Open Call | 2026 Global Mobility Showcase in Detroit – Design Students Worldwide Invited

Where industrial aesthetics meet the future of mobility, and young creativity collides with global perspectives—an international stage for a new generation of designers is set to launch! The 2026 Global Mobility Showcase in Detroit, USA, has officially opened its call for entries, inviting design students worldwide to participate. The showcase aims to reshape the possibilities of land, sea, and air mobility through design and define a new paradigm for future transportation with creativity.

Detroit, a globally renowned City of Design and Motor City, boasts a deep heritage in transportation design and a cutting-edge innovative atmosphere. The 2026 Global Mobility Showcase will be embedded as a core event within Detroit’s annual flagship program, Detroit Month of Design. As a professional exhibition for young designers worldwide, the Showcase focuses on cutting-edge mobility design concepts, addressing current global mobility challenges and solutions. It brings together outstanding design works from Cities of Design around the world, building an international platform for exhibition and exchange. The Showcase is expected to attract over 30,000 visitors, providing young designers with exceptional exposure and international influence for their work.

Welcoming Young Design Talent from Across the Globe

The Showcase has an accessible entry barrier and broad coverage. Undergraduate and graduate students in industrial design, assistive mobility device design, transportation design, user experience design, and other mobility-related design fields are all eligible to apply. Students from non-degree institutions and vocational schools are also welcome to submit their work. As long as you have a passion for design and an innovative vision for mobility, you are welcome to apply.

Exploring Design Possibilities Across All Mobility Scenarios

The scope of entries is diverse and wide-ranging, including but not limited to:

● Vehicle design: cars, trucks, buses, eVTOL aircraft, boats, trains

● Assistive mobility devices: wheelchairs, wearable robots, assisted mobility solutions

● UX design for mobility: in-vehicle AI, infotainment, wayfinding, mobility apps

● Urban spaces and public infrastructure: improving accessibility and quality of transportation

● Any design concept: related to the transportation of people or goods by land, sea, or air

Simple Application Process to Reach an International Exhibition

The submission process is streamlined and cost-effective, focusing on the creativity itself. Applicants must submit their entries before the August 1 deadline.

Selection Timeline:

● August 5: Jury review of submissions

● August 7: Exhibit acceptance communication

● August 21: Deadline for final artwork files

● September: Board printing and production by Design Core

● September 11–17: Exhibitions

What to Submit for the August 1 Deadline:

● 1 clear concept image (16:9 aspect ratio preferred)

● 3 supporting images (storyboards, sketches, research materials)

● 1 one-paragraph written description of the concept

Submission Email:

Please send your entries to: [email protected]

Seize this opportunity to showcase your design talent, gain international experience, and connect with a global perspective on a world stage. Dream big about the future of mobility, break boundaries with creativity, and let your designs shine on the international scene!

Content provided by: Liao Zhengdong
Edited by: Yang Jianing
Reviewed by: Huang Tao