Launchpad is NZ Design Week’s dedicated platform for emerging designers, artists, makers and young studios to showcase their work within the heart of NZDW 2026.

Designed as a curated collective inside the Design Depot at Shed 10, Launchpad offers a high-visibility, low-barrier entry point into Aotearoa’s leading design event. It’s a place to be seen, to connect, and to take part in shaping the future of design – alongside peers, industry leaders and the wider design community.

Whether you’re presenting independently or collaborating with others, Launchpad is built to support discovery, dialogue and momentum.

Disciplines may include (but are not limited to) product design, furniture, objects, lighting, textiles, material exploration, spatial work, and experimental practices.

Positioning

Launchpad will be the first exhibition visitors encounter as they enter the Shed 10 Design Depot, immediately following ticketing. With a minimum of 2,000 visitors expected across three days, every attendee will move directly through the Launchpad space – ensuring consistent, high-impact exposure throughout the week.

Concept

The 2026 display direction is a restrained, minimalist concept built around black crate modules, used either individually or stacked to create height and variation. These will be paired with a solid surface such as plywood, Critical Cleanstone or a similar finish (final material selection to be confirmed).

This flexible system allows for a range of disciplines and scales of work while maintaining a unified visual language across the space. Inspiration imagery is indicative only – the final configuration will be confirmed post-contract and tailored to complement the selected exhibitors.

Photo Credit: Yannick Wegner

What’s Included

All Launchpad exhibitors receive:

• A curated display within the NZDW Design Depot
• High visibility in a central, high-traffic zone
• Meaningful engagement opportunities with industry professionals, media and the public
• Grouped marketing and communications inclusion, featuring your name, discipline and exhibited piece
• A low-barrier entry point into a recognised international design event

Individual & Collaborative Displays

Launchpad 2026 will feature a mix of:

• Individual exhibitors, curated from submitted applications, and
• Collaborative group presentations, formed by creatives choosing to exhibit together

This structure allows Launchpad to support both solo practices and collective approaches, from informal groupings to larger, more defined collaborations.

Pricing

Individual Exhibitors

• $799 + GST
• Includes a curated 1×1 metre display

Collaborative Groups

To support large-scale collaborations, new pricing options are available:

For collectives of 10 or more participants:

• Individual exhibitor fees start from $249 + GST per person, plus
• A shared base fee, determined by the total footprint of the display (e.g. 1×1, 2×1, 2×2 metres and beyond)

This structure allows groups to create a stronger, more unified presence while keeping individual costs accessible.

Bespoke pricing can be discussed for collectives seeking a more defined or separated Launchpad display.

Whether you’re exhibiting independently or exploring a collaborative approach, Launchpad offers a unique opportunity to place your work front and centre during NZ Design Week 2026.

If you’re considering participating and would like to discuss the most suitable option for your work, we’re happy to talk through the details.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Applications close 16th January 2026.