Every year, world-renowned designer and engineer James Dyson and his team hunt for solutions to real-world problems across 23 countries. Their brief is simple: design something that solves a problem, big or small.
º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ has a proven history of success with the award. Last year, William Broadway, who studied Industrial Design and Technology, was the UK National Winner for his product ISOBAR; a portable vaccine cooling device designed for developing countries where many programmes fail to meet the international standards for temperature safe vaccine distribution.
Speaking about his experience and how the award opened up doors for developing the product, William said: “Winning the 2016 UK leg of the National James Dyson Award has given me the confidence to bring ISOBAR, a complex device, to market.
“It has not only helped me with its development through testing and further iterations but provided me with a platform to showcase my idea which has resulted in many opportunities.”
In 2014, James Roberts, another º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Design School graduate, won the International Award with a low-cost, life-saving inflatable baby incubator (MOM) designed for use in the developing world.
Any university-level student (current or within four years of graduating) of product design, industrial design or engineering is eligible to enter the competition.
Three levels of prizes are available: the international winner will receive £30,000 towards the development of the project and £5,000 for their university department. Two international runners-up will receive £5,000 each, and national winners will receive £2,000.
The competition closes on 20 July 2017, with winners and finalists announced in the autumn. Further details on the award, and how to apply, are available here.