New members elected to the German Design Graduates Advisory Board
In February 2026, the advisory board of German Design Graduates was re-elected. This panel of leading experts will support the initiative on key issues going forward – and underscores the growing importance of design as a guiding force in a complex world.
Exhibition
Around 70 projects from about 30 universities are presented in a curated exhibition. The selection demonstrates quality and a wide range of themes, placing the works within broader academic and social contexts. It raises their profile and encourages direct exchange.
Application period for universities has begun
Selected universities can register to take part in German Design Graduates until the end of April.
Platform
At the heart of GDG is the Graduates Platform. It permanently archives final-year projects and links them to universities. This provides a growing overview of current trends in German design education. The platform enhances visibility and comparability, and serves as a reference for study, professional practice and communication.
PLATFORM Spotlight
German Design Graduates, supported by the German Design Council Foundation, is the only nationwide initiative dedicated to promoting emerging talent among graduates in product and industrial design, textile and fashion design, and communication and digital design, as well as showcasing renowned German universities, art colleges and universities of applied sciences.
This month, we are showcasing projects in the field of “Sustainable & Circular Design”.
Design Research Training
Design as a practice of knowledge: The GDG Design Research Training programme brings together graduates, researchers and practitioners who use design as a tool for analysing and developing solutions. At the Transformation Lab in Berlin, they work across disciplines on issues shaping the future – and demonstrate just how diverse and relevant design research is today.
NETWORK
The network connects universities, graduates, businesses and stakeholders from the cultural and research sectors. It fosters dialogue between academia and industry and creates tangible pathways into the profession. Businesses gain direct access to talent. This creates a robust network for exchange and collaboration.
FORM FOLLOWS FRIENDSHIP
In 2026, selected German and Dutch design newcomer duos will spend four months working on projects aimed at driving change in society, the economy or culture. The teams will receive a project budget and will present their results at a public exhibition in Frankfurt as part of the “Open – Design Week Frankfurt RheinMain” during the “World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026”. The aim of “Form Follows Friendship” is to learn more about and demonstrate how cross-border collaboration in the field of design can be promoted and facilitated.
Timeline
April
Registration
Schools
May – June
Call for Entries
German Design Graduates
AUGUST
Publication
Graduates Platform
June 14 – June 28
Form Follows Friendship
Museum Angewandte Kunst, Frankfurt am Main
OCTOBER 15 – November 29
Museum Exhibition
Dare to Design
Neue Sammlung, München
MORE DATES
Coming Soon
SCHOOLS
German Design Graduates documents and showcases final-year projects from design degree programmes across Germany and connects the most prestigious universities with partners from the professional world and the public sector. In 2025, 28 universities took part in the initiative, including, amongst others:
GDG SOCIAL
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