The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) is delighted to announce that the Universal Design Grand Challenge (UDGC) is back for 2025. Applications will be opening on Tuesday 01 April 2025 at 12:00pm (noon).
About the Universal Design Grand Challenge 2025
We encourage students across the Republic of Ireland, who are in their final two years of study, to apply to be in with a chance to win cash prizes at this year’s awards. The competition is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students to submit under three categories:
- Built Environment
- Products and Services
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
It’s important to note that you don’t need to have a completed project/prototype to enter. Also, the entry does not have to be a project which formed part of a course of study. It could be a hobby project you have been working on, or a great design you have come up with. Of course, if you have something which they worked on as part of their studies, that’s perfectly fine too.
In addition to cash prizes, this competition is a terrific springboard for students, helping them to build their reputation as a great designer.
The opening date for entries will be Tuesday 01 April 2025 at 12pm (noon). Register on our dedicated awards platform.
The deadline for completion of applications is Monday 2 June 2025 at 23:59. Students can work on the application in their own time. The form will guide them through what’s needed. They can save their work and return to it at any time.
Read more about our competition.
I am a lecturer, What Can I do?
Promote the Universal Design Grand Challenge
- Inspire and facilitate your students to solve real-life problems for people of any age, size or ability.
- Spread the word about the UDGC within your courses and educational institution.
Support Your Students in Submitting Entries
- Encourage your students to apply before the deadline on 2 June on our dedicated awards platform.
- Support them in identifying 4 or more ways that they can incorporate Universal Design Principles into their work.
- Confirm the student’s entry: All student entries are required to nominate a course tutor or school representative to confirm they know the student project and the information in the entry form.
- Attend the awards ceremony: The finalists and their tutor/school representative will attend the Universal Design Grand Challenge Student Awards Final on 26 September 2025, in the Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, Dublin.
Help and Support:
The team at the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design are here to help and support educators in bringing Universal Design into the classroom. If there’s anything that we can do to help or assist you along the way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Help and Support is available from udgc@nda.ie or at 01 608 0456.