On September 23, 2025, Copenhagen became the epicenter of creativity as it hosted the DesignEuropa Awards 2025, an initiative of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
The ceremony showcased the transformative power of design, highlighting its ability to drive progress and inspire new possibilities across various sectors.
On the same day, it was announced that the DesignEuropa Awards 2026 ceremony will take place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, a city renowned for its vibrant design scene and creative spirit.
The awards presented were:
Industry Award
The Industry Award is presented to outstanding registered designs that have been incorporated into products by large or established companies. It honors how design can enhance competitiveness, innovation, and commercial success on an industrial scale.
Entrepreneurs and Small Companies Award
The Entrepreneurs and Small Companies Award is given to outstanding registered designs developed by small businesses or independent designers. It recognizes ingenuity, boldness, and the ability to turn creative ideas into commercially successful products—often with limited resources but great inventiveness.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor of the DesignEuropa Awards and is awarded to individuals who have dedicated their lives to promoting excellence in design. It honors designers whose work has had a lasting impact, inspired generations of professionals, and contributed significantly to the evolution of industrial design in Europe and beyond.
Next Generation Design Award
The Next Generation Design Award celebrates the innovation and creativity of emerging design talent. It is awarded to students, young professionals, or teams who present exceptionally protected designs with fresh perspectives, social awareness, and the potential to positively influence the future of the industry.
Follow the link below to view the profiles of all the standout designers, as well as videos from the ceremony:
https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/designs/designeuropa-awards
Photo credits @euipo
