Companies of all sizes, from all over Northern Ireland and from every sector have been invited to enter their innovative services or products in the Innovation Awards 2017.
Now in its eighth year, the Innovation Awards showcase and reward excellence in innovation, across a wide spectrum.
From life-saving drugs to powerful computer chips and music apps to agri devices, past winners of The Irish Times Innovation Awards have come from a wide and varied range of sectors. Last year IT firm Arralis, which has offices in Belfast and Limerick, won the overall award for developing a powerful radar and communications system for commercial use while Magherafelt based firm Bloc Blinds won the Manufacturing category for its fabric changing roller blind.
This year there are seven categories covering: Agri-food; Energy and the Environment; Fintech; IT and Telecommunications; Life Science and Healthcare; Manufacturing; and New Frontiers, for innovations which do not fall into any of the above categories. Entry to the Awards is free.
Mike McAleer, the Innovations Editor of The Irish Times said the launch marks the start of an island-wide search for the best innovations that Ireland has to offer in 2017.
“Innovation plays a key role in rejuvenating our economic and social landscape. While unexpected election and referendum outcomes in the USA and UK have led to heightened degrees of economic and political uncertainty, the role of innovation remains undiminished.”
“In the midst of this uncertainty it is more important than ever to recognise and reward the contributions that the champions of innovation make, whether as individuals or organisations. We would strongly encourage all companies to avail of this opportunity to showcase their innovation and benefit from the exposure and recognition that comes with participation in this high profile event” McAleer said.
Previous winners of the overall award include Panelduct, which developed a unique flat pack ventilation system and Sigmoid Pharma for its innovative oral drug delivery systems.
The closing date for entries is April 20th, 2017. Three finalists will be selected in each category and these will be announced in late May.
At the beginning of June, the finalists will be invited to present their innovations to our final judging panel. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Dublin in October.
MAIN IMAGE: Magherafelt based Bloc Blinds which won the Manufacturing category at The Irish Times Innovation Awards last year. Company MD, Cormac Diamond (R) is pictured receiving the award from Michael McAleer, Irish Times Innovation Editor.
Prizes
Category winners will receive a €10,000 communications package in The Irish Times and a one year digital subscription to The Irish Times. The overall winner of the ‘Innovation of the Year‘ will win a high profile communications package worth in excess of €150,000.
For more information on the awards, a look at previous winners and hints and tips on how to enter go to www.irishtimes.com/business/innovation/innovation-awards
