London 2012 have teamed-up with the the Design Council to begin the process of creating the torches for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays.

They have invited top product and industrial design, engineering and manufacturing talent to register interest in creating what will become two of the key visual icons of the London Games.
 
At least 8,000 Olympic Torches will be required to enable Torchbearers to carry the Olympic Flame the length and breadth of the UK during the 70 day Olympic Torch Relay, presented by  Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung.

Designing and developing the Paralympic Torch as well as lanterns, mini cauldrons and other related products for both Torch Relays are also part of the three separate briefs for design, engineering and manufacture.
 
Paul Deighton, the chief executive of London 2012, said: "The creation of the torches to carry the Olympic and Paralympic Flame is a unique opportunity for London 2012 to literally shine a light on the UK’s best design, engineering and manufacturing talent.

"We are looking for an expert team to create the torches that will be held by thousands of people that represent the very best of our nation as the UK begins its Olympic and Paralympic celebrations with the Torch Relays in the summer of 2012."

London 2012 and the Design Council are encouraging designers with a track record of creating iconic product or industrial designs to register their interest  on the CompeteFor website, the online "dating agency" for matching potential suppliers with Games-related business opportunities.

Expressions of interest from engineering firms and manufacturers will be welcomed from next Monday (August 9) as details are posted on CompeteFor.

The deadline for completion of this first stage of the process is midnight on August 22.
 
A special panel of representatives from London 2012, the Design Council, Olympic and Paralympic sport, and industry experts will be announced in the coming month.

The panel will select a shortlist of five designers who will receive a detailed brief and funding to develop their creative vision for the design of the Torches, from which the winning design will be chosen by the panel in October.

The panel will also select the successful engineers and manufacturers to take forward the production of the torches and other accessories.

The Olympic and Paralympic torches will be unveiled in 2011 as part of the celebrations to mark "one year to go" to the start of each of the Torch Relays.
 
David Godber, the deputy chief executive of the Design Council said: "This is a great opportunity for design - a global showcase for design talent. We’re delighted that LOCOG asked us to help the design industry rise to that challenge."

More details are available by clicking here.


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