06/11/2026
“The biggest misconception is that AI replaces creativity — in truth, it ruthlessly exposes who actually has it. Prompting is not taste. Generating is not deciding. Output is not work.”
Meet Theo Grassl, Dean of Studies and Programme Director at Akademie Mode & Design and one of this year’s AI Product Design Award jury members.
Theo and Anna Franziska Michel go way back, first meeting through Berlin’s fashion scene long before AI became the headline it is today.
He was also around when we hosted the first worldwide AI fashion show during , back when most people were still asking, “Wait… WTF is this?!” 😅
A few years later, AI is no longer a strange side conversation. It is becoming part of how teams think, create, test, and decide.
That is why Theo’s perspective feels especially relevant this season.
His take on the next era of product creation?
“The rarest skill won’t be making things. It will be knowing what’s worth making, and defending that choice... AI makes ex*****on cheap, but conviction stays scarce.”
Theo also joined us on LinkedIn Live this week to talk AI Agents, product creation, and why you don’t need to be deeply technical to start using AI meaningfully. Catch the replay over on Anna’s LinkedIn.
Have questions before applying? We’re hosting our next applicant onboarding and Q&A session tomorrow, Friday, June 12 at 12 PM CET. You get the link when you sign up to apply ;).
This year’s winner receives €3,900 worth of AI access, mentorship from a participating jury member, promotion, and the chance to pitch live in Berlin on June 25th.
Applications close Thursday, June 18 at 12 PM CET. Apply via the link in bio.
And we’d love for you to join us in Berlin on June 25 for the yoona AI Summit.
