A CALL FOR CREATIVE CLIMATE SOLUTIONS
The Redesign Everything Challenge is now closed for applications! This global competition was launched in January 2024 to find and celebrate the world’s most creative climate solutions. During the open call, we received 557 ideas to radically redesign our way of life — our products, materials, stories, systems, services and spaces — through a circular and regenerative lens.
Next, our selection committee will review and select the 30 most promising projects, to be announced on 30 April!
EXPLORE THE GALLERY
WHY THIS CHALLENGE?
Since 2015, we’ve partnered with organisations like IKEA Foundation to launch global challenges around different societal issues, from clean energy and circularity to the health and wellbeing of refugees. In that time, we’ve learned that many of the problems we currently face are deeply interconnected, whether we are talking about plastic waste in Kenya or the housing crisis in the Netherlands. It follows then, that the best solutions are too. That is why this year, we decided to throw the door wide open and launch our most expansive challenge yet.
Now, more than ever, there is an urgent need for circular, regenerative and inclusive solutions; and for the transformative, disruptive, and healing power of design.
Watch our new video series with designer Borre Akkersdijk, curator Paola Antonelli and climate activist Amanda Costa to hear their take on what this might look like in practice.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Over the next few weeks, our Selection Committee will collaborate on a list of the most promising 30 projects. In May, an international Jury will come together to select 10 winning teams across five main disciplines: products, materials, communications, spaces and systems & services. The goal is to find exciting ideas and innovations that could transform our societies along with our industries: from food, fashion and packaging, to mobility, electronics and digital services.
DIVE DEEPER
With the help of research partners in five cities, we’ve put together some helpful resources around the greatest climate urgencies facing communities around the world. This includes an extended design brief and a series of digital zines exploring 8 key strategies for change. Each issue offers a deep-dive into a different aspect of the circular transition and is packed with interviews, compelling cases and the latest facts and figures on creative climate action.
One of our previous winners is Modern Synthesis, a biomaterial start-up working to reimagine textiles in fashion.
Another previous winner is Refugio, a project working to make cities more hospitable to pollinating insects.
THE AWARD PACKAGE
Next to €5.000 in project funding, winning teams will gain access to an accelerator programme offered by What Design Can Do which will kick-off with a week-long bootcamp in Amsterdam. Here they will receive the expert mentorship, training and tools they need to scale their ideas and expand their impact on the world.
Win funding for your idea
At least 10 winning teams will receive €5.000 each to invest in their projects.
One of the Make it Circular Challenge winners Alterist Marketplace not only changed their whole impact model due to the training they received with us, but also managed to realise their first partnership thanks to the prize money.
Join the WDCD Accelerator
Winners will enter a dedicated accelerator programme to bring their projects to the next level.
Our accelerator programme helped No Waste Challenge winner Omiflo redefine their value proposition and offers; bringing the start-up more clients and opportunities for funding.
Grow your audience
Gain valuable publicity through our international network of media partners.
Our nominees and winners have been featured in more than 250 publications on the world’s biggest design platforms such as DesignBoom, Dezeen, and Frame, reaching a total of 16.2 million impressions.
Take part in our boot camp
Winners will join their cohort in a week-long boot camp in Amsterdam.
To kickstart the programme, winners will meet with industry experts and join tailored masterclasses to gain new perspectives on design and circularity. Most importantly, you’ll meet the other winners and build up a long-lasting community. Take a look at our previous boot camp here.
Find mentors in your field
Get support from curated professionals with a wide range of design and business expertise.
We’ll match each winner with a top-notch mentor based on their personal and professional needs. Previous mentors include Bert van Son (founder of Mud Jeans) and Marije Vogelzang (visionary designer and food pioneer.) Check out last year’s list of mentors here.
PITCH ON THE WDCD STAGE
Winners get the chance to pitch their projects to thousands of decision-makers at a WDCD Live event.
Every year, WDCD hosts festivals in design capitals around the world. Here, Challenge winners get the platform to share their ideas with potential partners and investors. Last year’s winners pitched in Amsterdam and in Mexico City.
IN GOOD COMPANY
Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of creative entrepreneurs develop their ideas into thriving start-ups and businesses. Taking part in the Redesign Everything Challenge means you’ll be joining this growing network of dedicated changemakers.
Another previous winner is Club de Reparadores, a platform engaging people to recycle and repair.
Challenge Timeline
Open Call
17 January – 20 March
Creatives everywhere are invited to submit their ideas through the Redesign Everything Challenge platform.
Nominate
March – April
Our selection committee will decide on a shortlist of nominees, to be announced in April.
Triumph
April – May
Our international jury will decide on at least 10 winners from around the world, to be announced in May.
Bootcamp
July
Winning teams will meet in Amsterdam for a week-long bootcamp and pitch their solution at the WDCD Live event.
Accelerate
Sept - Dec
Winning teams enter a dedicated accelerator programme to strengthen and scale their impact.
WHO WILL SELECT THE NOMINEES?
Redesign Everything is our fifth Climate Action Challenge in partnership with IKEA Foundation. For more information about What Design Can Do and our previous challenges please visit www.whatdesigncando.com.
About WDCD
What Design Can Do (WDCD) is an international organisation that seeks to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, fair and just society using the power of design. Based in Amsterdam, with hubs in São Paulo, Mexico City, Delhi, Nairobi and Tokyo, WDCD started in 2011 and is initiated, curated and organised by creatives.
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