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In today's difficult economic climate it is important for both businesses large and small   to remain competitive by embracing innovation and new ideas and creating knowledge based partnerships for the development of their products and services.

 

Companies and individuals across Yorkshire and Humber are being invited to enter the 'Innovator 09' awards which celebrate 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 are also invited to enter as they too work to overcome the challenges of today's increasingly competitive marketplace.

 

This year, 6 new categories carrying a prize of £3,000 are designed to showcase the very best of the region's innovators, giving entrants the opportunity to raise their profile with clients and potential new customers, and demonstrate their commitment to being a leader in their field:

 

Innovation Catalyst Award 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.

 

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

Knowledge Exploitation Award will reward the successful application of research from within Yorkshire and Humber's universities and research organisations and bringing this to market.

Open Innovation Award 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.

 

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

 

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

 

 

"We know that to remain competitive in the current economic climate companies need to stay ahead of the game and innovation is key to this. It's more important than ever therefore that we reward companies and individuals for their dedication to innovation in their work whether this is alone or in partnership.

 

"Research and development and the pursuit of innovative practice in business can fall by the wayside when, like now, businesses and investors are tightening their belts. These awards demonstrate the benefits of developing new ideas, technologies and ways of working in the region through real and successful examples."

 

Launched in 2008 the awards have gone from strength to strength and this year already have the backing of supporting bodies IoD, CBI, Technology Strategy Board, Research Councils UK, UKTI and Business Link Yorkshire.

 

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