Designs for a Cooler Planet
Discover tomorrow at Aalto University's biggest exhibition! Open 1 September – 30 October 2026.
Applications for our biggest exhibition of the year are now open: Apply to Designs for a Cooler Planet by 26.1.2026!
For the autumn 2026 exhibition, we are looking for new and inspiring innovations, ideas, and experiments from all fields across Aalto University. The exhibition and its events serve as one of the most important showcases of the university’s work to the world. In 2025, the event attracted over 15,000 visitors.
We are seeking innovative, multidisciplinary, and impactful research projects, courses, experiments, and solutions to feature in the main exhibition at Marsio and in our accompanying events. Last year, the programme reached over 15,000 visitors, and the projects gained broad visibility in the media.
Three ways to participate:
- Apply to the main exhibition at Marsio building
- Organize an event open to everyone
- Register a satellite exhibition
You can present your idea in various ways: models, prototypes, installations, devices, material experiments, simulations, visualisations, or art.
Main exhibition, events and satellite exhibitions:
The two-month main exhibition will be on display in the Marsio building (Otakaari 2, Espoo) in September and October 2026. A total of 10–15 Aalto University projects will be selected for the exhibition.
In addition to the main exhibition, it is also possible to apply to take part in Designs for a Cooler Planet with satellite exhibitions and events held during the exhibition period. The applicant is primarily responsible for organizing the satellite exhibitions and events, but they are part of the Designs for a Cooler Planet programme and communications.
In the main exhibition, a research or art project can be presented in various ways: through models, prototypes, installations, devices, material experiments, simulations, visualizations, or artworks. An event can be, for example, a seminar, workshop, or a guided tour of a laboratory.
Designs for a Cooler Planet will be held in Otaniemi for the eighth time as part of the official programme of Helsinki Design Week.
Additional information:
Enni Äijälä
artistic lead of the exhibition
+358 50 359 4810
enni.aijala@aalto.fi
Log in with your Aalto ID to see more application instructions below.
Designs for a Cooler Planet highlights
Designs for a Cooler planet highlights from the previous years
Radikaali luovuus
Maailman muuttamiseen ei ole valmista kaavaa. On uskallettava rohkeasti luoda uutta pelkäämättä epäonnistumista.
Read more news
Doctoral positions at Unite! universities now available in one place
Unite! students searching for doctoral positions can now explore a dedicated category in the Unite! Catalogue for Students.
The film Fjord wins the Palme d'Or at Cannes – featuring a number of Finnish creators
The film was co-produced by Jussi Rantamäki of the film company Aamu, and it also features a Finnish costume and sound designer.
Näytös/Näyttely26 transforms Helsinki’s Lasipalatsi Quarter into a hub for fashion and textile expertise
The event showcases Aalto’s comprehensive expertise in textiles, clothing, and fashion, as students graduating from both the Bachelor's Major in Fashion as well as the Master's Major in Fashion and Textile Design will present their thesis work.