Czech Centre Vienna Announces Cycle Up! Design Competition
Cycle Up project and Czech Centre Vienna launch sustainable helmet design competition
March 19th, 2026
The Czech Centre Vienna, in cooperation with the Cycle Up project, has announced the international design competition “Cycle Up!” running from 14 March to 15 July 2026. The initiative invites participants to design a cycling helmet made from sustainable materials, aiming to encourage environmentally responsible urban mobility while ensuring ergonomic comfort and safety in use.
As part of the broader CYCLE UP! project, the competition is open to students, designers, and the general public in Austria. It seeks to bring together creativity, design, and ecological awareness, offering a platform for innovative concepts that contribute to a more sustainable future for urban transportation.
Selected helmet designs will be exhibited in autumn 2026 at the Czech Centre Vienna, where an expert jury will announce the best entries from both the Czech Republic and Austria. The winners will be given the opportunity to present their work at prominent design events: the Austrian winner at Designblok in Prague, and the Czech winner during Vienna Design Week.
Participants are encouraged to transform their ideas into tangible objects that can inspire others. Submissions should include a 1:1 scale helmet model (preferably using final materials, though not mandatory), a B2 poster with a product photograph in portrait orientation, and a portfolio documenting the design process in a format of the participant’s choice. Applications must be submitted by 3 April 2026 via email, and final models are to be delivered by 15 July 2026 either in person or by post to the Czech Centre Vienna. Participants will receive a financial contribution towards the production of their helmet, with the exact amount to be confirmed after the application deadline.
In conclusion, the Cycle Up! competition represents a collaborative effort to foster innovation, sustainability, and cross-border creative exchange. By supporting emerging and established designers alike, the Czech Centre Vienna and its partners contribute to strengthening dialogue and engagement through cultural diplomacy.
