Design Council Spark

Do you have a great product idea but now need support to make that idea a reality?
Design Council Spark wants to hear from you for a place on their fast track product innovation programme, a share of £165k funding and support from expert mentors. No design or invention experience necessary.

Selection process
40 product concepts will be short-listed. Each short-listed application requires that at least one person attends a preliminary two-day workshop. At the end of this workshop, 8-12 applicants are selected to join the fast-track programme as Spark Finalists.

Fast-track programme
Each of the Spark Finalists receive a 20 week bespoke programme of design support, access to prototyping facilities and materials, advice on pitching and investment readiness support plus £15,000 to spend in developing their ideas. In return, finalists sign an agreement committing to donate 5% of future sales revenue of the funded product.

Showcase
At the end of the Programme, the Spark Finalists take part in presentations and demonstrations to the Design Council judges and potential investors. Up to four products are chosen to receive special Spark Awards, getting a share of £150,000 from the Spark research fund or £50,000 from Arthritis Research UK if their product invention is designed to assist those with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.

Mentors
Participants are mentored by a specially selected panel of experts who are drawn from the worlds of product development, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, branding, and IP – all the essential skills required to make product ideas and prototypes a reality.

Apply now: designcouncil.org.uk/spark

Deadline: Midnight, 14 December 2015

Brought to you by Design Council Spark and Arthritis Research UK

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