A' Software Design Awards 2026 opens global entries

A' Design Award & Competition has opened entries for the 2026 A' Software Design Awards, a global competition for software, apps and digital solutions. The contest closes Sept. 30, 2026, with winners set to be announced May 1, 2027.

Why it matters: - The competition gives software teams and digital product makers a global platform to compete on usability, technical quality and design. - Winners receive promotional support that can help expand visibility beyond the awards program. - Eligible entries cover a wide range of software categories, from enterprise tools and databases to AI applications and mobile apps.

What happened: - A' Design Award & Competition opened the call for entries for the 2026 A' International Software Design Awards. - The program is open to software designers, developers, coders, programmers, UI and UX designers, mobile app developers, web developers, IT companies, software houses, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, database administrators, network architects, systems analysts, consultancy firms and R&D companies worldwide. - Software products and digital solutions developed within the last 10 years are eligible. - The entry deadline is Sept. 30, 2026. - Results will be announced May 1, 2027.

The details: - The awards use a two-phase process that starts with a complimentary preliminary evaluation. - Projects that pass the preliminary stage can move to nomination, with a nominal fee required for nomination. - Entries are evaluated anonymously by an international jury of more than 300 academics, software engineers, UX professionals, technology experts, industrial designers and digital innovation specialists. - Evaluation focuses on innovation, usability, technical quality, reliability and design excellence. - Eligible categories include applications, databases, operating systems, networks, games, simulations, utilities, interfaces and more. - Sub-categories are listed at additional category details. - Registration is available at enter the competition. - Past winners are available at see previous winners.

Between the lines: - The awards package is designed as both a competition and a publicity engine. - Professional-edition laureates receive the A' Design Prize, which includes a design excellence certificate, lifetime winner logo license, yearbook inclusion, exhibitions in Italy, a trophy, gala-night invitation, foreign-language translation, entry to Prime Clubs and placement in multiple rankings platforms. - Laureates also receive an exclusive interview, a prepared press release and a press kit with images, designer photos, logos and portfolio materials. - The press kits are distributed to thousands of accredited press members, and dozens of press partners have already agreed to publish select winning projects. - The press kit service and the A' Design Prize are provided free of charge to laureates.

What's next: - Software creators can submit entries before the Sept. 30 deadline. - Award winners will be announced on May 1, 2027. - Laureates will then receive the prize package, press kit distribution and related publicity support.

The bottom line: - A' Design Award & Competition is using its software awards to spotlight digital products that combine performance, usefulness and design, while giving winners built-in media exposure.