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This year there will be two winners – not one

Run by The James Dyson Foundation, The James Dyson Award empowers the next generation of engineers and designers to solve the problems that will impact their future. The 2020 competition is now open for entries and we are on the hunt for entries across 27 countries and regions. This year we are also introducing an additional £30,000 for the best sustainability related entry.

Since its inception in 2005, the competition has awarded over £800,000 in prize money to young engineers and designers. This has enabled one in five of its past winners to successfully commercialise their inventions. Last year’s international winner, Lucy Hughes, is no exception. Winning the award, receiving £30,000 in prize money and gaining an international media platform means Lucy is now pursuing her invention MarinaTex – a bioplastic made from fish waste - full time.

Sustainability winner

MarinaTex is an indication of how sustainability is set to be the key theme of this decade, and the scientists and engineers of tomorrow will play a vital role in evolving the future of sustainable design. James Dyson recognises this need and wants to celebrate sustainability-related ideas. As a result, this year we will offer an additional £30,000 prize for the best entry that addresses an environmental or social issue or that has been designed, sourced and manufactured with sustainability in mind. James will select the sustainability winner from the international top 20 finalists, commending and encouraging their efforts to forge the future of sustainable design.

James Dyson said, “Each year we have been struck by the ingenuity and conscience of young people to solve really big problems. So many of the James Dyson Award entries have a focus on improving the world through engineering and technology. Recognising the role that engineers and scientists play in creating a sustainable future, we have decided to introduce a second international prize focused on ideas which do more with less and tackle environmental or social issues.”

Entries will be open from 19 March until the 16 July. If you have a problem solving idea we want to hear about it. Enter the competition online today.

Watch the launch video below.

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