Applications are now open for Young Lions Croatia 2026, a national competition aimed at young professionals from the world of communications, which will take place on 21 and 22 February in Zagreb.
It is a licensed Cannes Lions programme that has for years served as a platform for recognising a new generation of talent within the communications industry. The competition brings together creatives, media, digital, PR and marketing professionals, from both the agency side and the advertiser side, including independent professionals, who through intensive work and problem-solving are given the opportunity to demonstrate how they think, create and respond to real communication challenges.
Applications are open until 13 February 2026, and detailed information on categories, rules and the application process is available on the official competition website.
Six categories, one challenge and 24 hours to prove yourself
During the competition, teams of two young professionals have just 24 hours to respond to the assigned brief and develop a solution for a specific client. Isolated within the space of the Zagreb Innovation Centre (ZICER), without external distractions and relying solely on their own ideas, knowledge and instincts, participants enter an intense creative sprint that tests their speed of thinking, team dynamics and decision-making under pressure. Additional support in bringing ideas to life is provided by Shutterstock, giving competitors access to its extensive library of visual assets.
The competition is structured across six categories that together cover the key segments of the contemporary communications industry: Design powered by Igepa Plana, Digital, Print, PR, Media and Marketers. Teams of two professionals aged up to 30 (born in 1996 or later) are eligible to apply, regardless of whether they come from agencies, the client side, or work as independent professionals.
Young Lions: The Hunt Begins
The competitive season officially begins on 5 February at Botaničar, with a kick-off event symbolically titled The Hunt Begins. This introductory gathering offers future participants more than basic information, from a detailed presentation of briefs, formats and judging criteria, to the opportunity to hear first-hand experiences from previous winners and meet members of the jury.
The event also delivers something rarely seen: a behind-the-scenes look at the competition. What the jury truly values, how to prepare for the intense 24 hours of work, and what the Young Lions experience in Cannes looks like in practice are among the questions participants will receive concrete, honest answers to. Attendance must be confirmed via email at [email protected], no later than 2 February 2026.
If you are ready for a challenge that can change your career and open the doors to Cannes, apply with your creative partner by 13 February 2026. More information on how to apply is available on the Dani komunikacija website.
