The inaugural 2027 edition provides a global platform for designers to present their work and gain recognition for exceptional design.
INAUGURAL EDITION 2027
INAUGURAL EDITION 2027
INAUGURAL EDITION 2027
INAUGURAL EDITION 2027
INAUGURAL EDITION 2027
Find the Category for Your Work
The XCL Design Awards recognizes outstanding work across product, technology, sustainability, communication, future concepts and design addressing real-world challenges.
1.0
Product Design
2.0
Digital & Technology
3.0
Sustainable Design
4.0
Brand & Communication Design
5.0
Concept & Future Design
6.0
Design For Impact
Emerging Designer Award
Recognizing outstanding work from designers at the beginning of their professional journey.Eligible designers can submit work within any of the six main disciplines and also be consideredfor this special recognition.
Enter This CategoryRecognition That Can Take You Further.
An XCL Design Award recognizes outstanding work and gives designers a platform to gainvisibility, build connections and explore opportunities beyond the award.
01
Recognition
Receive official recognition as an XCL Design Award winner, including the XCL Winner Markand winner certificate.
02
Exposure
Winning projects will be presented through the XCL Design Awards platform and included in the official winners archive.
03
Media & PR
Selected winners and projects will be featured through XCL editorial content, social media, campaigns and media outreach.
04
Mentorship
Selected winners will have opportunities to connect with experienced designers, engineers, entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
05
Industry Connections
Connect with relevant companies, manufacturers, professionals and partners across the XCL network.
06
Funding & Investor Opportunities
Selected projects with commercial potential may be considered for introductions to investors, partners and funding opportunities.
07
Product Development
Selected projects may be considered for further support through XCL Labs, including design, engineering, prototyping, sourcing and manufacturing.
In addition to the XCL Design Awards, three special prizes will recognize exceptional talent, impact and responsible design.
Emerging Designer Award
Awarded to an outstanding emerging designer demonstrating exceptional creativity, design quality and future potential.
Design for impact Prize
Awarded to an outstanding project using design to address a meaningful social, economic or environmental challenge.
Sustainable Design Prize
Awarded to an outstanding project demonstrating a considered approach to sustainability, materials, resources and environmental impact.
Put Your Work on a Global Stage.
Give outstanding work a platform beyond where it was created.
Have your work evaluated alongside ambitious design from across the global African design community.
Strengthen your professional presence and give your work greater credibility and visibility.
Join a growing platform created to celebrate and elevate designers of African background worldwide.
What If Your Idea Could Go Further?
For selected projects, recognition may be only the beginning.
Through the XCL ecosystem, promising ideas may have opportunities to access expertise and connections that can help move them toward development and commercialization.
Selected projects may be considered for further development opportunities through XCL Labs.
How Your Work Will Be Evaluated
Every entry will be evaluated against criteria designed to recognize thoughtful, innovative and well-executed design.
Originality
Does the project demonstrate a distinctive or fresh approach?
Design Quality
How effectively has the idea been translated into a considered design?
Function
Does the design effectively fulfil its intended purpose?
Innovation
Does the project introduce new thinking, methods, experiences or solutions?
Impact
What meaningful value could the design create for people, communities or its intended market?
Sustainability
How thoughtfully does the project consider materials, resources, longevity and environmental impact where relevant?
Entries are reviewed against the relevant judging criteria, with finalists and winners selected through the XCL Design Awards judging process.
KEY DATES
The Road to XCL Design Awards 2027
Submit during the early bird period
All submissions must be completed by final deadline
Dates may be subject to change. Any updates will be published on the XCL Design Awards website.
Entry information
Ready to Enter?
Submitting your work to the XCL Design Awards is a simple three-step process.
Select the award discipline and subcategory that best represents your project.
Prepare your project images, design description, project details, supporting materials and relevant credits.
Complete the online entry form, upload your materials, review your submission and submit your project for consideration.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Your Work Deserves to Be Seen.
Enter the inaugural XCL Design Awards 2027 and put your work on a global stage.
Enter the Awards