Australia's Next Top Designers
In collaboration with Workshopped, Sponsored by Meir, Flexmirror Australia & Axolotl
11-13 June 2026 | ICC Sydney
Design Show Australia plays host to Australia’s Next Top Designers (ANTD), shinning a spotlight on those leading the next generation of design.
We’re looking for emerging designers, makers and creatives, that have breakthrough products and concepts shaping the future of design.
This showcase and competition is a platform to generate maximum exposure for new designers, while celebrating sustainable and innovative design. There will be a $10,000 prize awarded to the winner.
Scroll to see the 2026 finalists.
2026 Shortlists
Click on their profile to view their shortlisted product.
Finalist Criteria & Benefits
Finalists will be evaluated based on product quality, sustainability, and product innovation. Additionally, they will also receive:
- Opportunity to be named Australia’s Next Top Designer 2026
- Space within the showcase area to display product/series
- Free three-day access to the event, speaker series and award ceremony
- Opportunity to utilise a data capture device to generate contact details of attendees interested in their product (additional fee)
- Inclusion in printed and digital event magazine
- Onsite branding and recognition of yourself and your product
- Social media awareness and recognition
- Media exposure through media attendance at the show
Criteria and Eligibility
Australia’s Next Top Designers Showcase is open to early stage and emerging designers to submit a product or series. Submissions can include conceptual designs on the priviso that they will be made for the event if the application is successful in becoming a finalist
Categories for applicants include:
- New – Studying
- Emerging – top to 5 years in practice
- Categories represented include:
- Product: furniture & lighting
- Object + Art: object, accessories, textile, art & ceramics
Product must not display elsewhere in the show, and product must be produced within the last 12 months.
Terms and Conditions
Before you dive into unleashing your creativity and showcasing your talents, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the Terms and Conditions governing this exciting event. We encourage you to read through them carefully to ensure a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all involved.
Read T&Cs here.
Key Dates:
- 3 November 2025 – Submissions open
- 7 April 2026 – Submission closes
- 16 April 2026 – Confirmation of successful submissions
- 20 April 2026 – Shortlists contacted
- 10 June 2026 – Event Bump In
- 11-13 June 2026 – Design Show Australia
Presented in collaboration with
WORKSHOPPED is innovative Australian company that exhibits, manufactures and retails Australian and New Zealand design products, to commercial and residential markets. WORKSHOPPED exhibition has presented the work of over 450 Australian designers through 21 exhibitions and been viewed by over 750,000 people. The exhibition and retail store is a platform for emerging and established product, furniture and lighting designers.
Sponsored by
Meir is an Australian designed brand renowned globally for creating the finest coloured tapware in the world.
Available through more than 2,000 premium retailers throughout Australia, our collections define elegance in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries within luxury homes, boutique hotels and high-end developments worldwide.
Inspired by contemporary interior design, Meir blends prestige, sophistication and craftsmanship, trusted by leading architects and designers who seek the perfect finishing touches for their most distinctive spaces.
Sponsored by
For over 40 years, we have been constantly improving our Flexmirror© foil mirrors, thus keeping our finger on the pulse and making sure to meet the high expectations of our global customers.
