The BASE39 Creative Accelerator is a program designed to support local creative talents in developing furniture design concepts into refined, commercially viable products. Grounded in cultural narratives and regional heritage, the accelerator bridges traditional knowledge with contemporary design practices. It focuses on design, making, and innovation while nurturing scalable creative ventures that translate identity, craft, and material exploration into market-ready products.
Program Overview
The BASE39 Creative Accelerator is a program designed to support local creative talents in developing furniture design concepts into refined, commercially viable products. Grounded in cultural narratives and regional heritage, the accelerator bridges traditional knowledge with contemporary design practices. It focuses on design, making, and innovation while nurturing scalable creative ventures that translate identity, craft, and material exploration into market-ready products.
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Rooted in cultural narratives and regional heritage
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Driven by contemporary design approaches to furniture development
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Focused on translating furniture concepts into market-ready products.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a UAE National or UAE Resident
- Be currently based in the UAE
- Be able to attend the program in person
- Submit an original and unpublished design
Design Brief & Submission Guidelines
Accelerator Guidelines
Designs should be culturally inspired, rooted in Arab heritage, and interpreted through a contemporary cross-cultural lens. The goal is to reimagine the bridge of tradition and contemporary design with relevance and creativity.
All submissions must be interior furniture and product design projects.
Participating in Categories. Select one category only*
- Seating
- Tables
- Storage
- Lighting
What You Must Submit
Explain the design inspiration, cultural narrative, and intended functionality.
- Technical Drawings and Sketches
Include top, front, and side views with dimensions. Hand sketches and digital drawings are both accepted. - 3D Renderings
Include perspective views, detail views, and in-context visuals. - Material and Production Specifications
Provide a clear list of materials, finishes, and proposed manufacturing techniques.
File Format Requirements:
- File name: BASE39Accelerator_FirstName_LastName
- Format: A3 PDF
- Maximum size: 7MB
- Language: English
Program Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- Mentorship from designers, industry experts, and creative leaders
- Hands-on support in product development and prototyping
- Guidance on pricing, branding, positioning, and storytelling
- Access to makerspaces and fabrication resources
- Exposure to buyers, collectors, and potential investors
Cash Prize (Total AED 90,000)
Awarded at the end of the program:
- 1st Place: AED 60,000
- 2nd Place: AED 20,000
- 3rd Place: AED 10,000
How to Apply (Steps)
Review the design brief and submission guidelines carefully.
Select one furniture project that fits the program theme and category.
Prepare your submission PDF based on the required format