Bombay Sapphire, dedicated to supporting young emerging design talent across the globe, invites all design students and recent graduates* to enter the Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass Competition. Designers will be invited to design a functional martini cocktail glass inspired by Bombay Sapphire and its striking translucent blue glass bottle.

The UK award, with a first prize of £2,000, will be announced in July 2008 at the New Designers exhibition; ahead of the prestigious grand Global Final offering an impressive $15,000 for first place. To be held during the UK’s biggest design event – the London Design Festival in September 2008. The award gives young designers the chance to receive international recognition, acclaim and support in launching their design careers.

2007 UK competition winners, with their ‘Revolut’ glass, Robert Nightingale and Ylva Soderstrom describe their feelings towards the whole experience: “Being a part of the biggest design event of the year will be undoubtedly inspirational!” Winning the award will mean representing the UK at the Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass Competition Global Final, the runner up will receive £500.

This prestigious award is now in its seventh year and attracts a huge following with participants coming from all over the world. The previous year saw 21 countries from across the globe represented at the awards. The judging panel for the UK competition will include high-profile creatives and key media players from the design community, including Damian Barr, Dominic Crinson and Libby Sellers.

Bombay Sapphire first began its association with design in the 1990s, when internationally acclaimed designers first created their versions of the ultimate martini cocktail glass. Since then, glasses by the likes of Karim Rashid, Yves Behar and Eva Zeisel have been showcased in a global advertising campaign for Bombay Sapphire.

The competition is now open for entries and will close in March 2008.

* Recent graduates must be within a maximum of three years post graduation working in the design industry.

For further information on the Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass Competition and how to enter please go to www.designerglasscompetition.com