What is Psychedelics Design? Psychedelics Design is a creative community and platform at the intersection of psychedelics, design, and culture. We run annual design awards, an online conference, webinars, and a podcast — and we maintain a growing library of educational resources. We also offer membership for those who want to go deeper and stay connected.

Our goal is to make this field accessible and well-designed — bridging the creative and psychedelic industries, translating complex topics for curious minds, and creating space for serious, thoughtful conversations about where these worlds meet.

Who is it for? Anyone curious about the relationship between psychedelics and creativity, culture, health, or design. That includes designers, artists, researchers, therapists, educators, advocates, students, and people who simply find this space interesting. You don't need credentials or a professional background to be part of the community.

What is your relationship to psychedelic substances? We don't sell or distribute any substances. We work with researchers, creatives, clinicians, advocates, and community members — including those operating legally in their own regions. Our focus is on intentional, informed, and ethical engagement with psychedelics across culture, creativity, and care.

How do you approach safety and ethics? Carefully. We collaborate with researchers, clinicians, legal experts, and harm reduction advocates. All content, events, and awards entries are reviewed with safety, legality, and responsible communication in mind.

What resources do you offer? Our website includes a curated library of research, articles, and educational content covering substances, risks, safety, and the broader psychedelic landscape. It's designed to be accessible whether you're new to the topic or deeply familiar with it.

Can I partner or collaborate with Psychedelics Design? Yes — we welcome collaboration from both organisations and individuals. Whether you're a design studio, research institution, media organisation, clinic, brand, or cultural body — or an independent designer, researcher, artist, therapist, or advocate — we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Contact page to get in touch.

How can I stay up to date? Subscribe to the Psychedelics Design newsletter on Substack and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn. You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and watch talks and interviews on our YouTube channel. We share news, resources, event announcements, and interviews regularly.

Who is behind Psychedelics Design? Psychedelics Design was founded by Alexandra Plesner — but it has never been a one-person project. It exists because of the researchers, creatives, judges, speakers, partners, and community members who saw something worth building here and showed up for it. We are genuinely grateful to everyone who has contributed their time, knowledge, and energy to making this space what it is.

FAQs — Psychedelics Design Awards 2026
Need more info? Contact us at: info@psychedelics.design

What are the Psychedelics Design Awards, and how do I enter? The Psychedelics Design Awards celebrate innovation in design, art, and creativity connected to psychedelic culture, care, research, and wellness. Applications for the 2026 season are open until July 1, 2026. The entry fee is $45. Apply here →

What kind of work can be entered? You can submit a wide range of projects, including companies, initiatives, communities, brands, products, services, installations, and concepts. Examples include brand identities, product design, music, packaging, podcasts, software, apps, websites, space design for clinics and retreats, magazines, newsletters, photography, art pieces, speculative design concepts, and experimental creations that don't fit elsewhere.

Who is eligible to enter? The competition is open to anyone whose work connects to psychedelic culture, care, research, wellness, or future possibilities — whether you work in this field every day or are approaching it from the outside with a fresh perspective. Companies, students, artists, researchers, and independent creatives are all welcome. Work shaped by curiosity, research, lived experience, or creative imagination is equally welcome. You don't need to identify as part of any particular community to enter.

Are speculative or conceptual projects accepted? Yes. Speculative design concepts, prototypes, and experimental works that push boundaries or explore new ideas are very welcome — the idea matters as much as the finished object.

Can I enter multiple projects? Yes. Each project requires its own application and fee.

Who will see my entry? Entries remain private during evaluation. Only finalists and winners will be showcased publicly through our channels.

Do I need to send physical materials? No. All submissions are digital. Physical copies will not be requested unless specifically required by judges, in which case we will contact you. If requested, you are responsible for shipping, insurance, and costs, and submissions will not typically be returned. Psychedelics Design is not liable for any loss or damage.

Are late entries accepted? No. All entries must be submitted by the final deadline. All deadlines close at 11:59 PM PST on the final day.

Are there any restrictions? All entries must comply with applicable laws and regulations. Where psychedelic products or services are not yet legal in your region, please submit concepts, prototypes, or future models demonstrating responsible intent. Submissions involving illegal production, distribution, or practice cannot be considered, and entry fees cannot be refunded in such cases.

Are scholarships available? Yes. A limited number of submission scholarships are available for applicants facing financial barriers. Please reach out to info@psychedelics.design to request support. We are committed to making participation accessible.

When will I know if my entry is a finalist? Winners and finalists for each category will be notified directly by September. Winners and finalists will be announced in October 2026.

How are entries judged? Each category is judged by a panel of experts across design, art, science, health, and psychedelics. Key criteria include:

• Innovation: Originality and forward-thinking concepts. Does it introduce new ideas and push boundaries?

• Functionality: Practical application and alignment with real-world needs. Is it usable and sustainable?

• Design Quality: Aesthetic excellence, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

• Impact: Potential to advance mental health, wellness, or community education. Does it promote well-being and positive change?

• Overall Experience: Is it meaningful, engaging, thoughtful, and useful?

• Ethical Alignment: Compliance with laws and avoidance of harmful messaging.

What is the judging process?

