A project, which aims to have a lasting impact on Cornwall, has gained nationwide support from business and community groups.
The Big Design Challenge Cornwall (BDCC), which is the final Dott (Design of the Times) Cornwall project, aims to tackle six of the biggest issues facing the people and communities of Cornwall.
Each challenge is being taken on by a group, which has until the end of February to prepare for a Dragon’s Den style pitch.
There an overall winner will receive up to £10k to put their ideas into practice.
“We’re at a very crucial stage of the project now,” said BDCC project manager, Kathryn Woolf, who runs Penryn-based SEA Communications.
“Each group is working towards the Dragon’s Den style pitch and focused on coming up with the best ideas to help solve their particular challenge.
“In order to help them along we have enlisted the support of business leaders, design and creative experts, social enterprise specialists and community interest groups to offer mentor support and help the groups perfect the best possible presentation.”
Each group will be assigned a lead design mentor and will have ten hours support over the five weeks leading up to the Dragon’s Den pitch, which takes place at the Eden Project on March 2.
Mentors signed up to support the project include Matt Hocking from Leap – design for change, Sam and Will Boex, Neil Tinson and Colum Lowe from London-based BEING.
The project has also received backing from the Cornwall Rural Community Council, RIO: Real Ideas Organisation and School for Social Entrepreneurs.
