19th Pune Design Festival to focus on sustainable design

Since its inception in 2006, the Pune Design Festival (PDF) has evolved into one of India’s premier design events, bringing together renowned speakers, industry leaders, and global delegates across fields such as UX, product design, architecture, and graphic design. The festival serves as a dynamic platform to discuss the evolving landscape of professional design practice and its impact on the world.

This year’s theme, Mind the World, reaffirms PDF’s commitment to exploring design’s role in shaping a sustainable future.

The event will feature Dick Powell, co-founder of Seymourpowell, as the keynote speaker, alongside a diverse panel of experts offering insights into design, innovation, and sustainability.

The two-day event will bring together 30+ distinguished speakers, including Varun Grover, acclaimed lyricist, writer, stand-up comedian, and filmmaker; Kirti Trivedi, professor - IIT Indore; Shipra Bhutada, founder and director of User Connect Consultancy (UCC); and Anirudha Joshi, head of the IDC School of Design, IIT Bombay.

In addition to keynote sessions, the festival will also feature four workshops and a panel discussion, providing attendees with opportunities for hands-on learning and in-depth discussions on key industry topics.

To nurture and spotlight India’s creative talent, ADI has introduced several initiatives, including the Battle of Projects. This platform allows final-year design students to showcase their best work, receiving mentorship and feedback from industry experts.

This year, the competition has grown exponentially, with over 1,000 participants across 11 categories, pushing creative boundaries. Winners will be announced at PDF25.

Beyond discussions and competitions, PDF25 will host Open House workshops for design enthusiasts. Attendees can visit open studios and leading design agencies such as Elephant Design, Lemon Design, and MIT Loni, engaging in hands-on sessions and networking opportunities with industry leaders.

Sustainability remains a key focus at PDF25, with sessions dedicated to exploring how companies and individuals are driving change.

PDF24: Khushboo Gandhi of Go Do Good led a sustainability workshop

At PDF24, sustainability in design was already in the spotlight. Khushboo Gandhi, founder of Go Do Good, conducted a two-hour workshop on sustainable packaging, attended by over 60 participants. The Pune-based startup specialises in innovative materials, inks, coatings, adhesives, and packaging solutions, demonstrating how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into design.

Looking back: PDF24’s Versus theme
Last year’s Versus theme explored design as a deliberate dance of contrasts, featuring discussions, debates, case studies, and workshops that provided valuable insights for a better tomorrow.

With PDF25, the festival now moves forward with a renewed focus on sustainability, innovation, and the future of design.

Click here to register for Pune Design Festival 2025.