Eindhoven calls upon visionaries: designers have until June 16 to submit projects that will reshape our future
The design world turns its gaze toward the Netherlands. April 1, 2026, officially marked the opening of the Call for Entries for Dutch Design Week (DDW) 2026. From October 17 to 25, Eindhoven will once again transform into the global epicenter of innovation, becoming the stage where design doesn’t just show itself but creates tangible change.
Under the leadership of Miriam van der Lubbe, Creative Head of the event, this year’s edition sets an ambitious goal: breaking old patterns to respond to the social crises, climate challenges, and growing inequalities of our time.
DDW 2026: Where Ideas Meet Opportunity
Dutch Design Week is not just a fair, but an ecosystem where creativity meets entrepreneurship. As emphasized by the artistic direction, in a time of global tension, design is the key tool for forging new paths.
The Call is open to all levels of the creative process:
- Experimentation: From early prototypes to academic research.
- Industrial Innovation: Market-ready solutions and revolutionary production processes
- Speculative Design: Bold ideas that challenge the status quo and imagine future scenarios
A Global Stage for Big Names and New Talents
Having hosted excellence such as Studio Drift, Formafantasma, and Maarten Baas, Dutch Design Week confirms its mission as a springboard for the next generation of designers. The strength of the event lies in its ability to converge diverse perspectives, presenting urgent and unexpected ideas to an international audience of professionals, brands, and cultural institutions.
L’invito non è rivolto solo ai singoli designer, ma anche a startup, aziende e organizzazioni che credono nel potere del design come motore di crescita e consapevolezza.
Timeline and How to Participate
For those wishing to be part of Dutch Design Week, timing is a key factor. The Foundation (DDF) offers support and visibility to anyone ready to make the future visible through collaboration and cross-disciplinary contamination.
- Deadline for applications: June 16, 2026
- Event dates: October 17 – 25, 2026
- Location: Eindhoven, Netherlands
