Design consultancies, engineering firms and manufacturers are being sought to create the Olympic and Paralympic Torches for London 2012.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), in partnership with the Design Council, today began 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, CEO of LOCOG commented: “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.”

LOCOG and the Design Council are encouraging designers to register their interest on the CompeteFor website. Click here!

Launched at the beginning of 2008, CompeteFor allows for enables businesses to have access to all relevant business opportunities between now and 2012 – for both LOCOG and the Olympic Delivery Authority. Expressions of interest will be welcomed from Monday 9 August 2010 as details are posted on CompeteFor. The deadline for completion of this first stage of the process is midnight on Sunday 22 August 2010.

A special panel of representatives from LOCOG, 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 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.

The Design Council is assisting designers in registering their interest with background information and guidance on the process. Click here for more information.