Two Irish students are among 20 finalists to be shortlisted for the 2013 international James Dyson award.

The award, which is open to university students who “design something that solves a problem”, has been running since 2007. The winner, who will receive €35,000, will be announced on Thursday, November 7th.

Mark Dillon (23), from Ballinteer in Dublin, invented a new gum shield in his final year at Dublin Institute of Technology. The gum shield, which he called Mamori, includes integrated sensors that measure impact on a sportsperson and transmits the data to medical staff at the side of the pitch, who can act quickly to treat injuries.

Kieran Normoyle (23), from Fanningstown in Co Limerick, invented Hydros while studying at the University of Limerick. Hydros is a three-piece lifejacket that mitigates the effects of cold water shock, sea spray, hypothermia and secondary drowning.

“Bold ideas, big or small, can solve significant problems. The entries into this year’s award, from young engineers and scientists around the world, all show promise but are only at the start of the long process towards commercialisation,” said James Dyson.

Last year’s winner was Dan Watson, who developed the SafetyNet, a device to encourage the sustainability of fishing.

The award is run by the James Dyson Foundation, which works with schools and universities to support design, technology and engineering education.