MAD STARS INVITES YOUNG STARS & NEW STARS TO PROVE THEIR CREATIVE EDGE ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

MAD STARS has officially opened applications for YOUNG STARS and NEW STARS 2026, two global competition programs offering students and emerging professionals the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the international creative industry.

Held as part of MAD STARS 2026 in Busan, Korea, from August 25–28, the programs bring together emerging talent from around the world for an intensive creative experience designed to bridge learning with industry practice.

YOUNG STARS is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students of all majors, while NEW STARS welcomes professionals with fewer than five years of experience across sectors including marketing, advertising, digital, video, ad tech, and public relations.

Following an online preliminary round, selected finalists will advance to the on-site finals in Busan, where they will be challenged to develop a campaign within 30 hours, based on a brief unveiled at the start of the competition.

Entries will be assessed on strategy, creativity, and execution by a jury made up of professionals from globally recognized agencies and brands, including Cheil, Dentsu, Hakuhodo, INNOCEAN, Publicis Groupe Korea, Saatchi & Saatchi, TBWA\Media Arts Lab, and VML. In addition to evaluation, finalists will have the opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders and receive practical insight shaped by real-world campaign experience.

Beyond the competition itself, participants will gain access to the wider MAD STARS festival program, including conferences, networking events, and industry sessions exploring emerging trends and ideas shaping the future of marketing and advertising.

For many participants, the experience extends beyond competition — offering exposure to global perspectives, opportunities to exchange ideas with peers from different markets, and connections that may support future career development in the creative industries.

Applications for YOUNG STARS are open until May 25, 2026, while NEW STARS applications will close on June 4, 2026. Applicants may participate individually or as teams through the official program websites.

Both competitions will present Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Crystal awards, with all participants receiving certificates of completion. Winners of YOUNG STARS will also be eligible for internship opportunities.

For additional information, visit the official MAD STARS website or contact info@madstars.org.