Application deadline: 31 January 2026, 12:00 CET
Organiser: European Commission
Event: New European Bauhaus Festival, 9–13 June 2026, Brussels
Who it’s for: Architecture, design, and arts students aged 18 and above from EU Member States
Read more here.
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The New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative celebrates creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity across disciplines. The NEB Trophy 2026 competition offers students the opportunity to design a symbolic and celebratory object that will become the official trophy awarded during future editions of the NEB Prizes.
Shortlisted teams will be invited to present their designs in Brussels during the NEB Festival 2026, with travel and accommodation costs covered for up to two team members. The winning design will be unveiled at the Festival and produced in time for the NEB Prizes 2026 Award Ceremony in September.
Applicants are eligible if they:
- Are 18 years or older.
- Are citizens or residents of an EU Member State.
- Are currently enrolled in a recognised arts, design, or architecture programme at a higher education institution in the EU.
- Apply individually or in teams of up to two people.
- Submit all documents in English (or accompanied by an English translation) in a single PDF file.
Submitted designs must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Form: The trophy should take the shape of a poetic, symbolic object (e.g., cup, crown, medal, sculpture, etc.) that honors the commitment and dedication of the NEB Prize winners.
- Symbolism: The design must embody the values of the New European Bauhaus — sustainability, aesthetics, inclusion — and reflect its celebratory and inspirational spirit. Analysis of the previous editions of the NEB Prizes is encouraged to improve the understanding of the spirit of these awards, and the type of projects that are normally awarded.
- Personalization: it should be possible to easily integrate a personalized message (e.g. the name of the laureate, the title of the project, etc.) into the object.
- Materials: Applicants should prioritize regenerative, sustainable, or upcycled materials, with an emphasis on durability and feasibility of production and replication.
- Fabrication: Innovative production processes (e.g., circular and regenerative design, digital fabrication, low-carbon methods) are encouraged.
- Budget and scale consciousness: While creativity is encouraged, designs should be feasible and cost-efficient. Production costs should remain moderate.
Finalists (10 projects): Invitation to Brussels to attend the NEB Festival 2026, with travel and accommodation expenses covered for up to two team members per project.
Winner:
- Production of the winning design as the official NEB Trophy.
- Visibility and promotion through European Commission communication channels, social media, and press coverage during the NEB Festival.
- Invitation to the NEB Prizes 2026 Award Ceremony to present the trophy.
Read more about the application and design requirements on NEB's official website.
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