DesignUp, Asia’s largest and most respected Design-in-Tech conference, is set to make its European debut in Berlin in April 2026, marking a remarkable decade of innovation at the intersection of design, technology, and creativity.
Recognized globally for its community-first and independent ethos, DesignUp has been featured by Quartz as one of the world’s most exciting design events. Over the years, it has hosted an impressive lineup of design luminaries — from pioneers like Alan Cooper and Don Norman to creative visionaries such as Stefan Sagmeister and Emmy Award-winning designer Karin Fong.
Bridging Design, Technology, and Social Impact
“At its core, DesignUp has always stood for thoughtful curation and inclusivity, bridging creativity, technology, and social impact. Our move to Europe is a natural progression — expanding the dialogue across borders at a time when design must navigate AI, sustainability, and the need for renewed trust,” said Esha Mookerjee Dutta, Director of DesignUp.
The Berlin edition of DesignUp, co-convened by Thomas Küeber and Andreas Wegner, Partners and Principals at Futur2 Studio Berlin, aims to explore how design can adapt, inspire, and lead in an era defined by rapid change and technological disruption.
“DesignUp Europe will be more than a conference; it’s a platform for cross-cultural exchange and collaborative action. We’re bringing together global perspectives to shape the next decade of design — and the 2026 edition is just the beginning,” said Küeber and Wegner.
Berlin Welcomes DesignUp Europe 2026
Dr. Stefan Franzke, CEO of Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie GmbH, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the event:
“DesignUp is an outstanding conference for innovative ideas and business models that foster the digital design ecosystem. We are delighted to welcome DesignUp Europe happening next April in Berlin. Our city will celebrate its 20th anniversary as a UNESCO City of Design in 2026, and DesignUp Europe will be a perfect match — bridging two diverse tech ecosystems, innovative minds, and ambitious ideas.”
From Bengaluru to Berlin: A Global Design Movement
The announcement follows the successful conclusion of DesignUp25, held in Bengaluru on November 5, 2025. Themed “The Design Currency,” the three-day conference hosted over 1,300 attendees and featured thought leaders from Adobe, Canva, SAP, Netflix, Coursera, Designit, Tate, Karya, Ek Type, PhonePe, and the Nielsen Norman Group.
This edition explored how design drives trust, ethics, and innovation in an AI-shaped world, further reinforcing DesignUp’s role as a catalyst for meaningful conversations in the design and technology landscape.
