Design Pitch
A Startup Contest for Designers & Creatives
Dream Big. Design Bold. Pitch Fearlessly.
Are you a designer with an idea that could change the world? Design Pitch is your stage.
This one-of-a-kind startup contest is calling all visionary designers, makers, and dreamers to step up, stand out, and pitch ideas that solve real-world challenges.
Whether you’re a student or a seasoned professional, if you’ve got a bold vision backed by design, this is your moment.
Why ‘Design Pitch’ Matters
Design is evolving—from creating for others to creating with purpose. As AI, tech, and entrepreneurship converge, designers are stepping into the spotlight as leaders and founders.
Design Pitch empowers you to:
- Turn ideas into prototypes
- Transform challenges into impact
- Be more than a designer—be a changemaker
The world needs design-led ventures that tackle urgent social, environmental, and economic issues. This is your chance to design the change.
The Challenge:
Solve What Matters
Bring us your bold idea that addresses a real-world challenge or reimagines the way things work and the way we live. Question the existing systems, products, services from any industry or sector, or you could even question the way of our life. Your idea should inspire change and offer tangible value that shapes a new, exciting future by re-imagining or innovating the dynamic world around us.
Think beyond categories. You might be:
- Reimagining outdated business models
- Challenging dominant service structures
- Disrupting legacy industries
- Innovating in energy, finance, health, or sustainability
- Inventing something the world hasn’t seen yet
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for ideas that aren’t just imaginative—but also practical and business-viable.
Submit a Prototype + a 150-word pitch brief outlining the problem, your solution, the impact it can make, and how it can evolve into a sustainable business.
Submit a Prototype
Submit a 150-word pitch brief outlining the problem.
e.g., “A mobile app that connects farmers directly to local markets.”
What problem are you solving?
Briefly explain the pain point you’re addressing
Your Solution
What is the Social and Business Impact?
How did you use Design Thinking or UX Methods
What
You'll win
Startup Support:
Complimentary Pass to UXINDIA25
Pitch Your Idea
LIVE on India’s biggest design stage, UXINDIA
Mentorship
from UMO’s business, tech, design and investor network
Awards & Industry Recognition
from leading designers, innovators & investors
Important
Dates
15 June
CONTEST LAUNCH
19 July
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
28 AUG
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
19 Sept
LIVE PITCH EVENT AT UXINDIA25
Who Can Apply
Solo designers/creatives or teams (max 3 members)
Students, professionals, or early-stage founders
No startup experience required—just your creativity and drive. Anyone who is passionate about solving problems through design
How your idea will be
Evaluated
Human Centred Insight
Is your idea grounded in real human needs? Have you connected with your users—through empathy, observation, or co-creation? Does your concept account for underserved communities or real-world constraints?
Why it counts: The best ideas start with people, not just problems.
Feasibility & Viability
Can your idea actually work in the real world? Have you thought through how to build, fund, or launch it? Could it become a business or a sustainable social enterprise?
Why it counts: Innovation only matters if it’s doable.
Vision & Ambition
Are you thinking big? Does your idea disrupt, scale, or challenge the way things work? Is it aligned with the future—AI, sustainability, systems innovation?
Why it counts: The strongest pitches don't just solve problems—they shift paradigms.
Prototype Quality
Why it counts: A sleek prototype sells your vision before you even say a word.
Team Potential
Why it counts: We’re not just betting on ideas—we’re betting on you.
Bonus Points
Your pitch might also stand out if it includes:
- Tech Innovation (AI, ML, blockchain, etc.)
- Cultural Relevance (deeply rooted in local or regional context)
- Impact Plan (evidence of pilots, metrics, or proof of concept)
Ready To Pitch?
Register Now!
It’s time to turn your idea into impact. Submit your concept and take the first step toward becoming a design-led founder.
Spotted a bad experience?
Show us what went wrong! Whether it’s a frustrating app, a confusing sign, or a moment of complete design failure—this is your chance to call it out.