MAD STARS 2026 Young Stars and New Stars CompetitionsKick Off in Busan

- Emerging creatives from around the world take on a 30-hour live brief, receiving mentorship and direct feedback from global industry leaders.

25 August 2026

Ahead of the official opening of MAD STARS 2026, the Young Stars and New Stars MAD Competitions kicked off on 25 August at SIGNIEL BUSAN. Running through 28 August, the competitions challenge emerging creatives to build complete campaigns under real-world time constraints while receiving direct guidance from active industry professionals.

Empowering the Next Generation

Held annually as part of MAD STARS, the Young Stars and New Stars MAD Competitions provide two distinct tracks for developing the next generation of creative talent. YOUNG STARS is open to undergraduate and master’s students of all majors worldwide, while NEW STARS is open to marketing, advertising, and related creative communications professionals with fewer than five years of experience. The selected participants—93 university students from 10 locations for Young Stars and 63 junior professionals from 9 locations for New Stars—have now advanced to the on-site final in Busan to test their strategic thinking and execution skills.

A 30-Hour Mission for Ocean Conservation

Working from an on-site brief revealed this morning, participants have exactly 30 hours to develop a comprehensive campaign. This year's mission centers on the theme, "Rethinking How We Protect Our Oceans." Competitors must design actionable campaigns that translate public awareness of marine pollution—such as plastic waste and microplastics—into everyday behavioral change. Reflecting current industry practices, the brief mandates the use of at least one AI tool during the creation process, requiring teams to submit specific prompts alongside their work to ensure transparency. Following the strict countdown, teams must submit their fully developed video campaigns by 3:00 PM on 26 August.

Real-World Mentorship and Global Recognition

The submitted work will undergo evaluation by a dedicated jury of active global leaders with proven experience in mentoring and developing the next generation of advertising talent. This educational experience peaks on the morning of 28 August with dedicated sessions, including a "Conversation with the Jury” sessions, where participants receive direct, campaign-based feedback from the juries.

Winners will be announced later that afternoon during the official Awards Show. Both competitions award Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Crystal, granting winners global recognition. Additionally, Young Stars winners at Crystal level or above will be eligible for internship opportunities.

Beyond the Competition

Beyond the competition itself, participants will experience the full MAD STARS program, including conferences, networking events, and other festival activities. They will gain first-hand insights into the latest trends in the global marketing and advertising industry while connecting with peers and professionals from around the world. Through these interactions, participants can exchange ideas, broaden their perspectives, and build an international network that supports long-term career growth.