The James Dyson Award 2026 is an international design engineering competition organised by the James Dyson Foundation, created to celebrate, support, and inspire the next generation of engineers, inventors, and problem-solvers. It challenges university students and recent graduates to develop innovative products or systems that address real-world problems, with a strong emphasis on practical solutions, sustainability, and user-centred design. The award is widely recognised as a prestigious platform for emerging talent in engineering, product design, and industrial design.
Focused on encouraging innovation with purpose, the competition invites participants to think beyond theory and create tangible prototypes or concepts that demonstrate clear problem-solving value. Entries often span a wide range of sectors, including healthcare technology, environmental sustainability, renewable energy, assistive devices, and everyday consumer products. By prioritising ideas that can make a meaningful social or environmental impact, the James Dyson Award highlights forward-thinking design engineering that has the potential to improve lives on a global scale.
In addition to recognising outstanding ideas, the award provides valuable exposure, credibility, and career opportunities for participants. Shortlisted and winning projects benefit from international media coverage, industry recognition, and access to a global network of experts, which can help accelerate product development and commercialisation. As a result, the James Dyson Award has become a highly sought-after competition for aspiring engineers and designers looking to showcase their creativity, technical skills, and commitment to solving pressing global challenges.
There is no entry fee.
Eligibility
Open to current university students or graduates (within the last four years) in engineering, product design, or industrial design, including degree apprenticeships, with entries from eligible countries and teams allowed under qualifying conditions.
Prize
Winners receive significant financial awards and global recognition, with international winners (including a sustainability winner) awarded £30,000 each, national winners receiving £5,000, and international runners-up also receiving £5,000, alongside benefits such as media exposure, networking opportunities, and support to develop and commercialise their inventions.
