At Young Talent Design Campus (YTDC) young talents from design, science and arts come together to show what our future could look like. Students, lecturers and graduates from various disciplines are invited to present their projects, concepts and visions.

YTDC highlights the creative potential of universities and invites dialogue with an international audience.

When and where does the YTDC take place?
The YTDC will run during the summer semester of 2026, bringing together numerous universities from the Frankfurt RheinMain region. Preparatory events will already begin in the winter semester 2025/26.
In July and August 2026, local, national and international student projects will be showcased on the grounds of Museum Angewandte Kunst – the Festival Hub of World Design Capital 2026.

How can I take part?
Participation in YTDC will be organised through your university during the summer semester of 2026. Speak to your professors for more information. The submission guidelines will be available soon on this website.

What can I submit?
We are looking for outstanding academic projects that engage with the original WDC theme: Design for Democracy. Atmospheres for a better life.
Pioneering works – whether developed locally, nationally or internationally – can be submitted through your university by January 2026. An expert team will curate the final selection for the YTDC exhibition.

What’s happening at the YTDC in summer 2026?
YTDC reveals the future potential emerging from universities. It provides space for dialogue, fresh perspectives and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through exhibitions, talks, workshops and a diverse supporting programme, the campus invites visitors to get informed, get involved – and help shape what’s to come.

Because: if we want to live in a better future, we need to come up with ideas what it could look like.

Contact

If you have any further questions, feel free to get in touch: ytdc@partner.wdc2026.org

Young Talent Design Campus