Open Call for Participants – SEDA Sustainable Entrepreneurship Design Award, Wismar 03-05 July 2026

Are you a young designer, start-up founder or entrepreneur developing a product, service or process that combines ecological, social and economic sustainability?

We invite you to apply for the SEDA – Sustainability Entrepreneurship Design Award, celebrating innovative ideas with the power to create real change and long-term value for society and the environment.

Why Participate?

• Showcase your project on an international academic stage.
• Connect with experts in design, sustainability and business development.
• Receive funding to realise your exhibition prototype.
• Gain professional coaching to further develop your idea and business model.
• Position your project within the framework of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda.
  

SEDA recognises ideas that move beyond theory — projects that are innovative, feasible and market-oriented, with genuine potential to shape a sustainable future.

Who Can Apply?

Participation is open to enrolled students and graduates of European state or state-recognised universities whose degree was obtained no more than five years ago.

What Can Be Submitted?

Eligible submissions include:

• Physical products
• Services
• Action concepts or processes
  
  Projects should show innovation, feasibility and long-term impact potential. Submissions must demonstrate a clear connection to the 17 goals of the 2030 Agenda (SDGs) and combine ecological, social and economic sustainability.

Application Requirements

Please submit the following as a single PDF (max. 5 MB) via email to:
[email protected]

1. Applicant Details
- Contact information
- University name
- Proof of enrolment or graduation
2. Project Summary (max. 500 words)
- Project title
- Concept explanation
- Sustainability impact
- Relevance to the 17 SDGs
3. Project Presentation
- 3 pages, A3 landscape format
- Images, sketches, visualisations

Competition Jury

A specialist jury composed of designers and business experts will evaluate submissions based on:

• Level of innovation
• Feasibility
• Market potential
• Sustainability impact
  
  Up to 10 shortlisted projects will be invited to present their idea as a 1 m² exhibition stand (prototype, scheme or visualisation).

Timeline

• 30 April 2026 – Application deadline
• May 2026 – Jury preselection
• 30 June 2026 – Final exhibition submission (1 m² stand)
• 03–05 July 2026 – Exhibition in Wismar. Award Ceremony at the exhibition opening day.
  
  Prize
• All participants in the final round receive €1,000 to realise their exhibition contribution, including traveling and accommodation fees.
• The 3 finalists will also receive professional coaching for further development of the idea and the creation of a business plan.
• The winner receives additionally a €5,000 prize.
  
  Organiser

The competition is organised by the European Project Center and the Faculty of Architecture and Design at Wismar University of Applied Sciences, Technology Business and Design.

 Apply Now!

Take the next step toward transforming your sustainable idea into a scalable and impactful venture!

For questions and submissions write to:
[email protected]

Participation is free, thanks to funding from the European Union. Spots are limited—apply now*!