Open call

An invitation to creators, researchers, designers, and visionaries to shape the future with solar energy. Join a co-learning design lab to explore low-tech solutions and the power of the sun for sustainable innovation. Together in smaller teams you can receive up to 30,000 SEK for prototyping and a grant to present your and your teams solution at an international conference in Faro, Portugal 2025.

Why join?

• Explore low-tech, sustainable design
  
• Rethink how we create materials, energy systems, and communities
  
• Reconnect with nature and support regenerative lifestyles
  
• Design for a resilient, climate-neutral future

Design Challenge:

Together we will explore how design can revolutionize how we interact with solar energy, still confronting the dark sides of renewable energy transitions—from electronic waste to lithium extraction and consumerism. The sun, as an energy source, has for ages inspired slow-tech ideas in less privileged societies. What can we learn from a critical deconstruction of contemporary energy solutions? How can looking into the pre-industrial European societies and beyond euro-centric societies help us integrate natural solar energy into future livestyles?

For Whom?

We seek a group of 15 designers, researcher, and innovators, as well as master students ready to challenge traditional paradigms and work towards sustainable design solutions.

Prizes:

The best proposals will receive funding for prototyping (up to 30,000 SEK) and a mobility grant to present at the SUNPLUGGED conference in Faro, Portugal.

Support for Skåne Solar Design Lab:

STPLN: Creative meeting space and workspace for artists and freelancers in Malmö (Venue & Communication partner). Cross-Innovation Southern Sweden/Region Skånes Kulturförvaltning: Enhancing innovation in southern Sweden with a focus on cultural and creative industries (Facilitation & co-funding).Creative Europe & Swedish Arts Council: Co-funding.

Organized by Transversal Project:

A cultural strategy agency in Malmö, working across borders to develop culture-driven projects. Their portfolio includes artistic residencies, a rooftop festival network, and a non electrical light art festival. Full details: sun-plugged.eu/design