Twelve Creative Agencies confirmed to sponsor 2026 Student Awards

We are delighted to recognize the confirmed sponsors for the RGD’s 2026 Student Awards — a program that has supported emerging designers since 1998. Since its inception, the RGD has distributed more than $436,000 in cash prizes in recognition of student excellence across Canada.

Each year, the Student Awards shine a spotlight on outstanding work from post-secondary design students and provide an important bridge into the professional community. This year’s branding is being developed by Twin Studio.

“Emerging talent is what shapes the future of our industry. Supporting the 2026 RGD Student Awards is an important way to help usher in the next generation of leaders and invest in their success.”

Stephanie Yung, Chief Design Officer, Zulu Alpha Kilo

The RGD Student Awards celebrate outstanding work by post-secondary design students across Canada, recognizing achievement across a wide range of disciplines including branding, editorial design, packaging, advertising, digital media, typography, motion and more. Open to students enrolled in graphic design, visual communication, or related programs, the Awards offer national exposure, professional recognition, and valuable feedback from a jury of experienced industry practitioners.

2026 Awards Timeline

• December 11, 2025 — Program launches and sponsors announced
• May 8, 2026 — Entry deadline

“Pivot is sponsoring the 2026 RGD Student Awards because we believe in investing in emerging designers whose fresh perspectives push our industry forward. We’re honoured to help celebrate their dedication, imagination, and potential.”

Ian Chalmers RGD

Our 2026 Award Sponsors (so far):

• Artista Design — 1st Year Student
• Context Creative — User Experience
• Entro — Placemaking
• Gravity Inc. — Social Good
• Issues Magazine Shop — Editorial Design
• Jacknife — Logo Design
• Pivot Design — Information
• q30 design — Branding
• Shikatani Lacroix — Packaging (Single) & Retail Design
• Weaymouth Creative — Packaging (Series)
• Works Design — Accessible Design
• Zulu Alpha Kilo — Advertising

Sponsors contribute $1,500, with $1,000 going directly to the Student Winner, and the remaining amount supporting administration, promotion and jurying.

“We’re proud to support the RGD Student Awards. It’s our way of giving back to the community of emerging designers whose creativity, critical thinking, and hard work inspire us!!”

Jennifer Weaymouth RGD

What sponsors receive

As a 2026 Awards Sponsor, you will receive:

• Recognition on the RGD website and across RGD communications channels as part of the launch and when winners are announced
• Recognition on Awards Certificates given to the Winner of your Award and any Honourable Mentions
• Recognition on a slideshow of winners presented at both 2026 DesignThinkers Conferences
• Social media graphics for you to announce your support of the program
• Social media graphics for you to post announcing the winner of your Award
• Opportunity for 1 rep to participate in the judging of your Award (with recognition/graphics for the Judge)
• 25% discount on registrations for both our 2026 DesignThinkers Conferences