Innovation By Design | Call For Entries
 
 

SUPER-EARLY-RATE DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28
 
 
 

APPLY NOW
 
 
 

Answering some of our most frequently asked questions!
Are you ready to showcase your groundbreaking concepts and designs to the world? Fast Company wants to honor your impressive work, but you must apply to be considered. With the super-early-rate application deadline approaching on Friday, February 28, there is no better time than now to submit your application!

 Here are the answers to the 5 most frequently asked questions we've received about this year's Innovation by Design Awards:
  1. What are my chances of winning? Last year, hundreds of designs were awarded. If you have a design that makes an impact through innovation, your odds are pretty good! Every entry will be seen by Fast Company editors.
  2. If I win, will I be in Fast Company magazine? Yes! Winners will appear in the Fall issue of Fast Company magazine, and all honorees will be featured on fastcompany.com. Winners will also be celebrated at Fast Company’s Innovation Festival this September.
  3. May I enter more than one category? Yes, you may submit an entry to as many of the 30 categories as you would like! Each category is evaluated individually, increasing your odds of winning.
  4. What are you judging applications on? An esteemed panel of judges and Fast Company editors will be judging applications on the key ingredients of innovation: functionality, logic, impact, and beauty.
  5. I still have questions. Who can I ask? Just reply directly to this email and we’ll get right back to you.
 
 

APPLY NOW

Super-Early-Rate Deadline: February 28
 
 
 
Brand Exposure
Be seen and evaluated by Fast Company editors and reporters
 
Opportunities

Winners will be celebrated at Fast Company’s Innovation Festival this September
 
Credibility
Gain the Fast Company stamp of approval for creating a truly breakthrough technology
 
Visibility

Appear in the Fall 2025 issue of Fast Company and on fastcompany.com
 
Break News
Tell your organization’s story to the world for the first time; highlight the success of teams within your organization—or partners who’ve helped with your success
 
 
 
 

There are 30 categories, spanning various aspects and disciplines of design, where projects can be submitted. Designs can be submitted to one or more category, and entries are evaluated based on the key pillars of design innovation: functionality, logic, impact, and beauty.

Accessible Design

Advertising and Marketing Design

Architectural Design

Artificial Intelligence Design

Data Design

Experience Design

Experimental and Conceptual Design

Fashion and Beauty Design

Graphic Design and Branding
 

Health and Wellness Design

Interior Design and Home

Materials and Biodesign

Product Design

Students

Sustainability and Circular Design

Transportation Design

Urban Design

User Experience Design

Best Design Asia-Pacific Region

Best Design Europe, Middle East, Africa Region
 

Best Design Latin America Region

Best Design North America Region
Size of Business

These three categories recognize innovative design by companies of similar sizes: Small Business (Fewer Than 100 Employees), Midsize Business (100-999 Employees), Large Business (1,000+ Employees)
Years in Business

These three categories recognize projects by companies of similar ages: On the Rise (0-4 Years), Established Excellence (5-19 Years), Enduring Impact (20+ Years)
General Excellence
The most innovative contemporary designs with no category restrictions
Design Company of the Year

The most innovative design company of the year. Companies will be judged on the quality, breadth, and ambition of their submitted work
 
 
 

Apply today to the world's most prestigious design competition!

  
 

Questions? We’re here to help. Email us at ibdawards@fastcompany.com

  
 

APPLY NOW

Super-Early-Rate Deadline: February 28