Design Nation 2026 is a free, 3-day conference for undergraduate students interested in design, UI/UX, product development, and related creative fields. Attendees participate in virtual sessions (April 11–12) and an in-person day in NYC (April 18), hear executives from major companies, and network one-on-one. Applications are need-blind and cover all costs for accepted attendees; in-person travel coverage is limited to students from NY, NJ, CT, and PA.
Last chance to apply to Design Nation 2026!
Design Nation is presented by Business Today at Princeton University. Design Nation is an all-expenses-paid, 3-day conference for undergraduate students interested in design, UI/UX, product development, computer science, and more. This year, Design Nation is scheduled to take place virtually on April 11th and April 12th, and in-person in NYC on April 18th.
Design is never static, it’s a process that evolves with the world around it. Our conference theme "Morph" celebrates this sense of fluidity, showing that creativity thrives through change and transformation. As ideas shift and adapt, so do the people and communities shaping them. This year, we explore how design morphs from inspiration to impact, not as a product but as an ever-changing force that defines how we think, create, and connect.
This year’s speakers include executives from TIME, Notion, The New Yorker, Adobe, Duolingo, NASA, and Stripe. In the past, we've featured executives from Design Matters, Pentagram, Microsoft, Facebook, Adobe, Google, and more.
During the conference, you will have a chance to network and speak one-on-one with these executives. You can check out our Instagram, @designnationconference, to see our past conferences and to meet the team!
Design Nation is presented by Business Today at Princeton University. Design Nation is an all-expenses-paid, 3-day conference for undergraduate students interested in design, UI/UX, product development, computer science, and more. This year, Design Nation is scheduled to take place virtually on April 11th and April 12th, and in-person in NYC on April 18th.
Design is never static, it’s a process that evolves with the world around it. Our conference theme "Morph" celebrates this sense of fluidity, showing that creativity thrives through change and transformation. As ideas shift and adapt, so do the people and communities shaping them. This year, we explore how design morphs from inspiration to impact, not as a product but as an ever-changing force that defines how we think, create, and connect.
This year’s speakers include executives from TIME, Notion, The New Yorker, Adobe, Duolingo, NASA, and Stripe. In the past, we've featured executives from Design Matters, Pentagram, Microsoft, Facebook, Adobe, Google, and more.
During the conference, you will have a chance to network and speak one-on-one with these executives. You can check out our Instagram, @designnationconference, to see our past conferences and to meet the team!
We are looking for not just designers—entrepreneurs, artists, writers, and makers of all backgrounds with a love for design are also welcome. Among many other things, we are looking for individuals with enthusiasm, creativity, leadership, and a love for learning. All applications are considered on a need-blind basis, and all costs are covered for accepted attendees.
** PLEASE NOTE: We will only cover travel expenses to the In-Person Conference for undergraduate students from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. But every student across the US is encouraged to apply and attend our Virtual Conference!**
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What you need to know about the NYC Tech Scene
As the undisputed financial capital of the world, New York City is an epicenter of startup funding activity. The city has a thriving fintech scene and is a major player in verticals ranging from AI to biotech, cybersecurity and digital media. It also has universities like NYU, Columbia and Cornell Tech attracting students and researchers from across the globe, providing the ecosystem with a constant influx of world-class talent. And its East Coast location and three international airports make it a perfect spot for European companies establishing a foothold in the United States.
Key Facts About NYC Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 549,200; 6% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Capgemini, Bloomberg, IBM, Spotify
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, Fintech
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