DDA 2026 opens: We’re seeking Danish design in all its facets
Winners of Danish Design Award 2025
On April 9, 2026, DDA – Danish Design Award opens for submissions. The award celebrates design that makes a difference – and this year, the ambition is to represent an even broader range of Danish design solutions.
Design exists in many forms – from the intuitive interface of an app to the beauty and functionality of a kitchen, and the independence an insulin pen provides. What these solutions share is their ability to shape and improve our lives.
Danish Design Award provides a platform for design solutions that create a positive impact. This year, the aim is to highlight the diversity of Danish design across industries and disciplines.
“The Danish design field holds far more success stories than those we typically see in the media. That is why we want to celebrate the full breadth of Danish design – from graphic design to interiors and industry. Design that dares to think differently, inspire, and help renew both the field and the narrative of Danish design,” says Sarah Lærke Stevens, CEO of Design denmark, which hosts the award in collaboration with DDC – Danish Design Center.
“The Danish design field holds far more success stories than those we typically see in the media. That is why we want to celebrate the full breadth of Danish design – from graphic design to interiors and industry. Design that dares to think differently, inspire, and help renew both the field and the narrative of Danish design”
Watts, winner of Danish Design Award 2025
Recognition and increased demand
For decades, Danish Design Award has served as a springboard for both established designers and the next generation. The award provides a platform for designers from companies, startups, and academic institutions, while strengthening connections to the business community.
Among last year’s winners is Watts, whose energy system Homegrid has seen significantly increased interest from both customers and potential partners.
“The most important aspect is the signal the award sends: that an energy system can be recognized as Danish design. It marks a shift in how we define design,” says Martin Virenfeldt, Head of Design at Watts.
Levitate was also honored last year for their Forever Series – a prosthetic leg that combines advanced technology with user-driven design.
“The award validates our approach and shows that ambitious, user-driven design is recognized. It highlights how innovative design solutions can push the boundaries of human mobility,” says Daniel Clausen, Design Engineer at Levitate.
Levitate, winner of Danish Design Award 2025
From human needs to viable solutions
The best solutions come in many forms – from those addressing everyday needs to complex systems. Regardless of scale, Danish Design Award celebrates solutions rooted in Danish design values:
“Design begins with understanding a real human need. That insight must be translated into solutions that are simple, beautiful, and work in practice. Good design requires the courage to think differently – whether improving what already exists or creating something entirely new. Long-lasting design is built on strong craftsmanship and a deep understanding of materials, form, and function. It is about solving problems worth solving – and creating impact that can be felt,” says Martin Delfer, CEO of Danish Design Center.
Danish Design Award invites designers, companies, startups, and cross-disciplinary collaborations to submit their design solutions within the following categories:
- Visual design
- Digital design
- Product design
- Spatial design
- Materials & resource innovation
Finalists are selected by an independent jury comprising leading figures from both the Danish and international design communities, including LEGO, VELUX, Muuto, Kvadrat, and Dezeen.
In November 2026, finalists will gather for the award show, where the business and design communities come together to celebrate design that makes a difference.
Submit your design – and help shape the next chapter of Danish design.
Submit here:https://submit.danishdesignaward.com/
Submissions are open from April 9 to May 11, 2026 (12:00 PM). Participation is free of charge.
Discover more about the submission criteria and this year’s jury here:https://danishdesignaward.com/
“Design begins with understanding a real human need. That insight must be translated into solutions that are simple, beautiful, and work in practice. Good design requires the courage to think differently – whether improving what already exists or creating something entirely new. ”
Contact
Press inquiries: Maria Damgaard Jensen, Danish Design Center +45 29 21 98 30 / mdj@ddc.dk
Submission inquiries: Nelle Arnfred Østerby, Design denmark
+45 28 26 70 30 / na@designdenmark.dk
About Danish Design Award
Danish Design Award is a collaboration between DDC – Danish Design Center and Design denmark – the association of design professionals – with Creative Denmark as a strategic partner, and supported by VOLA A/S, Volvo Car Denmark, and the Confederation of Danish Industry, who share the mission to celebrate the difference design makes.