he Hublot Design Prize is an international competition launched by Hublot in 2015, awarded in recognition of original design. The prize is open to designers aged under 40 in recognition of their work achievements, without restricting itself to a specific area of design. To ensure the cultural diversity of the competition, and celebrate the wealth of creativity worldwide, each jury member is invited to select 5 candidates. The jury’s first meeting in the year is to agree on the finalists who will come to present their philosophy at the event. This acts as a springboard for young designers’ careers, while providing an international profile boost for the winner’s existing work.

This year’s edition of the Hublot Design Prize award ceremony took place on 2 October in the new extension of the Kunsthaus Zurich, in the presence of the six finalists, the jury and an invited audience. The Hublot Design Prize 2023 is awarded to Aqui Thami, in recognition of the social impact of her work and her inspirational approach to it.

A deep activist engagement is present in each of Aqui’s activities, ranging from graphic and social design to art and performance. The jury highlighted her fluid multidisciplinary practice, reflected in the performances, drawings, posters, zines (self-produced magazines) and artworks she creates. Passionately committed to working for the benefit of women and girls in her local community in Mumbai. Aqui an indigenous woman and her actions may lead her to risky and dangerous situations. Nonetheless, she maintains a positive approach and aware of the importance of education, she founded the Sister Library. This is the first feminist library in South Asia, fully managed by the local community.

Hublot is once again demonstrating its commitment to creativity and innovation, by celebrating the emerging talents of design. This new generation shows great commitment to the social context, which is embodied by our 6 finalists, all from very different disciplines and horizons. The 2023 edition is marked by their philosophy of addressing the challenges of society, the environment, equality and inclusion. Hublot is proud to participate in this movement with the Hublot Design Prize, which represents an endorsement and a helping hand for the winners, who in addition to the generous grant, enjoy a great media profile boost.

Without any specific age conditions, the prize recognises candidates for the consistency of their career, motivation and the quality of their work as a whole.

The finalists of the Hublot Design Prize 2023:

• Aqui Thami (1987), India The Indian artist and activist gives the marginalised a voice, using art as a process of intercultural mediation. For Aqui Thami, art is there to introduce change, to imagine a different world.

• Deema Assaf (1984), Jordan A Jordan-based architect, Deema Assaf spans the fields of urban development and ecology, with the objective of developing sustainable solutions for landscaping, biodiversity and green infrastructure.

• Gabriel Fontana (1993), France Working for a more inclusive future, the Rotterdam-based designer uses design to create fun activities that question how we interact, deconstructing group dynamics.

• Jibbe Van Schie (1998), Netherlands Focused on the relationship between material and machine, this Eindhoven-based designer develops every stage in the production process, building various machine parts, creating software and assembling electronics.

• Germane Barnes (1985), USA This Chicago-based architect investigates the themes of stories of identity, colonisation and African cultural influences. His work studies the link between architecture and identity, examining the social and political effects of architecture.

• Trifle Studio, London The UK’s first multidisciplinary studio comprising artists and designers with handicaps or learning disabilities. Questioning preconceived ideas, their creative work includes fashion, textiles, illustration and deco.

The Jury

• Marva Griffin, the founder of Milan’s Salone Satellite, an international platform dedicated to young designers

• Hans Ulrich Obrist, artistic director of London’s Serpentine Gallery, a renowned art curator and historian

• Alice Rawsthorn, an influential design critic and author of numerous books on design Tawanda Chiweshe, a creative director and industrial designer, Alaska Alaska Studio