The Design Equality 2025 International Design Competition, organized by BE OPEN, marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The competition seeks innovative design solutions that advance gender equality and empower women and girls globally. Open to students and young professionals, it offers a total prize pool including a €5,000 top award, a Founder’s Choice prize, and a Public Vote prize. Submissions are categorized into three areas: advocacy, meeting the needs of women, and promoting women as innovators. The application deadline is January 31, 2026.
Design Equality 2025 International Design Competition Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizer | BE OPEN |
| Theme | Design Equality with Innovation |
| Total Top Prize | €5,000 |
| Target Participants | Students, Graduates, Young Professionals |
| Key SDG Focus | Goal 5: Gender Equality |
| Application Deadline | January 31, 2026 |
Design Equality 2025 International Design Competition Categories
Contestants must choose the category where their project generates the greatest positive impact:
- Advocacy and Advancement: Solutions designed to advocate for and advance gender equality across societies.
- Meeting Needs: Technology-driven or design-led solutions that specifically meet the needs of women and girls.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Solutions that promote women as innovators and remove barriers to their advancement in tech and business.
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Design Equality 2025 International Design Competition 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
Design Equality 2025 International Design Competition Eligibility & Rules
- Global Reach: Open to participants internationally.
- Professional Status: Currently enrolled students or recent graduates/young professionals.
- Participation Modes: * Individual entries.
- Multidisciplinary teams (no limit on team size).
- Entry Limit: An individual may submit one solo project and one team project (maximum of two entries total).
- Mentorship: Participants are highly encouraged to seek academic or professional mentorship/advice/sponsorship for their projects.
Design Equality 2025 International Design Competition Step-by-Step Application Process
- Concept Development: Align your project with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on transformative shifts in gender equality.
- Select a Category: Determine which of the three categories fits your project best.
- Prepare Your Submission: Ensure your solution is innovative and addresses complex global challenges using integrated approaches.
- Build Your Team (Optional): If entering as a team, ensure your group is multidisciplinary to provide a well-rounded solution.
- Submit Online: Follow the application instructions on the BE OPEN competition portal.
- Public Engagement: If your project is shortlisted, prepare for the public vote phase to compete for the €2,000 Public Vote prize.
- Deadline Compliance: Complete all submission steps by January 31, 2026.
Submission Deadline: January 31, 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is the 2025 competition significant? It celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, the key global policy document on gender equality accepted at the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women.
Who can participate in the competition? The competition is open to students and recent graduates/young professionals from any country in the world.
Can I submit more than one project? Yes. You can submit one individual project and one project as part of a team, for a total of two entries.
Is there a limit to the size of a multidisciplinary team? No, there is no limit to the number of members in a team. Multidisciplinary backgrounds are encouraged.
How should I choose between categories if my project fits multiple? You should select the category where you believe your solution will generate the greatest positive impact.
Are digital or technology-based solutions accepted? Yes, the competition specifically encourages technology-driven innovative solutions that meet the needs of women and girls.
Can I seek external help for my project? Participants are explicitly encouraged to seek academic or professional mentorship, advice, or even corporate sponsorship.
How does the Public Vote prize work? In addition to jury selection, there is a separate prize awarded based on a public voting process to engage the wider community.
Is it necessary to address specific UN Sustainable Development Goals? Yes, projects should support the achievement of the SDGs, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
What is the final deadline for all applications? All submissions must be completed and entered by January 31, 2026.
