(Singapore) A panel of five judges will determine the winners of next year’s Design AI and Tech Awards (Daita), co-hosted by the Business Times and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).
The annual competition aims to inspire startups and corporate innovators to develop breakthrough solutions that leverage design and technology to address real-world business challenges.
Once again, the chairman of the judging committee is Professor Tai Lee Siang, Vice President and Chief Innovation and Enterprise Officer of SUTD.
Two new judges were added. Jenny Lee, senior managing partner at multi-asset investment firm Granite Asia, and Dr Leslie Teo, senior director of artificial intelligence (AI) products at AI Singapore.
AI Singapore is a national program established to strengthen the country’s AI capabilities and strengthen its future digital economy.
Lee is no stranger to the award. In the first round, all finalists had access to Granite Asia’s events, masterclasses, and networking opportunities, and the three finalists also received additional consulting time from her.
“I am honored to join the Daita 2026 judging panel. Design and AI are transforming the way organizations innovate and create meaningful impact, from small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large enterprises,” said Lee, whose portfolio includes companies worth more than US$1 billion each.
“We look forward to recognizing solutions that leverage these technologies with creativity, responsibility and purpose.”
As for Dr. Teo, he said the focus should be on solving meaningful problems and building solutions that deliver real value.
“AI and technology are just tools. The real test is creating a lasting impact. Make sure your ideas are backed by sustainable business models so they can succeed and grow,” he said.
Meanwhile, Professor Tai said the advent of AI is “fundamentally blurring the lines” between intelligence, design and manufacturing.
“Centuries of human intelligence can now be synergized to create powerful innovations,” he said. “By applying this intelligence to manufacturing, we can end decades of irresponsible consumption and waste.”
“All these promises are conditional on educating the right talent to master design and AI. SUTD has therefore taken on the role of transforming the next generation of design and technology leaders. We are optimistic that working with industry change-makers we will see big changes that will bring a better world tomorrow.”
The remaining two judges are BT Editor Chen Huifen and DesignSingapore Council Executive Director Dawn Lim. They were also selected to be on the panel for the inaugural edition of Daita, which celebrates a variety of innovations across three key categories: product design, system design, and spatial design.
“AI is no longer just a possibility, but a practical tool to solve real-world challenges. Daita is designed to find and celebrate the groups that are making the biggest impact by deploying AI, and hopefully their pioneering work will be an inspiration for others,” Chen said.
new category
The 2026 edition of Daita includes only two categories: Startups and SMEs, and Large Enterprises. The best entries in each category will be shortlisted to present their ideas at a dedicated event and three top prizes will be awarded in each category.
Submissions will be evaluated based on five criteria: design thinking processes and strategies; Originality, functionality and aesthetics. Utilization of AI and cutting-edge technology. Ethical considerations and sustainability. and whether the design had a quantitative and qualitative impact.
Applications for Daita 2026 are being accepted until January 31, 2026. Click here for more information.
