Are you a passionate entrepreneur in design; an innovator who uses cutting edge entrepreneurial ways to move the design industry in South Africa forward? Are you looking to broaden your international business opportunities and to build your network? If this sounds like you then you could be the winner of this prestigious award.

British Council is now accepting applications for the South African International Young Design Entrepreneur (IYDE) award for the third time. The last day to submit your application is on 12 June 2009.

Previous winners of the award have included Heath Nash (2007) and Y.Tsai (2008). IYDE champions and celebrates the importance of creative entrepreneurs working in the field of design. It is awarded in partnership with 100% Design, London’s international trade fair for furniture and interiors.

This year the top three applicants will be selected by a panel of professional South Africans active in the creative industry. From this group of three, South Africa will then vote online for who they think is the IYDY winner. The winner will be announced on 04 July 2009. Online voters will also stand a chance to win a new MAC Book.

Ten international finalists (one of which will come from South Africa) will visit the UK - London, Glasgow and Belfast - in September 2009 to undertake a common programme where they will take part in valuable networking both with key UK design sector partners and amongst their IYDE peers.

Application procedure

The IYDE awards are unique in rewarding entrepreneurial ability. We recognise that a finalist may be active as a designer, however his/her work as an artist should be secondary to their focus as an entrepreneur in the promotion of the design industry in their country. Artistic talent will not be factored into the judging procedure – finalists will be judged solely on the merit of their entrepreneurial abilities in the industry.

Who can apply

Applications will be considered in the following design sectors:
• Architecture, interiors and environment
• Product design manufacture: furniture, industrial products and craft
• Design promotion: exhibitions, events, festivals and retail
• Consultants providing specialist services in any of the areas outlined

Interested applicants can download the application form from our website at www.britishcouncil.org/africa-za-iydey-2009