The James Dyson Award, the international student design and engineering competition run by the James Dyson Foundation, is open for entries, calling for inventions that tackle a pressing real-world problem.
Open to all engineering and design students and recent graduates, the Award seeks ambitious designs that address a global issue, from cancer diagnosis to natural disasters. With global recognition offered to an international winner and a sustainability winner, past winners include an off-road ambulance trailer to rescue the wounded from conflict zones, a paint made from recycled glass to reduce the need for air conditioning and a device to control bleeding from stab wounds.
Established in 2005, the competition has supported over 400 young inventors with more than $1.93 million in prize money, and more than two thirds of past global winners pursuing the commercialisation of their ideas.
The international winner and global sustainability winner will scoop $57,500 to support their next steps, while $9,600 is offered to each national winner in the 30 markets where the Award is run.
Dyson founder and chief engineer, Sir James Dyson said, “The world needs more doers – problem-solvers, not grandstanders, who are ready to take on the problems of our time. Every year the James Dyson Award gives young people a platform for their medical and environmental inventions, and much more besides.
“It’s their ‘wrong thinking’ that leads to breakthroughs, whether it’s the development of a new sustainable material, or the application of clever engineering principles to help improve people’s lives. I look forward to seeing what new inventions this year’s Award brings.”
The global top 20 of national winners and runners-up will be chosen by a panel of expert Dyson engineers and Sir James Dyson will pick the best.
The national winners will be announced on September 11, the global top 20 shortlist on October 16 and global winners on November 13 2024.