IYCE – The International Young Creative Entrepreneur (IYCE) awards were conceived by the British Council to recognise the achievements and invest in the potential of young creative entrepreneurs across the world. Each year creative business men and women aged 25-35 are invited to compete for the title of young creative entrepreneur of the year. There are different awards specific to different creative sectors such as music, publishing or design.

The winner from each participating country wins a carefully tailored 10-12 day tour which takes them to London and to at least one other UK city. The tour is designed to help the winners make contacts and broaden their understanding of how their sector operates in UK. Winners are joined by 9 other finalists from around the world who will all be competing for the ultimate title of International Young Creative Entrepreneur of the Year.

In 2004 we launched the first award for the International Young Publisher of the Year. This was followed by awards in design, music, screen and fashion. With the arrival of awards in communications, art, performing arts and visual arts, now there are nine awards across the creative industries.

Who are the awards for?
The annual awards are open to young creative entrepreneurs from emerging economies. If you think your ideas and creativity should be exposed to the world, then this award is for you.

What do the awards look for?
All the awards recognise the centrality of creative entrepreneurs to the development of a sustainable and competitive creative economy. They provide the essential bridge between talent and consumers; they navigate the space between creative ideas and the market.

IYCE aims to identify these entrepreneurs, support them, create opportunities for commercial and collaborative exchange and encourage ongoing networking. Through your participation, you will learn about your industry in other emerging economies and become part of a dynamic network consisting of your peers, through which further dialogue and trade can take place.

When are the awards?
The awards take place every year in different categories and different countries.

Where does the award take place?
Countries participate through the British Council’s international network: eight to ten countries are selected to take part each year. British Council offices in each country then go about selecting one national finalist to represent them in the international competition. The finalists are selected via a national competition and by a jury of leading figures in their national industry.

Why get involved?
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for young creatives to experience the UK and network with the world’s most important pioneers in their field of work. The awards use the UK as a nexus for cultural, creative and commercial exchange, and provide valuable international networking.

Finalists for each award join together in the UK for a 10-12 day tour which takes them to London and to at least one other UK city to broaden their understanding of the UK. All awards culminate in attendance at a UK trade event: the London Book Fair, 100% Design, the London Film Festival to name just a few. You get to rub shoulders with the best and expose your ideas to the world.

How to apply?
Applications are only accepted at certain times of the year and differ per country. The dates will be advertised here on the website.
Find out more about the awards being promoted in Africa by choosing your category below

See our Creative Economy site for details on the past UK and international awards.