• SDG: 06 Clean Water + Sanitation

• University: Istituto Europeo di Design Milano, Milan, Italy

• Winner: Riccardo Zambelli Hosmer, Matteo Bernasconi, Camilla Piantanida, Dafne Argondizza
  

Lilipur addresses the ongoing eutrophication crisis in Italy's Orbetello lagoon, which negatively impacts ecosystems and local communities. Instead of emergency responses, it advocates for a long-term, adaptive approach to living with a climate-altered ecosystem. By integrating biological processes with shared environmental data, Lilipur helps communities understand and care for the lagoon, promoting a cultural shift toward adaptation and coexistence rather than control.

Jury Statement:

"This is a rare entry that thinks in ecological timescales. The shift from remediation to coexistence, supported by sensor data and biological processes, shows a design position that most entries in this category don't even attempt."

More information about the concept ➞

• SDG: 10 Reduced Inequality

• University: Hongik University, Seoul, Korea

• Winner: Hyunggeun Oh
  

Pathable is an AI-driven travel service that transforms mobility from reaction to anticipation. It addresses the challenges wheelchair users face by providing accurate accessibility information, reducing stress and uncertainty. By anticipating issues and responding to unexpected situations in real time, Pathable enables predictable, independent travel and supports users when barriers arise.

Jury Statement:

"This design directly addresses the anxiety wheelchair users experience in unfamiliar environments. Supported by technology, it offers practical travel assistance solutions for people with mobility impairments. Through a carefully mapped user journey and scenario-based design, it demonstrates a deep understanding of real pain points, turning technology into reliable support in the face of the unknown."

More information about the concept ➞

• SDG: 03 Good Health + Well-Being

• University: Fachhochschule Münster, Münster, Germany

• Winner: Svea Sommerhage, Gunnar Schulze Pröbsting, Antonia Saure
  

Demographic shifts are leading to a significant shortage of personnel in care facilities and hospitals. Tasks such as assisting individuals with limited mobility are physically demanding and often require multiple caregivers. CAIRE offers a cutting-edge solution: a lifting aid and seating support that facilitates safe, ergonomic lifting and stabilization of patients with just one caregiver. It is hygienic, easy to use, and suitable for both care facilities and home settings.

Jury Statement:

"As care systems face staff shortages and mounting physical and mental demands, CAIRE offers a pragmatic, respectful solution. It enables a single caregiver to safely lift and stabilize patients, enhancing ergonomics, efficiency, and well-being in both clinical and home settings."

More information about the concept ➞

• SDG: 10 Reduced Inequalities

• University: TU Delft, Delft, Netherlands

• Winner: Alessandra Galli
  

OnCue is an adaptive keyboard system designed to ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative condition affecting 12 million people worldwide. By turning typing from a frustrating, error-filled task into an accessible activity, it improves quality of life in an increasingly digital world. OnCue is the first typing tool that integrates cueing techniques.

Jury Statement:

“This very useful and thoughtful solution transforms a frustrating digital interaction into an accessible experience. By integrating therapeutic principles into everyday technology, it demonstrates strong potential to build independence, confidence, and participation.”

More information about the concept ➞

• SDG: 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

• University: Istituto Europeo Di Design (IED), Madrid, Spain

• Winner: Paula Garrote González
  
  Urban Orthosis consists of small-scale devices designed to meet specific neighborhood needs. Residents collaborate through workshops to analyze their environment, address conflicts, and drive change. This initiative encourages community interaction, strengthens social networks, and combats gentrification. The project envisions the city as a collectively cared-for space, adaptable to the needs of its inhabitants.
  
  
  Jury Statement:

"ÓRTESIS URBANA reframes the city as a collective body that can be supported through intentional, community-driven design. Instead of adding more objects, the project builds a participatory process where those most affected by gentrification and hostile spaces become co-creators of their environment. It models a shift from making things to building meaningful relationships."

More information about the concept ➞