Deadline: January 31, 2026
The Design Equality 2025 International Design Competition is a global initiative inviting young creatives to develop innovative design solutions that advance gender equality and women’s empowerment. Organised by BE OPEN and partners, the competition aligns with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality).
This international competition provides a unique platform for students, graduates, and young professionals to showcase design concepts that address gender-based challenges through creativity, technology, and innovation.
About the Design Equality 2025 International Design Competition
The Design Equality 2025 International Design Competition seeks forward-thinking design ideas that challenge inequality and empower women and girls across different sectors. Participants are encouraged to present solutions that are practical, impactful, and socially relevant, with a strong emphasis on innovation and inclusivity.
The competition highlights the critical role of design in shaping equitable systems, removing structural barriers, and promoting women as innovators and leaders.
Competition Focus Areas
Submissions should address one or more of the following focus areas:
- Advancing gender equality through innovative design solutions
- Addressing the specific needs of women and girls
- Promoting women as innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs
- Integrating gender perspectives into technology and innovation
- Removing barriers to women’s participation in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology
Projects may span product design, service design, digital solutions, systems design, or interdisciplinary approaches.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open worldwide to:
- Students
- Recent graduates
- Young professionals
Participants may apply individually or as part of a team, with no restriction on team size. All disciplines are welcome, provided the submission aligns with the competition’s gender equality objectives.
Submission Categories
Applicants are expected to align their projects with one of the following categories:
- Design solutions that advocate for and advance gender equality
- Design solutions that meet the needs of women and girls
- Design solutions that promote women as innovators and entrepreneurs
Each submission should clearly articulate the problem, proposed solution, and potential impact.
Prizes and Awards
The Design Equality 2025 International Design Competition offers a total prize fund of up to €15,000, distributed as follows:
- First Prize: €5,000
- Second Prize: €3,000
- Third Prize: €2,000
- BE OPEN Founder’s Choice Prize: €3,000
- Public Vote Prize: €2,000
Winning projects gain international recognition and visibility, with opportunities for broader exposure across global platforms.
Key Dates
- Submissions open: 15 September 2025
- Application deadline: 31 January 2026
- Winners announced: March–April 2026
Early submission is encouraged to allow adequate time for refinement and review.
Why You Should Apply
- Contribute to global efforts advancing gender equality
- Showcase your design innovation on an international stage
- Gain recognition from industry leaders and global audiences
- Compete for significant financial awards
- Strengthen your professional portfolio with a high-impact project
Final Note
Applicants are advised to present clear, well-structured proposals that demonstrate originality, feasibility, and measurable social impact.
Need support?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to strengthen your submission and improve your chances of success.
