Applications closing May 9, 2026 Rolling review — submit now to reach the panel first
NYCxDESIGN 2026 Design Awards Conference Ticket + Judging
Rolling submissions · Final deadline May 9, 2026 · Winners announced May 16 · Sanders Studios, Brooklyn

Future of NYC Design Awards

Recognizing the most innovative work at the intersection of design, technology, and culture. Your submission includes General Admission conference tickets — enter the awards and your attendance is covered. Winners are announced live on stage.

◆ 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
$150
1 GA conference ticket + judging for 1 category
  • 1 General Admission ticket ($120 value) — included
  • Submit one project to one category ($30 judging add-on)
  • Reviewed by full judging panel
  • Automatically considered for Grand Prize
  • Finalist badge if shortlisted

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. Judged alongside NYCxDESIGN 2026 and NYC AI Week.

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 conference ticket and judging entry are confirmed 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
◆ Additional sponsor & partner prizes — to be announced
APR 16
Submissions Open

Awards portal is live. Entries reviewed on a rolling basis — earlier submissions get earlier review.

ROLLING
Rolling Review

Judges review entries as they come in. Strong early entries may be shortlisted before the final deadline.

MAY 9
Final Deadline

Last day to submit. Finalists notified on a rolling basis up through May 13.

MAY 16
Winners Announced

Live on stage at Future of NYC Design, Sanders Studios, Brooklyn. Prizes to be announced.

Do I need to buy a separate conference ticket?

No. Your submission includes General Admission conference tickets — 1 GA ticket with a single category entry, 2 GA tickets with the multi-category bundle. No separate purchase needed.

What if I don't win — do I still get the conference ticket?

Yes. Your conference tickets are confirmed as soon as payment is received, regardless of the judging outcome.

Can I transfer my included conference ticket to someone else?

Yes. Email us at yiting@241membership.com with the new attendee's name and email before May 14.

What is the refund policy?

Full refunds are available up until your entry enters judging review. Because we review submissions on a rolling basis, we recommend requesting a refund within 48 hours of submitting. After review begins, your conference tickets remain valid but the judging fee is non-refundable.

What do winners receive?

Live stage recognition, physical award, winner badge, press and social coverage, VIP tickets for 2027, and more. Additional prizes from our sponsors and partners are to be announced — stay tuned.

Can I submit more than one project?

With the single category tier, you submit one project to one category. The multi-category bundle lets you submit up to 3 different projects or enter one project in up to 3 categories.

Do finalists need to present in person?

Finalists are encouraged to attend and present their work live, but it is not required. Winners who cannot attend will be recognized on stage and can accept remotely.

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 awards entry and conference tickets are confirmed once payment is complete. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis — final deadline May 9, 2026. Finalists notified on a rolling basis up through May 13.

Submission Received

Your entry for your submission is in. To confirm your awards entry and General Admission conference tickets, complete payment below.

Pay now →

A payment link has also been sent to your email. Submissions are judged only once payment is received. Questions? Email yiting@241membership.com.