Innovation By Design | Call For Entries
 
 

EARLY-RATE DEADLINE: JANUARY 12
 
 
 

APPLY NOW
 
 
 


The World's Most Prestigious Design Competition!

The Innovation by Design Awards, now in its 13th year, honors the designers and businesses solving the problems of today and tomorrow.

We know many of you are working on the application before next week's early-rate deadline, so here are some answers to the 5 most frequently asked questions we've received:

  1. What are my chances of winning? Last year, more than 500 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 October 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 fall.
  3. May I enter more than one category? Yes, you may submit an entry to as many of the 50 categories as you would like! Each category is evaluated individually, increasing your odds of winning.
  4. What are you judging applications on? Entries are judged on the key ingredients of innovation: functionality, originality, beauty, sustainability, user insight, cultural impact, and business impact.
  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

Early-Rate Deadline: January 12 ($295)
 
 
 
Brand Exposure
Be seen and evaluated by Fast Company editors and reporters
 
Opportunities
Winners will be celebrated at Fast Company’s Innovation Festival this fall, and receive a complimentary pass
 
Credibility
Gain the Fast Company stamp of approval for creating a truly breakthrough technology
 
Visibility

Appear in the October 2024 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 50 categories. Entries are judged on the key ingredients of innovation: functionality, originality, beauty, sustainability, user insight, cultural impact, and business impact.
Advertising  NEW 
Apps & Games
Artificial Intelligence
Automotive
Bio Design  NEW 
Branding
Circular Design
Data Design
Enterprise
Experience Design
Experimental
Education
Fashion & Beauty
Finance
Graphic Design
Health
Home
Hospitality
Impact
 
Interior Design  NEW 
Learning
Marketing
Materials
Packaging
Products
Retail
Security
Social Justice
Spaces & Places
Sports & Recreation
Students
Sustainability
Transportation
Type Design  NEW 
Urban Design
User Experience
Wellness
Workplace
Best Design North America
Best Design Europe, Middle East, and Africa
 
Best Design Asia Pacific
Best Design Latin America
Size of Business
These three categories recognize innovative design by companies of similar sizes: Small Business (fewer than 100 employees), Mid-sized 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
Design of the Year  NEW 

Our first first-ever top 10 list celebrating the highest achievement in aesthetics, function, impact, and relevance for the year, compiled by Fast Company Editors
 
 
 

Being given an Innovation by Design award from Fast Company was a distinct honor. As a nonprofit, our work for the most vulnerable populations is often looked over. Having it recognized among some of the greatest companies & projects in the world was incredible validation for our team & supporters who believe so deeply in our work!”
SARAH LEE
COO, New Story
 

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

  
 

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

  
 

APPLY NOW

Early-Rate Deadline: January 12 ($295)