UD Student Awards 2026 — Entries open soon!
Are you a third-level student with a passion for design?
Have you implemented Universal Design in one of your projects?
Read on to learn how to apply for the UD Student Awards 2026.
The UD Student Awards are presented annually to student projects that exemplify the principles of Universal Design.
What are the UD Student Awards?
The awards recognise student projects that demonstrate the principles of Universal Design. These are projects that feature solutions and ideas which work for everyone in society, regardless of age, size, ability or disability.
Read more about Universal Design.
Who can enter?
We invite third level students and recent graduates to enter their projects. We are delighted to accept entries from undergraduate and master level students and recent graduates from higher level educational institutions based in the Republic of Ireland. We accept individual entries and teams of up to five people. We encourage PhD students to submit their projects for inclusion in the UD26 Conference.
How to enter?
Entries are accepted through AwardForce, our online awards platform. Entrants must set up an account and click the 'Enter' tab to begin an application.
Entrants will be asked to give a brief summary of their design idea and describe how at least 3 of the Principles of Universal Design relate to the project. Supporting images, presentations or videos can also be attached.
The Award Categories
The winner of each category below receives a cash prize of €1000 and a coveted UD Student Award trophy.
Digital
This category is for all things techy. This is your chance to share with us everything from apps and websites to interactive experiences, games and eLearning. Prototypes, mock-ups, working demos, or even compelling concepts—if it lives on a screen, server or cloud, it belongs here!
Built Environment
This category is all about reimagining our physical world. Whether you’re designing innovative architecture, dreaming up sustainable urban plans, crafting inspiring interior spaces, or rethinking public areas like parks, plazas, and campuses. From tiny homes to entire neighbourhoods, from pop-up installations to permanent structures, show us how thoughtful design can make our environments more functional, beautiful for all. Sketches, models, renderings, and concepts are all welcome!
Products & Services
This category celebrates tangible products and innovative services that make everyday life better by meeting real user needs. Maybe it’s a tool, packaging or wearable. Maybe it's a service that reimagines how people connect, shop, travel, or care for themselves and others. From physical prototypes to service blueprints, if it’s something people can use or experience, we’re excited to see it!
UDGC 2025 Winners
The ICT Award (now the Digital Award) went to Shannon Aisling Forde from Munster Technological University for Active Ease, a digital platform designed to help individuals with severe mental illness engage in physical activity independently. Co-designed through public and patient involvement, the platform incorporates visual guides, videos, voiceovers, and printable resources, making physical activity more accessible across devices including smartphones, tablets, desktops, and smart TVs.
Amy Byrne from Technological University Dublin received the Built Environment Award for her project Flúirse, a Mental Health and Wellness Centre in Bettystown, Co. Meath. Rooted in Universal Design principles, Flúirse creates a serene, inclusive, and supportive environment through features like adaptable therapy rooms, a sensory garden, tactile signage, and wheelchair-friendly access.