2026 Better Design Award Guangzhou Promotion Event Successfully Held

On October 20, the 2026 Better Design Award Global Promotion Event was successfully held in Guangzhou. The event introduced the competition to industry stakeholders across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), presenting the enhanced competition framework and supporting measures to facilitate the translation of design achievements into practical applications. It also marked a further step in the global call for entries. The event was attended by Tan Jiebin, Second-Level Inspector of the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province; Zhang Hongwei, Second-Level Inspector of the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology; Chen Yongjun, Deputy District Mayor of Baiyun District, Guangzhou; and Mao Chuming, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Editorial Office of China Media Group Guangdong Headquarters. Approximately 200 participants attended, including experts and scholars in design innovation, renowned designers, representatives of design organizations, and intelligent manufacturing enterprises.

Highlights from the Guangzhou Promotion Event

Tan Jiebin, Second-Level Inspector of the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province, noted that industrial design is a key driver of new quality productive forces. Guangdong is committed to implementing China's strategy of building a strong manufacturing nation and the provincial government's “1310” development agenda, while maintaining manufacturing as a cornerstone of its economy. The province's industrial design sector ranks among the leading regions nationwide. The third edition of the Better Design Award will focus on strategic industries and the needs of major national projects, placing greater emphasis on the application and commercialization of design outcomes. It aims to bring outstanding ideas beyond the competition and into real-world industrial applications.

Tan Jiebin, Second-Level Inspector of the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province

Zhang Hongwei, Second-Level Inspector of the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, stated that Guangzhou is advancing its strategy of prioritizing industry and strengthening the city through manufacturing, with a focus on coordinated development between commerce and industry and deeper integration of manufacturing and producer services. Guangzhou will provide full support for the third edition of the Better Design Award and welcomes the establishment of a design outcomes commercialization center in the city. These efforts will help elevate the competition's international reach, brand influence, and industrial impact.

Zhang Hongwei, Second-Level Inspector of the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology

Chen Yongjun, Deputy District Mayor of Baiyun District, Guangzhou, highlighted Baiyun's efforts to develop Guangzhou Design Capital to a high standard. The district will leverage the competition to foster industrial development, provide comprehensive support for its successful delivery, and facilitate the implementation and commercialization of more award-winning projects in Baiyun.

Chen Yongjun, Deputy District Mayor of Baiyun District, Guangzhou

During the event, the organizing committee introduced the call for entries and provided a detailed explanation of the third edition's competition categories, judging mechanisms, and award structure. The competition features two main categories: Product Design and Design for Industry. Product Design comprises three groups: Industrial Foundation, Better Life, and Future Design, covering advanced manufacturing, consumer products that enhance everyday life, and cutting-edge design exploration. For the first time, the Future Design group will be divided into three tracks based on participant type: Professional Concept Group, Student Concept Group, and Emerging Team Design Group. The Design for Industry category focuses on design-driven, systemic transformation across industrial value chains and invites submissions of integrated solutions addressing the entire value chain.

Yang Jie from the Better Design Award organizing committee introduces the competition rules.

The event also featured a themed sharing session titled “Better Chinese Design,” during which representatives of previous award-winning projects shared their experiences and insights. A trendy toy project from Shipai, Dongguan, received the 2025 Better Design Award: Design for Industry. It demonstrated how original design can empower traditional industries to move beyond contract manufacturing and develop their own brands. The Life-D100 Donor Regional Perfusion Device, developed by Singularity Medical Technology (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., received the 2025 BDA Concept Grand Award. The project showcased how human-centered design can drive innovation in primary healthcare.

“Better Chinese Design” sharing session —

Zhang Xiaogang, Associate Dean of the School of Art and Design, Guangdong University of Technology.

“Better Chinese Design” sharing session —

— Luo Weisi, Industrial Design Engineer at Singularity Medical Technology.

The Guangzhou Promotion Event strengthened engagement with industry stakeholders across the Greater Bay Area, building bridges between the design community, manufacturers, and the wider innovation ecosystem. As design becomes increasingly integrated with manufacturing, the Better Design Award will further unlock innovation across industrial value chains and help establish design innovation as a key driver of high-quality manufacturing development in Guangdong.

The submission deadline for the third edition of the Better Design Award is December 12, 2026. The Better Design Award welcomes entries from outstanding enterprises and institutions, design organizations, universities, research teams, and individual participants worldwide. Join the competition for a chance to win one of 326 awards, including the prestigious Better Design Grand Awards.​

Visit the official competition website at www.bdaward.com to review the detailed competition rules and submit your entry.​

We look forward to seeing your outstanding designs!