities, collaborating with peers to prototype solutions, pitch to expert juries, and build an international network. Travel, accommodation, and meals are covered within set limits.
- Residency Awards At each festival, three residency teams will receive monetary prizes (1,000 / 600 / 400 EUR) to further develop their ideas in circular and socially responsible design.
- Permanent Digital Showcase All winning projects will be featured on the Next Gen Design online platform.
How to Apply
Submit your entry via the official application form: nextgendesign.eu/application-form/
Deadline: 26 March 2026 (midnight)
Applicants must provide personal information, a short bio and quote, a portfolio link, a portrait, a structured project description, and visual and/or video materials that clearly communicate the concept.
Key Dates
- 10 February – 26 March 2026: Open call
- 27 March – 7 April 2026: Jury process
- 10 April 2026: Winners announced
- 14–16 April 2026: Online orientation for winners
More Information
Full call details, eligibility rules, and submission guidelines are available on the official project page: nextgendesign.eu/open-call-2026/
Next Gen Design is supported by the European Commission through the Creative Europe Programme. designaustria is the Austrian Next Gen Design project partner.