Turning waste into wonder: Anna Maria Sand Jensen on the art of sustainable ceramics
Opportunity for young talents to gain international design recognition
On 19 November 2025, it will once again be time to make way for the next generation of creative talents. At the Young Professionals Application Day, young designers will have the unique opportunity to be drawn for one of 50 free registration spots for the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2026.
With this initiative, Red Dot specifically supports young creative talent and offers young designers an entry point into the international design scene, giving them the chance to measure themselves against the best in the industry and present their work to a global audience.
Those who are selected can participate in the competition free of charge and, if they win an award, will also receive the “Regular” winner package, which offers them comprehensive support in communicating their success internationally, free of charge.
Requirements and participation process
Young talents who graduated no more than five years ago are eligible to participate. The submitted product must be industrially manufactured and launched on the market between 1 January 2024 and 1 July 2026.
On 19 November 2025, the registration portal will open at midnight (CEST) for 24 hours. During this period, participants upload a short product description, up to five images and a scan of their degree certificate. After the draw, they will be informed of the result by email. Those who are selected complete the details and submit a binding registration for the product. The original must be submitted in February 2026 in accordance with the delivery dates.
Award-winning projects by young professionals
In recent years, young professionals have impressed the jury with innovative and bold designs – from sustainable everyday products and functional furniture and interior designs to technically sophisticated solutions for the healthcare sector. Their products demonstrate the creative power, social relevance and design quality of the next generation.
One example of the creativity and sense of responsibility of young designers is and-less by Victoria Berger – a flexible reusable packaging system for takeaway food. Customers can borrow and return containers in various sizes free of charge. The durable, recyclable boxes can be reused up to 500 times. The jury praised the system as an important contribution to solving the growing waste problem caused by takeaway and delivery services.
Oto, an intelligent otoscope from Joe Slatter, also impressed the jury in the competition. Thanks to an integrated AI camera, it enables more precise ear examinations and supports medical professionals in making diagnoses. At the same time, it facilitates the storage of data in electronic health records and promotes collaborative diagnosis through image sharing. The design combines comfort, control and precision.
Another impressive product is the Knitted Collection by Haoda Ma: a modular furniture concept that adapts flexibly to different room situations. Inspired by the flowing elegance of the mandarin duck, it combines natural materials with organic forms and thoughtful functionality – from an armchair with a practical handle to a stool and floor cushions made of environmentally friendly foam.
The MYLLA vase series by Michael Grandt is another example of the creative talent of the younger generation. It combines precise geometry with the lively individuality of ceramic materials and impresses with a sculptural presence that goes beyond its function as a vessel.
Young talent on the international stage
From their first international appearance to successful collaborations with established brands, the Young Professionals Application Day and the Red Dot Design Award were a decisive career step for many winners.
» Learn more about the success stories of young professionals
Further information on participation and the conditions of entry can be found here.