1. Initial review by the Psychedelics Design team and ethics committee.

2. Category-specific judges select finalists and winners per category.

3. Final winners are selected at the sole discretion of the Psychedelics Design team, advisory team, awards board, and industry judges.

What is the "Mushroom of the Year" Award? This free, publicly voted category celebrates individuals or projects making exceptional contributions to the psychedelic community through creativity, generosity, and collaborative spirit — mirroring the interconnected growth of mycelium networks.

How it works:

• Nominations: Open to anyone globally — nominate creatives, therapists, advocates, or innovators.

• Committee Review: A panel ensures nominees meet ethical guidelines and community values, narrowing submissions to a shortlist of up to 50 individuals.

• Voting: The public selects the winner, spotlighting grassroots impact over commercial success.

There is no entry fee for Mushroom of the Year.

If my application is not accepted, can I still attend the online event? Yes. All applicants are entitled to a discounted ticket to the online conference (November 6–7, 2026).

What do finalists and winners receive?

All Applicants:

• Work reviewed by an international jury of leading designers, researchers, and psychedelic industry figures

• Exposure to media partners across design and psychedelics

• Considered for spotlight features on the Psychedelics Design podcast and newsletter

• Discounted tickets to the online conference (Nov 6–7, 2026)

Finalists also receive:

• Work featured to our full community, media partners, and international jury

• Free access to the two-day online conference (Nov 6–7, 2026) + 1 guest

• Invitation to a private online meetup with judges and fellow finalists

• Featured announcement across social and newsletter channels

• Feature on the Psychedelics Design Awards website

• Finalist badge and share-ready media asset kit

• Invitation to future private community calls

Winners also receive:

• Speaking opportunity at a future Psychedelics Design online conference

• Interview feature on the Psychedelics Design podcast, Substack, or media partners

• Dedicated PR attention

• Highlighted winner profile page on the Awards website

• Priority invitation to judge or speak at the 2027 Awards & Conference

• Highlight Reel placement in the official video recap

• Free access to the online conference + 2 guests

• Digital winners certificate (print available for a small fee)

What happens if I don't make it to the finals? All applications are reviewed by our judges regardless of outcome. If your entry is not selected as a finalist or winner, the application fee is non-refundable. What you do receive is your work being seen by an international jury of leading designers, researchers, and industry figures — plus all the benefits listed under All Applicants above.

Are past winners and projects featured? Yes, previous winners and notable projects are showcased on the Psychedelics Design website and during the annual online conference. Winners are invited to submit a short video about their work, which is featured on the Awards website, our social channels, and during the online conference.

What are the Awards' policies on refunds and terms? All application fees are final and non-refundable. Further information about policies and use of credentials can be found in our Terms & Conditions. Please read these before submitting.

Who organises the Psychedelics Design Awards? The awards are organised by Psychedelics Design, a collective dedicated to exploring psychedelics as catalysts for innovation, education, and regenerative futures.

How can I stay updated on future awards and events? Subscribe to the Psychedelics Design Substack newsletter and follow our official social media channels for the latest news, deadlines, and announcements.

Who can I contact for more information? For inquiries related to submissions, participation, or media, visit the Contact section of the Psychedelics Design website.

What is the Psychedelics Design Conference? Our annual conference brings together voices from the psychedelic and creative industries — designers, brand builders, researchers, clinicians, marketers, educators, and advocates — for a day or two of honest, practical, and inspiring conversation.

It's held online, making it accessible wherever you are in the world.

What can I expect? The programme varies each year but typically includes talks, panels, fireside chats, on-stage interviews, live Q&As, and workshops. Topics range across both industries — from brand building, marketing, and community to substance insights, microdosing for creativity, and the future of psychedelic culture and care.

Who attends? Primarily professionals from the psychedelic and creative industries — designers, strategists, researchers, clinicians, founders, and advocates. If you work at the intersection of these two worlds, or want to, you'll find your people here.

How much does it cost and when is it? Dates and ticket prices vary by edition and are announced on our website and newsletter when registration opens.Stay up to date →

Can I speak or present at the conference? We're always looking for compelling voices. If you have something worth sharing, get in touch via our Contact page.

What's included with a membership?
Full access to the member video archive, digital library — reports, workbooks, online courses and guides — monthly community calls, the member WhatsApp group, discounted or free access to all Psychedelics Design events and awards, and exclusive discounts with selected partners. New content is added throughout the year.

How do I access the content?
Once you've joined you'll have a member account. Go to the Library page in your navigation — all videos and resources are hosted there directly. No YouTube or external platform required.

When do monthly calls start?
June 2026. You'll receive the link by email and through the member WhatsApp group ahead of each session.

Can I upgrade my membership?
Yes — you can switch from Huxley Club to Circle or Society anytime. Email membership@psychedelics.design and we'll sort it.

Is new content added regularly?
Yes. New sessions, workshops, resources and guides are added throughout the year. Founding members get access to everything as it arrives.

Can I cancel?
Yes, anytime. Your founding member price is locked in — if you cancel and rejoin later, the higher rate will apply.

I have a question not answered here.
Email membership@psychedelics.design — we'll get back to you.