William Innes, Matthew Peers and Hannah Rayner are all finalists in the Circular Emergency category that asks for a product, service or system that uses circular design principles to improve emergency medical care. 

Jack Strachan and Emma Sutcliffe are in the Hidden Figures category. They have been asked to design something that breaks down societal barriers for those with hidden disabilities or impairments. 

Elliot Butler is in the Alone Together category that is centred around loneliness and how this can be combatted.  

Eve Cowan is competing in the Living and Dying Well category which asks entrants to create an animation based on a short audio clip by broadcaster Michael Buerk on the difficulties of recognising, verbalising and discussing death.  

She said: “I wanted to produce an animation which reflected his gentle tone with non-threatening visual images which could be easily related to by everyone.  

“I felt inspired to produce an animation which had vibrant images to try to normalise the subject matter which could be used to open a difficult conversation.” 

Eve added: “It’s a great feeling to be appreciated for work you have put so much effort into; especially when staring at it for weeks on end can lead to you never wanting to see it again! Whether I win or not, being shortlisted has been an achievement in itself and something I am very proud of.” 

The final part of the judging process involves a 25-minute interview at the RSA in London on 30 April. The results will be announced in May, with the winner or winners awarded up to £2,000.