Nominations for the INDEX: Award 2009 have just been announced. A total of 72 designs representing 18 countries and spanning six global regions now compete for the most celebrated design prize on the planet. The winners in five categories will each receive 100,000 euros.

Of the 720 designs initially submitted by the world’s leading institutes of design the INDEX: international jury has selected a shortlist of 72 finalists that meet the INDEX: criteria to improve life.

The selected designs concentrate on water shortages, air pollution, communication, health, environmental sustainability, games, affordable housing, food provision, micro-loans, insect protection and eradication, and much more.

The international jury will select the winning designs ahead of the INDEX:Award prize ceremony scheduled for August 28, 2009 in the Concert House of the new Danish National Broadcasting Centre.

All 72 design finalists will be on public view at the INDEX:Award Exhibition, Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen, starting August 21, 2009.

Learn more about INDEX: and see the nominations on their website