Powerhouse has opened applications for the 2025 Carl Nielsen Design Accelerator, offering $25,000 in support for one Australian industrial design project that demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability.
Now in its second year, the initiative is aimed at early to mid-career industrial designers and is funded through a bequest from the late Australian industrial designer Carl Nielsen and his wife Judy.
It is designed to help bring bold and sustainable design ideas to market, with a focus on visibility, development and industry connection.
The selected designer will work closely with Sydney-based Industrial Design eXchange (IDX) Founder Ed Ko over an eight-month program tailored to the recipient’s needs.
The mentorship may include production support, research assistance, industry networking or promotional help, depending on the nature of the project.
Powerhouse has partnered with a panel of design professionals to review applications, including Powerhouse Collection Curator Angelique Hutchison, Nielsen Design Director Adam Laws, and Ed Ko.
Together, they will select a recipient whose project demonstrates both innovation and a commitment to sustainable outcomes.
The program aligns with Powerhouse’s broader focus on sustainability across its exhibitions, education initiatives and permanent collection. In 2024, the inaugural recipient was Caity Duffus for her project Mycelia House, which reimagines mushroom cultivation as a sustainable, in-home food source.
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said the bequest from Carl Nielsen has created valuable opportunities for emerging designers.
“Carl Nielsen’s focus on thoughtful product design has paved the way for aspiring and practicing designers,” she said. “We are grateful for his generous bequest, which will allow us to bring a designer’s vision to the next level.”
Reflecting on his mentorship of the 2024 recipient, Ed Ko noted that the program provides more than just funding. “It became an investment in exploring the fuzzy edges of industrial design as a contemporary practice,” he said.
“I look forward to working closely with this year’s recipient to develop a program that will enhance their design practice.”
Nielsen Design Director Adam Laws also highlighted the importance of the program. “The challenges we currently face in industrial design are more global than local, but the need for promotion and support continues to be important,” he said.
Speaking about her experience, Caity Duffus said the program has had a lasting impact on her personal and professional growth. “This program has taught me about real-world timelines and the importance of patience and trust at every stage of the design process,” she said.
Applications for the 2025 Carl Nielsen Design Accelerator close at 5pm on 20 June 2025.
The successful applicant will be announced at the Sydney Design Week opening event in September 2025.
Further information and application details are available here.
