Congratulations to our Spark 2018 finalists and awardees

Last night (26 June 2018) our Spark 2018 finalists from across the UK gathered in London to showcase new product ideas to industry and investors.

Our guest speaker, serial entrepreneur and investor Deborah Meaden said: “Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of our economy – creating jobs and delivering growth. They push the boundaries of new ideas and deliver products that transform our lives. Design solves problems and is critical to UK success stories. It is often the unseen link between having an idea and turning it into a successful new product. Design Council Spark plays an important role in supporting more entrepreneurs right across the country to use design to realise success. I am delighted to join the showcase this year to celebrate the innovation of all this year’s finalists.”

The twelve 2018 finalists were:

1. Ahreum Jung – The Brinery – London
2. Alex Murray – Hinton eBike – Cambridge
3. Andrew Michell – JuiceKey – Cambridge
4. Anna Lowe – B.Bar – Sheffield
5. Anni Stonebridge and Jane Cumberlidge – Sculptaseat – Dundee, Scotland
6. Connor Musoke-Jones – The Unity Door Handle – London
7. Gary Smith – Dryphoon – Sunderland
8. Judith Cook – Elba London – Southwark, London
9. Michelle Kong – Scalp Reach Battersea, London 
10. Rosie Brave and Sam Jackman – Boost – Plymouth
11. Ming Kong – Alie – 3D VR Controller – London
12. Pulathis & Siddhi Siriwardana – handisure – North London

Four of our finalists were also awarded further investment of up to £50,000 from the Spark panel.  They are:

• Judith Cook – Elba London – Southwark, London (ARUK awardee)
• Gary Smith – Dryphoon – Sunderland
• Ming Kong – Alie – 3D VR Controller – London
• Pulathis & Siddhi Siriwardana – handisure – North London

Our partner Arthritis Research UK is supporting Elba London Lingerie, B.Bar, Tru-Unity Door Handle.

Design Council Spark is a support and funding programme designed to help you turn your bright idea into a commercially successful product. Register your interest to be first to hear about next year's programme.