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THE 2025 PAVE

International Student Design Competition

Proudly Sponsored By

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The annual PAVE Student Design Competition promotes “real-world” design experience for college-level students globally who are interested in pursuing careers related to the creation and design of consumer environments.

Competition Overview

The Hershey Company invites students to create an innovative Store within a Store (SWAS) snacking destination within a traditional grocery store. Design a fun, interactive experience that leverages cutting-edge technology, lighting, and sensory elements to break through the clutter and elevate the shopping experience.

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Your design must be scalable across multiple retail footprints and incorporate Hershey's iconic brand elements while creating micro-occasions like s'mores, movie time, and cultural celebrations. Consider how technology like AR, digital signage, scent diffusion, and dynamic lighting can create a snacking destination that stands out.

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Unwrap the possibilities.

Awards & Prizes

THE TOP 3 CONCEPTS WILL BE AWARDED

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  • $4,000 USD will be awarded to each of the 3 top concepts.

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  • Students will receive an invitation to attend the PAVE Gala in New York City on December 11th (travel expenses covered*) where the students will be recognized for their achievements.

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  • $1,000 USD travel stipend to be awarded to the students' Educator for travel to attend the PAVE Gala with the student(s)

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  • Students may even have the opportunity to work alongside one of the industry's leading design and manufacturing teams to bring their concepts to life!

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* Travel expenses covered are airfare, hotel, and daily per diem according to gsa.gov rates for US and Canadian students. For students outside the US and Canada, a travel stipend will be provided and is capped at $2,500 and covers airfare, hotel, uber/taxi/lyft, and food between December 10th-12th only, reimbursed with proof of receipts.

** Educators will be reimbursed up to $1,000 USD with proof of receipts.

Eligibility

This annual international competition is open exclusively to current undergraduate and graduate-level college students involved in retail planning, visual merchandising, interior design/architecture, branding, graphic design, UX/UI design, industrial design, and similar programs. If you are unsure if your area of study qualifies, please reach out to PAVE at info@paveglobal.org.

Submission Requirements

  • Each entry must be submitted as an 11 x 17-inch, landscape/horizontal format PDF.

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  • Each entry should not exceed 10 single-sided pages, page count excludes cover and reference pages.

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  • The submission should address the general requirements of the design brief at a scale and composition determined by the student.

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  • Renderings can be hand-drawn or computer-generated.

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  • AI tools are welcome to support brainstorming, inspiration, and prototyping. All AI usage must be transparently documented in your final submission.

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  • You will be judged on the quality of the renderings and their ability to clearly and dynamically tell the story of your concept.

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  • This is an individual competition - only individual entries will be accepted.

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  • Entrant name and/or school MUST NOT appear anywhere on the presentation materials or cover.

Judging Criteria

The below criteria is used to establish a scoring matrix based on the evaluation of broad categories implicit in the design submission. A team of industry professionals will evaluate and judge all entries using a blind review process. (download judging criteria PDF)

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15% - Design Concept

  • Imagination, inspiration, and creativity.

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25% - Space Solution

  • Traffic flow, fixture layout, successful connection of the concept to the store in a cohesive manner that establishes a compelling authentic brand narrative, with an inspiring customer journey and creative use of 2D and 3D elements.

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​25% - Interior/Architectural Design

  • Style, appropriateness, colors and materials, fixtures, lighting, and merchandise presentation.

 

25% - Branding

  • Logo color, style, signage, graphics, and integration of technology.

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10% Quality and professional presentation of work.

Project Deadline

All projects must be submitted through Submittable.com by Thursday, October 30, 2025, before 11:59 PM Eastern (8:59 PM Pacific)

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🗓️ Add Deadline to Calendar

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The submission portal automatically closes at 11:59 PM - do not wait until 11:58 PM to attempt to upload your file.

How To Participate

Follow these steps to participate in the competition:

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1. PRE-REGISTER to participate through Submittable, here.

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All students must pre-register to gain access to the design brief, project submission form, and other relevant resources. Please note that it may take up to 2 business days to gain access to the project submission form. 

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​Students who pre-register to participate early will receive periodic tips for success, inspiration, deadline reminders, and other helpful messages throughout the competition period.

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Educators wishing to gain access to the project brief and resources can register for access here.

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2. REVIEW the design brief and all resources.

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Carefully review all materials provided in your registration confirmation email to understand the project requirements and guidelines. If you have any questions, please reference the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

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3. CHECK your project against all submission requirements.

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Before submitting, ensure your project meets all requirements:

  • 11 x 17-inch, landscape PDF format

  • Maximum 10 single-sided pages (excluding cover and reference pages)

  • High-quality renderings that clearly tell your concept story

  • AI usage documented (if applicable)

  • CRITICAL: Your name or school CANNOT appear anywhere on your presentation materials- this is a 100% blind review.

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4. SUBMIT your final project before the deadline.

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Submit your final project through the submission portal by Thursday, October 30, 2025, before 11:59 PM Eastern (8:59 PM Pacific). The portal will automatically close at 12 AM Eastern/9:00 PM Pacific.

The 2025 PAVE International Student Design Competition is Proudly Sponsored By

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Student Design Competition News & Updates

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“Receiving this award has been a truly amazing experience and has allowed me to connect with many individuals in the design profession and has presented many opportunities. Being able to travel to New York to receive the award was also such a great experience and will be one of the most significant moments of my life. The people of PAVE and Bank of America who organized and sponsored the competition are truly the most kind-hearted people and I will be forever grateful for all the effort and hard work that they put into the competition and event.“​

- Sam Carlinski, Fanshaw College
2019 Student Design Competition Finalist

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