2026 DFBW Award - Design For a Better World
Organizer
Centro Brasil Design (Brazil Design Center)
Region
International (Worldwide)
Deadline
September 4, 2026 (Final Deadline)
Categories
The award covers six major categories aimed at driving the construction of a better world through creativity:
1. Student Category
Product Design
Service Design
Architecture and Cities
Packaging
Graphic Design
Digital
2. Product Design
3. Service Design
4. Architecture and Cities
5. Digital
6. Graphic Design
7. Packaging
8. Programs, Initiatives and Methodologies
Eligibility
Open to individuals, studios, agencies, in-house teams, brands, or students from any country. Special discounts apply for students, universities, NGOs, Black people, Indigenous people, people aged 60 or over, and people with disabilities.
Entry Fees
All entry fees are in Brazilian Real (BRL), divided into three periods:
Early Bird
Period: April 29 to June 14, 2026
Fee: R$ 320 (320 Brazilian Reais)
Regular
Period: June 15 to July 26, 2026
Fee: R$ 420 (420 Brazilian Reais)
Deadline
Period: July 27 to September 4, 2026
Fee: R$ 520 (520 Brazilian Reais)
Special Discount: Students, universities, NGOs, Black people, Indigenous people, people aged 60 or over, and people with disabilities receive special discounts. Contact email dfbwaward@cbd.org.br for details.
Prize
Winners and shortlisted entrants will receive the following benefits:
Core Value
Social Impact: Aimed at driving the construction of a better world through creativity, transcending aesthetics, focusing on social, environmental and economic transformation
International Recognition: Award-winning projects will be showcased on international platforms, gaining global recognition
Curupira Trophy: Receive the iconic Curupira trophy, representing the integration of Brazilian culture and the global village, embodying commitment to excellence, innovation and a better future
Media Exposure
Global Showcase: Award-winning projects will be featured on DFBW website and partner platforms
Media Coverage: Award-winning works will receive media coverage opportunities, expanding influence
Professional Network
Industry Recognition: Judged by a panel of experienced and renowned professionals, ensuring fairness and excellence
Industry Connections: Connect with global designers, brands, and innovators
Core Introduction
The DFBW Award (Design for a Better World Award) is an award that celebrates initiatives aimed at building a better world through creativity. With a vision that transcends preconceived notions about design, it drives solutions in various areas, stimulating a collaborative environment dedicated to imagining a more inclusive, sustainable, and socially just future for all.
The award is organized by Centro Brasil Design (Brazil Design Center), an institution that works with companies, government, and services through projects and programs that positively impact businesses. It uses design, innovation, and sustainability as strategic drivers for competitiveness and brings these tools to all sectors of the Brazilian economy.
The DFBW Award 2026 focuses on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and SDG (Sustainable Development Goals), encouraging designers and creators to use creativity to solve global challenges, driving positive changes in society, the environment, and the economy. Award-winning projects not only demonstrate aesthetic value but also focus on actual social impact and contributions to sustainable development.
