We discover future design and innovation talents, startups and agencies.

The award for innovators who dare to think differently.

The biggest rewards. The easiest process. The best jury members.

“This platform is for startups and startup ecosystems of the world.” - Startup World Cup

“DDX Award has a special meaning for us getting recognized by such a renowned UX & VC experts.” - Swifty, Past Winner

“(...) strategists, and diverse thinkers come together to bridge the gap between groundbreaking tech and the heart of what truly matters: People.” - DDX

APPLY TODAY.

Takes less then 2min. Get reviewed by a global top innovation jury.

TALENTS

Top 3 Winner win $5.000 Award
Top 20 Newcomer Award & Dubai Gala

For upcoming designers, developers, visionary, innovators under 30.

STARTUPS

Top 1 nominated for 1.000.000 Award
Top 10 Nominated Award & Dubai Gala

For innovative startups from Pre-Seed to Series A founded after 2020.

AGENCIES

Become official UAE vendor
Top 5 invited to Dubai Gala

For forward-thinking design & innovation agencies with strong track record.

AWARDING INNOVATORS.

“The DDX Award stands for excellence in digital innovation, design and strategy. Projects, talents and business ventures that move humanity forward.”

  • This award celebrates professionals under 30, emphasizing their innovation and digital design projects.

  • In partnership with Pegasus Tech Ventures we are hosting the Startup World Cup in multiple locations - and source the most innovative startups.

  • This award highlights world-class agencies that are doing innovative work in the field of digital, design and digital products.

AWARD FOCUS

POSITIVE
IMPACT.

Innovation that is humanity-centric - and connects business, technology, design and positive impact.

  • What level of impact does the award generate for either business, science, sustainability or the human experience? If it hasn’t generating impact yet, is there a sufficient validation it will?

  • How validated are design solutions and how much proof is for the targeted audience?

  • How well is the idea executed and how thoughtful, iconic and human-centric are the design solutions.

Meet our amazing jury members

INTERNATIONAL JURY

TOP INDUSTRY EXPERTS.

Humanity-centered design, products and digital innovation that has a positive effect on people, business or planet.

  • Evaluation from experts in business, impact, innovation and entrepreneurship that evaluate the impact & strategy behind the project.

  • Evaluation on the innovation process, execution and communication: good innovation needs to be accessible and easy to use/understand.

Past Members

Liliia Mandrino
Experience Director, EA Games

Mick Champayne
Staff Designer, Google

Wolfgang Bremer
Vice President Design, Volkswagen (VW)

Philipp Steiner
Former Design Director Amazon & IDEO

WHY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS

BENEFITS.

Gain Recognition

Share your excellence in design & innovation.

10 startups will be nominated for the DDX Award and pitch at DDX. 3 will win the DDX Award and 1 will be qualify for the Startup World Cup.

Connect to to global innovators.

Make Connections

Each selected startup gets 2 tickets to the next DDX event and the chance to connect with digital innovators and entrepreneurs.

Conference Invitation

Meet the design and innovation community.

Secure the chance for win the DDX Award and participate in the World Startup Cup 2025. Pitch in front of a world class jury and get feedback.

TIMELINE

PROCESS.

Phase 1

Until 25th December
Open for Applications
Reviews on a rolling basis (the earlier you apply the better)

Phase 2

December / January
Jury Session & Nomination
”DDX Award Nominated” Announcement

Februar & May
Conference & Award Gala
With Onsite Experiences

Phase 3

DDX AWARDS

WHY.

DDX Awards

  • Real Rewards for Winners

  • Completely Free Application

  • Top Global Jury & Leaders

  • In-Person Award Gala & Conference

Other Awards

  • Real Rewards for Winners

  • Completely Free Application

  • Top Global Jury & Leaders

  • In-Person Award Gala & Conference

Sabine Gier

Questions about the event or anything we can help you with?

Reach out to our team for any help.

PARTNERS

PARTNERS

Pegasus Tech Ventures

Headquarters in Silicon Valley, Pegasus works with inlt. corporations and global investors to find and fund innovators developing technologies and businesses with the potential to become industry leaders.

Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai Silicon Oasis is a 15-minute city for business and sustainable living, dedicated to fostering Knowledge & Innovation.

You?

We love to partner with organizations that share the same values.

FAQs

  • Startup World Cup will have 50+ regional events across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Each regional winner will compete in Silicon Valley for the final competition in San Francisco on October 4, 2024 at Hilton Union Square, San Francisco. More details can be found on the Grand Finale Page.

  • Startup World Cup will provide free event tickets to attend the Networking Party, and Grand Finale for the winning startup from each regional event. Flights may be provided by the regional partners or local sponsors in each country, but Startup World Cup does not cover flight tickets to the Grand Finale in Silicon Valley.

  • The winner of the Grand Finale will receive US $1,000,000 prize in investment. It will either be in exchange for a portion of equity related to the most recent round of funding or a convertible note, depending on the size of the company and how much funding they have raised.

    They will also receive global exposure through media recognition from all of the journalists covering the event.

    Select sponsors will also be providing additional prizes to be announced. Last year included $30k in free legal services from Orrick and a Salesforce software package for the finalists.

  • It will vary among the regionals, but the majority of the regional competitions will feature the top 10-20 startups among the applicants.

  • Each startup will be allocated 4 minutes to pitch followed by 2 minutes of Q&A from the judging panel at the Grand Finale.

  • Please check the regional pages for regional competition schedules. Please note that only the regional finalists will be contacted.

  • The optional video is to help the application review committee get a better understanding of the company. If your company is difficult to explain in a few slides, then the video may help, but will not necessarily increase the chances of being selected.

  • We encourage startups in any domain, at any stage, to apply. Please note that the startup must be a legal entity not just an idea.

  • We accept applications regardless of your location. We encourage you to apply to the closest regional competition.

  • Please see the pitch deck template here.

  • There are no restrictions on the amount of capital raised, we encourage everyone to apply.

  • Application review committee will consist of representatives from VCs, incubators, and angel investors.

  • No; however, some of our regionals have optional exhibition booths that can be purchased.

  • Startups can apply to more than one regional, as long as the startup is not a regional champion.

  • No, Startup World Cup will not cover or reimburse any travel expense.

  • No, all finalists will pitch on Day 1. If you make it to the final round on Day 1, you move on to pitch on the main stage for Day 2.