Canadian innovators can receive $50,000 through James Dyson Foundation’s 2017 competition

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University students and graduates (within four years) in product design, industrial design, and engineering could have a chance to win $50,000 toward a product that solves a real-world problem.

Applications are open for the James Dyson Awards, which is run by the James Dyson Foundation, and open to university students and recent graduates from 23 countries, including Canada, Hong Kong, and Italy.

“There is normally a better solution to a problem. Engineers challenge convention and have brilliant ideas; the James Dyson Award looks for remarkable yet simple designs with the potential to have a huge impact on society. Each year I am amazed by the ideas and I look forward to seeing this year’s raft of entries,” said James Dyson.

Canada has had a significant presence at the James Dyson Award in recent years. Last year, Waterloo-based Medella Health received the national James Dyson Award, and was a runner-up for the international award. The company develops a contact lens that tracks a diabetic patient’s blood sugar levels through their tear fluids.

The year before, circuit board-printing company Voltera became the first Canadian company to win the international award.

The prizes to be won include $50,000 to the international award winner, along with $8,500 for the student’s university department; $8,500 each for two international runner-ups; and $3,400 for national winners. National winners and finalists will be announced September 7, while the shortlist for international award nominees will be announced September 28. The international winner and finalists will be announced October 26.

Applications are open until July 20.

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Madonna Dennis

Madonna Dennis is a staff writer at BetaKit. She’s a fourth-year journalism student interested in healthtech. She’s passionate about tight-knit teams working together, which is why she’s so fascinated by startup culture. Madonna’s hobbies include dragon boating, singing, and hosting a YouTube show about cat news.

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