The UK continues to produce a strong pipeline of design-led innovation. The challenge is how these ideas translate into real-world impact at scale.

The Design Intelligence Award offers a distinctive route to address this. Positioned at the intersection of design, technology and industry, it connects global innovators with an ecosystem where ideas can move more readily from concept to application. Now in its sixth year of partnership with the China-Britain Business Council, the award continues to provide a consistent platform for UK innovators to engage with international markets.

UK participation in recent years illustrates this clearly.

In 2025, UK-based Extend Robotics was recognised for its 3D XR-based teleoperation technology, enabling complex industrial tasks to be carried out remotely and translated into scalable digital workflows. The company has already demonstrated commercial traction with major industrial partners, highlighting how advanced robotics can move beyond prototype into deployment.

Alongside deep-tech innovation, UK entries continue to demonstrate the breadth of design impact. Cogni, recognised in 2025, reimagines early dementia awareness through a soft, interactive tool that enables families to identify cognitive changes through everyday interaction rather than clinical testing – lowering barriers to early intervention.

In 2024, London-based Ventete received a Gold Award for its micro-collapsible cycling helmet, combining advanced impact protection with portability – a response to the practical needs of urban mobility.  As co-founder Colin Herperger reflected, the product represents “the culmination of our 10-year innovation journey” – illustrating how sustained design development is what allows ideas to transition from experimentation into scalable, market-ready solutions.

Other UK winners highlight how design is increasingly integrating sustainability and emerging technologies.  LUMEID, for example, combines 3D printing and solar technology to create wearable garments capable of charging devices, reflecting new approaches to sustainable fashion and functionality. Meanwhile, innovations such as the eteeController demonstrate how intuitive, human-centred interfaces are reshaping interaction in areas such as virtual reality.

What unites these examples is a consistent emphasis on application, scalability and relevance. The award recognises not only design excellence, but the ability of ideas to operate within real systems – whether industrial, consumer or societal.

This aligns with broader global trends. As our CEO Peter Burnett has noted, the combination of UK creativity and China’s focus on high-quality, technology-driven growth creates meaningful opportunities for collaboration and commercialisation.

“Britain’s strength in design-led innovation is a natural complement to China’s focus on high-quality, tech-driven growth. By pairing UK creativity with Chinese scale, we can unlock new export opportunities, create sustainable solutions and deliver mutual economic value.” 

- Peter Burnett OBE BBS, Chief Executive, China-Britain Business Council

In practical terms, this means increasing demand for solutions that are not only innovative, but also adaptable, scalable and ready for deployment.

The Design Intelligence Award’s continued evolution – including expanded categories and recognition of early-stage innovation – signals a growing emphasis on forward-looking ideas with real-world relevance. Importantly, the award brings together designers, engineers, industry partners and investors within a single platform.

As UK organisations engage further with China’s leading innovation hubs in the coming months, the opportunity is clear. For UK innovators looking to scale beyond domestic markets, entering the Design Intelligence Award is a timely and practical step to gain visibility, build partnerships and translate ideas into global impact.

DIA 2026 is now open for entries. The free submission deadline is 1st June 2026, with final entries accepted until 1st September 2026. CBBC's community can use the invitation code UK2026-L3X6P5V to waive the standard late entry fee and benefit from a fast-track route.

This offers a clear advantage for UK innovators looking to position their work internationally and accelerate engagement with China’s design and manufacturing ecosystem.

Click here to start the application process for the 2026 Design Intelligence Award

Elinor Greenhouse is CBBC's Senior Adviser for Tech and Innovation.  

For inquiries, contact Elinor at Elinor.Greenhouse@cbbc.org.