STUDENTS and recent graduates of engineering and design have a unique opportunity to show they problem solving inventions on a global stage when the James Dyson Awards open on Tuesday (March 27).

Entrants must follow a simple brief – design something which solves a problem. The winner who has the most innovative idea wins £30,000 to develop the idea.

Speaking about the Award, James Dyson, said: “Young engineers and designers have perspective and unbridled intelligence that makes them incredibly adept at problem solving. Their ideas can easily be dismissed, but if nurtured and celebrated they are transformative.

“Developing a product or technology is a long and daunting process. The James Dyson Award celebrates the inventive young people embarking on that process. The Award champions our next generation of inventors and will propel them towards future success. I am excited to see what surprising ideas this year’s award brings.”

The James Dyson Award has been running for 14 years, attracting ideas from across the globe, and this year, the competition will include entries from Mexico, UAE, Sweden and the Philippines. It now involves 27 nations.

Winners in the past have aimed to tackle sustainability in the clothing industry and food waste, and tackle overfishing.

The International Award last year went to the sKan, a low-cost, early detection melanoma skin cancer device, engineered to prevent misdiagnosis.

Last year’s UK winner was Petit Pli, a clothing design which allowed the material to expand in both directions so it could continuously fit children as they grow. Petit Pli’s current designs fit children from six to 36 months.

Founder Ryan Yasin, said: “The response to Petit Pli worldwide has been phenomenal. Since winning the UK James Dyson Award we’ve had the opportunity of exhibiting at Dutch Design Week, WIRED Live, Dubai Design Week; and given talks in Dubai, Mexico and London.

“The focus is now really on product development and finalising our local and international supply chains. We’ve now tested over 200 material compositions and the results are promising.

“From the international press attention, thousands have signed up tour our mailing list to find out when we start selling, and I can’t wait to let them know. It’ll be worth the wait.”

The competition opens on Tuesday, March 27 and entries can be made until July 20. Entries can be made through an online application at www.jamesdysonaward.org.