The nominees for the Emerging Talent Award have been announced. The shortlist was drawn up following an open call. The multidisciplinary jury of the Dutch Design Awards, chaired by Borre Akkersdijk, has selected fifteen designers. They stand out for their vision, social engagement and/or cross-disciplinary approach.

Jury chair Borre Akkersdijk explains:

“The nominees show very different directions for the field — and it’s just as important that they get to know each other. The Emerging Talent Award is valuable, not only for the prize money, but because it amplifies what each of the 15 nominees is already doing and gives recognition to their impact. Just as crucial is the chance to be seen, develop, connect, and initiate dialogue. Dutch designers should continue to see each other, support each other, and keep doors open. Together, they create fertile ground for the next generation to grow and evolve.

We’re impressed by these 15 critical voices and their promise for the field, and proud to put them side by side as a cohort of forerunners with the Emerging Talent Award.”

Deliberate attention was paid to designers from a wide range of disciplines, in order to encourage cross-pollination – from installations, film and fashion to systems thinking, AI techniques, new materials and more. Showing this range together highlights design from a wider perspective.

The fifteen nominees for the Emerging Talent Award of DDA25 are:

• Espace AYGO
• Théophile Blandet
• Vera van der Burg
• Bas Emaus
• Sho Ota
• Futurall (Eva Oosterlaken & Finn Strivens)
• Willem de Haan
• Fons de Haan
• Plasticiet (Marten van Middelkoop & Joost Dingemans)
• Hussein Shikha
• Johanna Seelemann
• Kurina Sohn
• Nanno Simonis
• Joone Joonam 
• Amir Zaza

View the designers’ imagery →

The three winners of the Dutch Design Awards 2025 will be announced on Saturday 18 October, at the opening of the 25th edition of Dutch Design Week. Each will receive €10,000. In addition, the three winners will benefit from a tailored development programme, including a masterclass, personal learning goals and targeted matchmaking with relevant professionals from the network. The prize is made possible by the Keep an Eye Foundation, which supports emerging creative talent.