The Design Council has just announced a new £300k accelerator fund, Design Council Spark, aimed at aspiring British inventors. The launch was appropriately held amongst the amazing inventions at the Science Museum’s new Information Age Gallery.

A call for submissions went to anyone in the UK with a brilliant product idea who wants to develop their work further. Ten designers will receive an initial investment of £15k, and will join a 20-week programme of mentoring, which gives them access to professionals in prototyping, manufacturing, investment and finance, as well as other business skills.

After 20 weeks, three of the designs will be selected to receive a further £50k investment.

In support of the initiative, some of the UK’s most inventive minds gathered at the Science Museum to share their experiences of designing, including award-winning inventor Duncan Fitzsimons, creator of the world’s first folding wheel, and Jane Ní Dhulchaointigh, developer of sugru, a moldable glue for use at home.

Aspiring product designer Emily Tulloh, who invented the unique Summerbug Trike for a child with the rare condition of Rett Syndrome, also spoke in support of the new fund.

If you, or someone you know, would like to a submit an idea to Design Council Spark, please visit www.designcouncil.org.uk/spark, or join the conversation at #SparkInnovation.