Entry guidelines

How to enter

 

  • To enter the competition, you need to have an IOM3 account. If you do not already have an IOM3 account, you will be prompted to create one as part of the nomination process.
  • You may save your entry as a draft at any point during the process and complete at a later date.

 

Entry fees
  • Deadline for entries is 23:59 BST on 1 April 2025.
  • The entry fee is £20 per entry.
  • You will be invoiced for the entry payment once you have submitted your entry. If you have indicated that your college/university is paying for your entry, it will be sent directly to your college/university.
  • The invoice will be received by Monday 7 April 2025 at the very latest and the deadline for payment is Thursday 1 May 2025. If your invoice is not paid, your entry will not be shortlisted for judging.
Submission details

Entries must include uploads of the developments boards and photographic evidence of the final model

The 4 A3 development boards uploaded as a single PDF document should include the following:

  • Research board
  • Design exploration board
  • Net of recommended design solution.

The photographic evidence should be uploaded as a single PDF document and should:

  • Showcase the front, back and sides of the model
  • Be shot against a white background and in focus. These images will be used in the Starpack Competition book and potentially for additional promotion
  • A maximum of 4 images should be uploaded
  • For students who are unable to supply a final model, 3D renderings and drawings are accepted.

Development boards must not show the entrant’s name or university/college. 

Dates & Conditions
  • The project names submitted at the time of entry will be printed as typed, if there are any errors and certificates/trophies need replacing, then the entrant will be liable for these costs.
  • If you are not able to attend the ceremony in person or the ceremony becomes virtual, certificates and trophies will be sent by post to the entrants to the mailing address listed in the entry in late June 2025.
  • Please make sure you have access to the mailing address past term times. If you are unsure, please enter your home address. 
  • IOM3 is unable to issue replacements for certificates/trophies sent to wrong addresses.
Judging Criteria

  • The judges are looking for originality and aesthetic qualities of the design, with consideration to commercial viability.

  • How the pack delivers the benefits to consumers and that the functionality has been considered as much as the branding.

  • The quality of portfolio, which must include evidence of research and the development of the design.

  • Designs which demonstrate awareness of environmental issues, through economic use of the material and recyclability.

Individual briefs may have specific conditions required by the sponsors.  Please check each brief for specific judging criteria.