Finalists announced in Innovator 09 awards

24 Feb 2009

Eighteen of Yorkshire and Humber’s most innovative organisations have beaten off stiff competition to be short listed in the prestigious Innovator 09 Awards.

The six awards, carrying a £3,000 prize, are aimed at recognising those companies and individuals in Yorkshire and Humber who have embraced innovation and developed, alone or in partnership, new ideas, products, technologies or ways of working in order to improve their business.
University departments and facilities that are involved with industrial collaborations were also invited to enter as they too work to overcome the challenges of today’s increasingly competitive marketplace.

Jim Farmery, Assistant Director of Business for Yorkshire Forward explains: “We know we have many innovative individuals, companies and partnerships in Yorkshire and Humber and these awards are giving an opportunity to raise the entrants profile with clients and potential new customers, and demonstrate their commitment to being a leader in their field.

“We are experiencing difficult economic times and it’s never been more important to ensure that your business remains competitive through consistently improving your processes, products and services. These awards demonstrate the benefits of developing new ideas, technologies and ways of working in the region through real and successful examples.”

Innovation Catalyst Award, sponsored by Institute of Directors, will go to an individual or organisation that is a catalyst for innovation, and has been instrumental in contributing to the innovation culture in the region.

  • The BITE CIC in Leeds has developed a sustainable business delivering high value R&D services to the health technologies industry working with regional University partners.
  • Leeds based Medipex Ltd provides and facilitates an NHS innovation hub which develops healthcare related innovations and provides intellectual property management. 
  • NTI Leeds Metropolitan University is home to the region’s first co working space which supports innovation for digital entrepreneurs, fledgling businesses and those thinking of starting a business.

International Innovation Award, sponsored by UK Trade and Investment, will reward a business using technological innovation to access new markets internationally and / or through exposure to international opportunities and collaborations.

  • Sheffield based MARS CIC has developed five patents for specialist technologies surrounding the use of coatings and systems in the automotive, aerospace, orthopaedic, microelectronic and engineering sectors.
  • Sheffield based Simcyp Ltd operates a global Consortium to gain industry participation in the development of an advanced modelling and simulation tool to evaluate medicines in the safety of computers.
  • Skipton Based Trio Healthcare Ltd designs, manufactures and sells unique and innovative medical products to the stomacare, woundcare and continence market through their network of International Distributers in 20 countries.

Knowledge Exploitation Award, sponsored by Research Council UK, will reward the successful application of research from within Yorkshire and Humber’s universities and research organisations and bringing this to market.

  • The York based Central Science Laboratory meets real market needs in the food security, environmental protection and climate change sectors, helping to ensure their future growth.
  • The Keyworth Institute in the University of Leeds provides access to world class research and expertise to help companies undertake strategic projects and develop their products and processes ato access new markets.
  • Richmond based Peratech has developed and exploited a nanotech material used in the robotics, sport, education and technical textile sectors.

Open Innovation Award, sponsored by the Technology Strategy Board, will go to a progressive organisation who compliments their products, processes and services with external sources of knowledge such as universities and research organisations to generate new ideas and solutions.

  • Stokesley based Intelligenys Ltd, identify algorithms which meet industry needs and delivers these in easy to use software packages.
  • The Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation in Bradford uses commercial analysis to work with partners to identify market needs. IPI then develops innovations to meet these needs and supports the creation of spin-out companies to address them directly.  
  • Piramal Healthcare, in Huddersfield, identify their customer’s product difficulties and work to match new technological solutions which will help reduce costs, improve efficiency and lead to product life extension.

Product, Process, Service Innovation Award, sponsored by the CBI, will reward an innovative new product, process or service developed which represents a significant advancement for their industry or sector.

  • York based Forsite Diagnostics Ltd and partners Central Science Laboratory, have developed a rapid test for plant diseases which have quarantine status in Europe by combining onsite testing with molecular forensics. 
  • York based Venture Simulations Ltd is helping to improve business start-up and survival rates in the region and nationally with the development of an innovative computer business simulation game, providing hands on learning.
  • Yorkshire Water is developing leading technologies for the repair of underground infrastructure without the need to directly open the road it lies beneath.

Innovative Young Company Award, sponsored by Business Link Yorkshire, will reward a company under two years old, who is developing innovative products, processes or services and demonstrating a high degree of entrepreneurship.

  • Keighley based Slipstream Energy Ltd, develops wind turbines suitable for the urban environment to meet the needs of businesses wishing to reduce their carbon emissions.
  • Bradford based Vibraglaz (UK) Ltd, have developed an environmentally friendly and economical method of producing fine surface finishes for materials within the automotive, medical and manufacturing sectors.
  • Hull based Xing Smoothies are inspiring young people to make healthier eating options by making food taste and look more appealing; breaking down barriers to healthy food and challenging the rise in obesity.

*To find out more about the awards please visit www.yorkshire-forward.com/innovator09/

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Leona Thompson, Press Manager on 0113 3949589 or email Leona.thompson@yorkshire-forward.com

Yorkshire Forward

  • Yorkshire Forward is the Regional Development Agency behind the economic regeneration of Yorkshire and Humber. It aims to make a positive difference by investing in jobs, improving towns and cities, and in supporting businesses throughout the region.
  • Over the past year, Yorkshire Forward has created and safeguarded more than 22,254 jobs, assisted 60,005 people in skills, created 1,067 businesses and attracted £467m in investment.
  • Yorkshire Forward’s investment across the region is maximised by attracting European Regional Development Funding from the Objectives One and Two programmes and the 2007-2013 Regional Competitiveness and Employment Programmes.