Applications now Open for the Design Council's Home Innovation Challenge

The Design Council Spark has opened applications for its ‘Home Innovation Challenge.’ This year Spark is looking for designs “…that will make life at home easier and better for all.”

This year the Design Council Spark has partnered with the Alziemer’s Society and are asking for product ideas that promotes independent living.

“Nearly 14 million people in the UK live with a disability and 18% of our population is over the age of 65, expected to rise to 25% by 2046. The global spending power of disabled people, their carers and families is £8 trillion and for people over the age of 65 by 2020 it’s estimated to be £15 trillion.

We believe every home should be a place where we can relax and enjoy life: whatever our age or capability. But more and more people are facing challenges in the home.

They might have trouble getting around, remembering things or doing day-to-day tasks. And the products designed to help them are often clinical, expensive or unappealing. We want to change that. We are looking for new, innovative product ideas that will make home life easier, and are well designed, so that everyone can feel more confident, capable and independent.

We want our homes to be a joy, not a chore.”

The day-to-day tasks you choose to focus on are up to you. You may have an idea that assists with cooking, washing, cleaning, relaxing, or something else entirely, as long as your idea improves someones life.

The Design Council Spark, is a product innovation programme helping designers to turn their ideas into a commercial reality. Up to 10 finalists will be chosen to join the Design Council Spark programme, each of which will receive £15,000 to help fast track their product to market. The programme also includes a series of workshops, one-on-one mentoring and access to the Design Councils network of specialists to help you develop your idea and a viable business plan.

Finalists will also have an opportunity to pitch to the Design Council Spark Investment Panel to receive a share of up to £150,000 of further funding!

To apply, send in your ideas that are at sketch, prototype or the planning stage (You need to be a business registered in the UK to apply).

To apply and learn more visit the Design Council website:

https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/what-we-do/accelerator/design-council-spark

Source: https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/what-we-do/accelerator/design-council-spark