Young inventors urged to apply for Wiltshire's James Dyson Award
Entries are now open!
Last updated 1st Mar 2023
The next generation of design engineers are being urged to enter this year's James Dyson Award.
The annual prize, founded in 2005, celebrates young inventors and provides a platform to launch their problem-solving ideas into the marketplace.
Applications have now officially opened, with some major incentives on offer.
The UK winner bags £5,000 and the opportunity to compete against other national winners from across the world. Dyson gifts £30,000 to the international winner, with prizes also offered to runners-up.
The company, based in North Wiltshire since 1993, encourages recipients to use the money to develop their idea. More than 70% of past global winners have subsequently commercialised their invention.
Ryan Mario Yasin won the James Dyson Award in 2017, for his sustainable clothing product. His garments are made using innovative material, meaning they are adapted to grow with children across seven different sizes!
The now 29-year-old subsequently founded Petit Pli, offering eco-friendly fashion to both children and adults. The company, which now employs 11 people, opened a store at London's Battersea Power Station in October 2022.
By purchasing long-lasting garments, Petit Pli customers reduce their carbon footprint and water usage, as well as avoiding the financial impact of replacing clothes on a regular basis.
'One of the most important decisions I've made in my life'
Ryan, a former student at Imperial College London, has spoken to Greatest Hits Radio.
"Winning the Dyson Award was actually incredible for Petit Pli ... taking that jump, that leap of faith (to apply), was probably one of the most important decisions I've made in my life.
"When the James Dyson Award (2017 winner) was announced, and the stories went viral around the world globally, it truly catapulted Petit Pli into the world," he said.
The Petit Pli CEO also told us that prospective inventors should "not hesitate" to enter this year's awards.
"It was one of the best things that happened to us ... you really have nothing to lose by applying.
"If you are genuinely interested in the project that you are working on, and you would love to see it out in the real world, then even the application process can be used as a tool to just stress-test if it's something that you want to pursue," he added.
The James Dyson Award is open to current or recently graduated design or engineering university students.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 19 July.