About DIP
Plastics keep evolving. So does DIP.
We are the longest-running student plastics design award of its kind in Europe.
Why DIP exists
DIP exists to identify and reward emerging student design talent.
Each brief gives undergraduates the freedom to show how they think, while helping them understand what plastics can make possible when the material is used intelligently.
Recognise talent.
Reward strong design.
Expand understanding of plastics.
Put the material to work
DIP asks students to think about plastics from the beginning.
Material choice should help shape the idea, not simply be added once the product has already been designed.
The question is not just whether something can be made from plastic.
It is what those properties can allow the product to do better.
That is when the material becomes part of the innovation.
Industry is part of the experience
DIP connects student design with the world beyond university.
Entries are judged by people working across design, plastics, manufacturing and innovation.
Finalists then develop their ideas through specialist training before presenting directly to the judging panel.
The idea remains yours. DIP helps you take it further.
Meet the judges
The judging panel brings together experience from across design and industry.
They are looking for a strong response to the brief, original thinking, intelligent use of plastics and a product that could work in the real world.
Richard Brown
Chairman of Judges, Independent Consultant, RJ Consulting
Prof. Rob Holdway, Innovation Director, Co-Innovate Brunel University of London; Managing Director, Giraffe Innovation Ltd.
Dr. Robin Kent
Founder and Managing Director, Tangram Technology Ltd
Morag Hutcheon
Founder/CEO, OOMPH EV Power
Steve Gormley
Managing Director, Covestro UK
Alex Bordino
Digital Solution Specialist / Author
Zara King
Product Designer, owner of Zara King Designs
Monique Spoerri
Industrial Design Consultant, PDD Innovation
Our sponsors and partners help create opportunity
DIP brings together organisations from across plastics, design and manufacturing.
Their support helps fund the awards and gives students access to industry knowledge, specialist training and placements.
They also contribute judges, advisers and mentors who help connect student thinking with the real world.
