Designs for a Cooler Planet
Aalto University’s biggest annual exhibition showcases interdisciplinary experiments from our researchers and students. Designs for a Cooler Planet open 1 September - 31 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.
Apply by filling this online application by 26.1.2026
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
Radical Creativity
There is no set recipe for changing the world. It takes courage and grit to boldly create something new without fearing failure.
Read more news
PORT_2026 brings Aalto students together to tackle culture, media, and climate challenges
Nearly 60 Aalto students joined the PORT_2026 Innovation Challenge, developing and pitching solutions addressing culture, media, and climate challenges.
Demo Day breaks records in 2026: Inside Otaniemi’s fastest growing startup showcase
Hosted by Aalto Startup Center and A Grid, Demo Day brought together nearly 800 visitors, 90 startup booths, and over 75 investors. What began as a grassroots gathering in 2018 has grown into one of Finland’s most vibrant startup showcases.
Catalysis in a new light: Microscale interactions could enhance clean energy technologies
A new study provides a more detailed view of how catalysts function during chemical reactions. The discovery could help develop more efficient materials for applications such as green hydrogen production and a more sustainable chemical industry.