Design Intelligence Award (DIA), an international academic award that celebrates design and innovation, is open to participants from around the globe with individual winnings ranging between KSH1,000,000 to KSH 9,000,000 in prizes.
Targeting both designers and non-designers alike with categories from fashion, digital economic drivers, protection products, industrial equipments, block chain applications among others, the grand total of $728,000 will be given out to help turn ideas into reality. The deadline for submissions is June 30th, 2023.
According to Adrian Jankowiak, founder and creative director at Nairobi Design, one of the supporting partners of this competition and a local partner for the Design Intelligence Award, “By remaining open to opportunities and exploring unconventional paths, we can overcome economic hardships and pave the way for a brighter future built on innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience”
Last year, Rethread Africa, a Kenyan company focused on climate action through fashion, received €10,000 in funding from What Design Can Do and IKEA Foundation. In addition to this they are currently undertaking a development program co-created with Impact Hub Amsterdam to ensure their success.
Recently, Rethread Africa, was among the 10 winners of €200, 000 each from the 2023 Global Change Award or the Nobel Prize of fashion to support their development in making the fashion industry planet positive.
Nairobi Design community, which welcomes both designers and non-designers alike serves as a hub for inspiration, resource discovery, and global connections, offering a platform to elevate or kickstart design journeys. Nairobi Design is also a board member of World Design Weeks.
In January this year the National Treasury advised Kenyans to brace themselves for tough economic times, saying that the nation’s financial crisis is reaching unfathomable heights if you’re already feeling the heat perhaps it’s time to explore additional opportunities.
The application has only three main questions, what’s your Innovation Point, Demand and Market Analysis finally Core Technology.
“Winning prestigious awards can bring numerous benefits. Not only does it offer recognition and credibility, but small award-winning businesses and individuals have also witnessed an increase in operating income and sales growth compared to non-winners. The impact can extend beyond the local level, attracting business opportunities nationally, regionally, and even globally, fostering connections with other countries and continents,” concluded Adrian.
