18 November 2009

Winners of the iAwards 2009 were announced on 18 November 2009. Launched by the Government to recognise and celebrate the best of British science, innovation and technology, the iawards are backed by Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson and leading businessman James Caan. Topping the honours list was Horizon Discovery Ltd, a technology start-up company which scooped the iaward of the Year for its hi-tech, ‘X-MAN Model Cancer Patient’; a product that identifies patients most likely to respond to particular cancer treatments.

Hosting the event, Science and Innovation Minister, Lord Drayson said, “The iawards winners epitomise the best of British innovation that will drive the future growth of our economy and make Britain a better place to live and work. I’m delighted to be part of an event celebrating British success.

Co-host, business entrepreneur, James Caan said, “All of the finalists have demonstrated that Britain is home to some of the best innovators in the world. I’m privileged to be part of the iawards and recognise and honour all finalists for their expertise and vital contribution they make to our economy. I’d like to say huge congratulations to all of the winners who have helped bring the deserved attention to these new technologies and innovations.”

The iAwards Winners

The iaward of the year and iaward for best technology start-up

Horizon Discovery Ltd, Cambridge: X-MAN Model Cancer Patient
A tool that identifies personalised cancer medications - reducing R&D costs, shortening clinical cycles and increasing patient survival.

Chair judge, Mike Butcher said: “Horizon Discovery really impressed us with their ‘patient in a test-tube’, which is the first human cell model that can identify personalised cancer medications, leading to shorter drug trials and increased patient life. Quite simply, this is world-class scientists doing first-class work. They have developed a revolutionary approach and demonstrated clever innovation in a difficult area, with excellent prospects for impact on the health sector.”

The iaward for places to live and work

E-Stack Ltd, Cambridge: E-Stack Atrium Ventilation System
A new approach to reducing the energy consumption of residential and commercial buildings by up to 50%, based on recycling internal heat.

Chair judge, Peter Drummond said: “E-Stack is a well-deserved winner of the iaward for ‘Places to live and work’ category. It answers a significant market problem in a simple and interesting way and this is why it was selected.”

The iaward for energy and environment

Siemens Mobility. London: Environmentally Friendly ELV Traffic Systems
Extra Low Voltage traffic signal equipment that delivers unprecedented reductions in power consumption and costs, as well as improved electrical safety.

Chair judge, Dale Vince said: “Siemens was a clear winner for us. What initially appeared to be a rather simple case of putting LEDs into traffic lights actually required a great deal of innovation and focus. They clearly identified a need and developed a solution with commercial success. Siemens has produced a targeted innovation addressing a well-defined problem, which can reap significant success in the UK market.”

The iaward for digital communications

Powertraveller Ltd, Hampshire: Solargorilla
A portable solar charger for power-hungry devices including laptops, mobile phones and MP3 players.

Chair judge, Justin Pearce said: “As digital communications become freed from the fixed-line internet, being able to efficiently power digital devices via renewable energy sources is increasingly important. Solargorilla is an innovative solution to a growing issue and a well-deserved winner of the iawards ‘digital communications’ category’.

The iaward for entertainment and media

The Foundry, London: Ocula
The first set of dedicated software tools for 3D film post-production, which address common problems experienced with stereoscopic imagery.

Chair judge, Dr Lincoln Wallen said: “The Foundry’s Ocula is likely to have a significant impact on the film industry and as such we are proud to announce it as the winner of the 2009 iawards ‘entertainment and media category’. We look forward to seeing the results in many upcoming films that have benefited from the use of this technology.”

The iaward for a consumer product

Unilever R&D, London: Pureit
The first home water purification device that kills 100% of water-borne bacteria and viruses.

Chair Judge, Dominic Littlewood said: “With Pureit, Unilever demonstrated a commercial innovation that tackles an important social problem. We can expect to see this product appear in many homes across the UK as we work to combat the effects of water-borne bacteria and viruses.”

The iaward for cross-application of technology

Metrasens Ltd, Worcestershire: FerroGuard
A portable metal detector for medical and security purposes that uses technology originally developed for submarine and mine detection.

Chair judge, Jonathan Kestenbaum said: “FerroGuard represents a superb example of the cross-application of technology. It’s a smart idea with clear market potential and links to some of Britain’s national priorities. An outstanding entry and well-deserved winner.”

The iaward for best collaboration

Opal Contracts, Birmingham: Infection Minimising Curtain Hook
A new curtain hook that reduces the risk of superbug infection in healthcare environments by enabling the easy packing, storage and handling of disposable curtains.

Chair judge, Annette Williams said:“Opal Contracts’ curtain hook has shown great commercial potential. It’s a superb example of successful collaboration and will have major impact on societal needs. It represents a significant innovation that can positively impact on numerous lives.”

The iaward for British inside

Ubisense, Cambridge: Ubisense Real Time Location System
An innovative system that accurately tracks people and goods in real time - benefiting industries including manufacturing, the military, transport and animal husbandry.

Chair judge, Allyson Reed said: “The celebration of ‘British inside’ encouraged an impressively diverse range of companies. We felt that Ubisense’s entry was a particularly versatile product - the ability to locate people and assets with unmatched accuracy has potential in a huge number of industries. And it’s great to see university research underpinning the success of this technology. Ubisense can be proud of their achievement.”

The iaward for the next big thing

Diverse-Energy Ltd, West Sussex: PowerCube
A fuel-cell based power solution for cellular telecoms towers, designed to provide a clean, low-cost and reliable alternative to diesel generators.

Chair judge, Rory Cellan-Jones said:“This was an extremely difficult category to judge because the ‘next big thing’ could be from any industry and in any stage of development . But Powercube really stood out for us. This fuel-cell based power system could reduce the number of polluting diesel generators, improving the local environment and giving cell providers a green alternative as they expand into developing markets. As previously disenfranchised communities come online, this product could make a real difference to the way we live.”

Winners of the awards will be helped by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to meet potential business partners at key industry events, such as the giant Medica trade fair in Germany and TechnologyWorld in Coventry. For more information visit www.iawards.org.uk.