Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
LOCATION: China
The Global Youth Design Challenge (GYDC) officially launches. The award is seeking the next path of design through “Less, But Better.” In an era where global design is increasingly shaped by sustainability and long-term thinking, design is no longer confined to questions of function and form. Instead, it is becoming a critical tool for responding to social issues and imagining future ways of living. The competition is now officially open for global submissions.
ELIGIBILITY:
The challenge aims to support the next generation of young designers worldwide, encourage dialogue and integration between Eastern and Western aesthetics, and explore how design can move beyond conceptual expression into meaningful social transformation.
Borderless Coexistence Award: This category recognizes visionary and forward-looking design proposals capable of integrating cultural expression with sustainable thinking.
Emerging Designer Award: Open to designers under the age of 35. Submitted works are not restricted by design discipline but should demonstrate a complete design logic, strong expressive ability, and clear creative direction.
Essence Object Award: This category focuses on realizable product and packaging design proposals related to the beauty and lifestyle industry.
The award emphasizes manufacturability, sustainability, and commercial transformation, encouraging design solutions that can evolve from concept into real products and systems.
The award seeks to identify emerging talents with exceptional creative potential and support their future professional development on a broader international stage.
Award Description: This category recognizes visionary and forward-looking design proposals capable of integrating cultural expression with sustainable thinking.
Submission Categories
Conceptual products
Design proposals
System design
Digital experiences
Installation-based works
Suggested Creative Directions
Reconstructing the relationship between technology and people
(Generative design, digital experience, AI interaction)
Reconstructing the relationship between humans and nature
(Material circulation, ecological design, environmental awareness)
Reconstructing the relationship between culture and contemporary design (Translation of Eastern aesthetics, reinterpretation of traditional craftsmanship)
BENEFIT:
Awards & Benefits
Borderless Coexistence Award
1 Winner
9,200 USD (before tax)
Emerging Designer Award
4 Winners
3,000 USD each (before tax)
Essence Object Award
3 Winners
3,000 USD each (before tax)
Additional Prototype Support
Beyond the official prize structure, an additional USD 9,200 special support fund will be provided by Pechoin to support prototyping and refinement for shortlisted finalist projects.
This support is intended to help outstanding concepts move closer toward real-world production and industrial application through material testing, structural optimization, and production development.
YouthExpat 