NYCxDESIGN 2026 Design Awards Submission Fee Required
Winners Announced May 16, 2026 · Sanders Studios, Brooklyn

Future of NYC Design Awards

Recognizing the most innovative work at the intersection of design, technology, and culture. Submit your company's best work for consideration by our panel of industry judges. Winners are announced live at the conference.

◆ Award Categories
Best Product Design

Digital products that solve real problems with exceptional UX, visual craft, and thoughtful systems thinking.

Best AI Integration

Work that meaningfully integrates AI into the design or user experience — not AI for AI's sake, but AI that makes the product better.

Best Brand & Identity

Brand systems, identity redesigns, or visual languages that are distinctive, cohesive, and culturally relevant.

Best Interactive Experience

Installations, immersive experiences, creative coding projects, AR/VR work, or anything that pushes the boundaries of interaction.

Emerging Studio / Startup

Outstanding work from studios or startups under 3 years old. Recognizes rising talent in the NYC design scene.

Social Impact Design

Design work that addresses social, environmental, or civic challenges. Work that proves design can make the world better.

Grand Prize: Future of Design

The top submission across all categories. One project that best represents where design is headed — selected by the full judging panel. All category submissions are automatically considered for the Grand Prize.

Single Category
$95
per submission
  • Submit one project to one category
  • Reviewed by full judging panel
  • Automatically considered for Grand Prize
  • Finalist badge if shortlisted
  • 2 complimentary conference tickets

All submissions are reviewed by our panel of design leaders from top companies and agencies. Judges evaluate work on innovation, craft, impact, and relevance to NYC's design ecosystem.

Google IBM PayPal Cisco + More TBA
01
Submit

Fill out the form below with your project details and work samples.

02
Pay

Complete payment via the link sent after submission. Your entry is locked once paid.

03
Review

Our judging panel reviews all paid submissions and selects finalists in each category.

04
Win

Winners announced live at the conference on May 16. Finalists notified in advance.

Live stage recognition at the conference
Winner badge for website and marketing
Featured in post-event press coverage
Dedicated social media spotlight
Physical award presented on stage
Featured in conference recap video
Priority speaking consideration for 2027
Complimentary VIP tickets for next year
Submit Your Work
Required if submitting to the Emerging Studio / Startup category.
Single tier: select one. Bundle tier: select up to three.
Describe the project, the problem it solves, and why it's award-worthy. Be specific about outcomes and impact.
Link to the live project, app, or experience if available.
Link to images, video, case study, or deck showcasing the work. Google Drive, Dropbox, Behance, etc.
A 2–3 minute video explaining the project helps judges understand context and craft. YouTube, Vimeo, or Loom.
List the key team members and their roles on this project.

After submission, you'll receive a payment link via email. Your entry is confirmed once payment is complete. Submissions close May 2, 2026. Finalists will be notified by May 9.

Submission Received

Thank you for entering the Future of NYC Design Awards 2026. Check your email for a payment link to complete your entry. Your submission will be reviewed by the judging panel once payment is confirmed.