European Product Design Award - Emerging Design Award (2026)

The European Product Design Award™ recognizes the efforts of talented international product and industrial designers who aim to improve our daily lives with their practical, well-thought-out creations. ePDA shares their innovative and ground-breaking products with the world.

Emerging Design Award: Celebrating the next generation of designers. This award recognizes student talent and provides a platform to showcase their innovative work.

The eDPA competition is open to anyone aged 18+ residing anywhere in the world. Professional entries will be judged against other professionals and student entries against other students.

Judging Criteria

The evaluation process for entries to the European Product Design Awards is based on various judging criteria which are constantly adapted to new technical, social, economic and ecological requirements. These criteria are not comprehensive and not all criteria are applicable to each product. They simply provide an orientation framework and basis for judging, which is complemented by each individual juror’s expertise and socio-cultural background.

Each member of the Jury is passionately committed to providing a fair evaluation. Jury members are assigned categories based on their specific background and design expertise. All projects are viewed and judged randomly and anonymously to ensure unbiased and fair judging.

The judging criteria include the following:

• Innovation — does the product provide something new to the market or supplement/improve an existing product?
• Aesthetics — form, shape, colour, texture, finishing, the material used, etc.
• Functionality — ease of use, safety, maintenance, etc.
• Ergonomics — the product’s interaction with the user
• Durability — the quality and longevity of the design
• Impact — the benefit delivered to the user and/or society by the product
• Utility — does the product meet the intended purpose and needs of the user?
• Ecological compatibility — potential environmental and/or ecological impact
• The reality of production — how realistic is it, technically and economically, to develop and market this product large-scale?
• Emotional quotient — in addition to fulfilling its practical purpose, does the product create a sense of enjoyment, satisfaction?

Winners Benefits

• Sponsorship: Our official sponsors offers 50% off in the entry fees to help you hone your skills and unleash your creative potential.
• Resume Booster: Help to create an outstanding curriculum vitae that can open doors to future career opportunities.
• Networking: Connect with like-minded peers and industry professionals through our networking at premier events in Europe.
• Growth Opportunity: Help award-winning students find an internship.
• Recognition and Awards: Stand a chance to showcase your talent on a global stage through participation in prestigious product design awards. Gain recognition for your innovative designs and make a name for yourself in the industry.
• Winner’s Package: Receive the EPDA asset package and an official invite to the Winner’s Celebration Evening, with the opportunity to network with industry leaders.