The KPU Wilson School of Design is excited to launch the KIND Competition (KPU Innovation in Design) in Fall 2026, inviting high school students in Grades 10 to 12 to explore how design can create positive change for both people and the environment.
The competition was developed to help students recognize the role design can play in addressing real-world environmental, social and community challenges, and create better ways of living, learning, working and connecting.
“KIND invites students to explore how design can be kind to people and kind to the environment – challenging them to think creatively, consider the needs of others, and develop solutions that are both innovative and responsible,” says Wilson School of Design instructor, Seng Sengsavanh. “The competition also provides an opportunity for students to experience design thinking firsthand and discover the possibilities for pursuing design as a field of study and a future career.”
The competition opens September 8, 2026. Students can submit concepts in categories spanning Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Front-End Development, Graphic Design, Interior Design, and Product Design.
Our hope is that KIND will inspire young people to think differently about the impact of design and recognize that their ideas have the potential to make a meaningful difference.
Seng Sengsavanh – Instructor, Wilson School of Design
Top entries will be recognized for excellence in innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, with KPU tuition waiver prizes awarded to first, second and third place winners. Finalists will also have their projects featured on the This is Wilson website and KPU’s 2026 Creative Connections event in November.
For complete competition details including submission guidelines, prizes and the application form, please download the KIND Competition Package.
Eligibility
Open to all high school students in Grades 10 to12. Each participant may submit one entry only.
Prizes
1st Place: $1000 KPU Tuition Waiver
2nd Place: $500 KPU Tuition Waiver
3rd Place: $250 KPU Tuition Waiver
Additional recognition will be provided for finalists and the sponsor teachers of winners. See competition package for full details.
Key Dates
Competition Opening: September 8, 2026
Submission Deadline: October 23, 2026
Finalists Announcement: October 30, 2026
Winners will be announced at the Creative Connections event on November 7, 2026.
Have questions about the competition? Please contact kindcompetition@kpu.ca.
