London ( CNN ) -- The tension is mounting for some of the world 's most inventive young minds as this year 's James Dyson Award reaches its climax . Judges recently chose their international shortlist of 20 inventions -- 15 of which will go forward to this year 's final and the chance to scoop the Â£10,000 ( $ 15,500 ) first prize . The competition , which is open to students and recent graduates in participating ( currently 18 ) countries , has attracted over 500 entries this year , says the UK company . From `` Airdrop Irrigation '' -- a condensation-producing device which waters plant roots in arid areas -- to a prosthetic arm controlled by brainwaves called `` AMO Arm , '' the shortlist showcases a range of novel responses to the competition brief : `` Design something that solves a problem . '' Medical designs feature prominently . A massage machine which uses PVC bags and infrared heat pads aims to soothe the pain of arthritis sufferers , while the `` MediMover '' helps transfer hospital patients safely from their beds to trolleys or surgical tables . Another , the `` Rabbit Ray , '' explains medical procedures to children by demonstrative play . Other entries include an energy-saving flywheel from Germany which powers kitchen appliances , space-saving furniture from Japan and a design called the `` Ecoclean , '' which its Spanish inventor says improves floor hygiene . British inventor James Dyson is best known for creating the bag-free vacuum cleaner and recently launched a new fan heater called the `` Dyson Hot '' which uses the same blade-free technology found in his `` Air Multiplier '' fan . James Dyson talks to CNN . A full shortlist can be found here . The overall winner will be announced on November 8 .
International shortlist announced for the James Dyson . 18 inventions from Twenty countries currently vying for first prize of Â£10,000 . Overall winner will be announced on this year .