DesignUp to host first European edition in Berlin in April 2026

DesignUp, a design and technology conference based in Asia, will hold its first European edition in Berlin in April 2026, coinciding with its tenth anniversary.

The platform, known for discussions at the intersection of design, technology, and innovation, has previously featured speakers such as Alan Cooper, Don Norman, Stefan Sagmeister, and Emmy Award-winning designer Karin Fong. Quartz has earlier listed DesignUp among notable global design events.

“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, DesignUp Director.

“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 a start,” said Küeber and Wegner.

The expansion follows the successful conclusion of DesignUp25 in Bengaluru on November 5, 2025, themed “The Design Currency.” The three-day conference hosted over 1300 attendees and global design leaders from Adobe, Canva, SAP, Netflix, Coursera, Designit, Tate, Karya, Ek Type, PhonePe, and Nielsen Norman Group, exploring how design drives trust and innovation in an AI-shaped world.

“DesignUp is an outstanding conference for innovative ideas and business models fostering the digital design ecosystem. We are delighted to welcome DesignUp Europe happening next April in Berlin. Our city will celebrate the 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 clear ambitions,” said Stefan Franzke, CEO, Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie GmbH.

DesignUp has been one of the largest forums for designers, technology and product leaders, CXOs, and creators globally. The community-led conference has organized fundraisers that have raised millions for charities, influenced career paths, and demonstrated the role and impact of design beyond the design community. Each year, it brings together more than 1,000 attendees and speakers from organizations such as Netflix, MoMA, and NNg, along with independent innovators, fostering the exchange of ideas and insights.