Application Deadline: January 31st, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2025 Design Equality International SDG-Focused Design Competition. In a rapidly evolving world, global challenges are becoming increasingly complex and interlinked. Innovative approaches are needed in order to improve the way we respond and adapt to this changing environment, where established methods do not always ensure impact. Achieving the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals – and notably the goal on gender equality and women’s empowerment – requires transformative shifts, integrated approaches and new solutions.
BE OPEN will focus the competition on innovative solutions that:
- remove the barriers to the advancement of women and girls in innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.
- advance gender equality,
- integrate gender issues within innovation,
- promote women as innovators and entrepreneurs,
- promote technology-driven innovative solutions that meet the needs of women and girls,
Requirements
- It is open to students and recent graduates/young professionals internationally.
BE OPEN strives to make the competition programme more beneficial for students and graduates:
- the participants can expand their knowledge in sustainable practices and action plans
- the participants can compete for money prizes ranging from €2,000 to €5,000
- the participants can get international publicity as talented creatives and innovators
- the winners will go on a trip to a major international UNSDG-related event and pitch their ideas to international audiences
DESIGN EQUALITY has three categories for the submissions to relate to, to help contestants choose their approach to the challenge:
- Solutions to advocate and advance gender equality
- Solutions that meet the needs of women and girls
- Solutions to promote women as innovators and entrepreneurs
PRIZES
- 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
Application Timeline
- Deadline for submissions — January 31st, 2026
- Announcement of winners — March to April 2026
- Celebration of winners — TBC
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Design Equality International SDG-Focused Design Competition
