Industrial designer Olson Hamilton-Smith has been awarded the prestigious Carl Nielsen Design Accelerator for his revolutionary project called Foldee, marking the first locally designed and manufactured folding cargo bike in Australia. The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of Sydney Design Week 2025 on September 19, recognizing Hamilton-Smith's innovative contribution to sustainable urban transportation.
The Carl Nielsen Design Accelerator, presented by the Powerhouse and funded through a generous bequest from Carl and Judy Nielsen, is an annual program dedicated to supporting emerging Australian designers who focus on sustainable industrial design. This competitive award provides recipients with a comprehensive nine-month residency program, offering invaluable mentorship opportunities from industry leaders, including Ed Ko, who serves as both an industrial designer and founder of IDX SYD.
Hamilton-Smith's selection was determined by a distinguished panel of experts consisting of Ed Ko, Powerhouse curator Angelique Hutchison, and Nielsen Design Associates director Adam Laws. The judging panel was particularly impressed by Hamilton-Smith's innovative approach to addressing two critical urban challenges: the growing problem of limited storage space in cities and the urgent need for sustainable transportation alternatives.
The Foldee cargo bike represents a complete reimagining of traditional cargo bike design, featuring a compact and highly portable structure that doesn't compromise on functionality. The bike's most remarkable feature is its unique double-hinge folding mechanism, which allows the entire structure to collapse to a fraction of its original size. This innovative design makes transportation and storage incredibly easy while maintaining the bike's full load capacity when in use.
In keeping with its commitment to environmental sustainability, the Foldee is constructed entirely from 100 percent recyclable steel, ensuring that the product aligns with eco-friendly principles throughout its lifecycle. The bike is both designed and manufactured in Melbourne, supporting local industry while reducing the carbon footprint associated with international shipping and production.
Nielsen Design Associates director Adam Laws praised the project's market timing and potential impact. "Olson's project is in a relatively small but growing area of a highly competitive market," Laws explained. "Its time is now with low impact environmental solutions being encouraged and sought after. The Carl Nielsen Design Accelerator adds to Olson's momentum by assisting with the commercial optimization of the FOLDEE lightweight folding cargo bicycle."
The Carl Nielsen Design Accelerator program serves as more than just financial support for emerging designers; it functions as a comprehensive launching platform for products that directly address Australia's most pressing design challenges. The program provides both financial backing and institutional support, creating opportunities for designers to bring their innovative solutions to market.
During his nine-month residency, Hamilton-Smith will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with experienced mentors, knowledgeable curators, and skilled fabricators. This collaborative approach is designed to help refine and optimize the Foldee design while preparing it for commercial production. The residency program will conclude with a public showcase at the Powerhouse, where Hamilton-Smith will present his completed project to industry professionals, potential investors, and the general public.
