The Irish Times, in association with InterTradeIreland, today announced the shortlist of companies who will compete for the overall title of ‘Innovation of the Year’.  Designed to recognise successful innovation in businesses across the island of Ireland, the awards were open to indigenous and international companies of all sizes and sectors operating throughout the island of Ireland. Over 120 companies entered the six categories of the competition. 

Seventeen organisations have now been shortlisted by the judging panel to compete for the overall title.

 

Related Links:

Scientific advancements, new manufacturing processes, streamlining of referral process for patients with neurological problems and introducing an innovative retail service are among the shortlisted business innovations competing for the prestigious 'Innovation of the Year' title. The overall winner and six category winners will be announced on 24th March, 2010 and the 'Innovation of the Year' will win a marketing communications package worth in excess of €200,000.
The six innovation categories are:
• Organisational Systems & Processes
• Product and/or Service Innovation
• Application of R&D
• Green-Tech
• North/South Collaboration
• Public Service Innovation

Entries were based on operational, service or product innovations implemented by 2009 with applications assessed against the following criteria: proven originality; market/user impact; proven business impact on profit/efficiency; innovation project management and potential for sustainability.

Speaking about shortlisted companies, Michael McAleer, editor of The Irish Times
Innovation Magazine, said: “We’re delighted with both the quantity and the quality of the
entries to the inaugural all-island Innovation Awards.  When we joined with
InterTradeIreland to launch these awards, we said that Ireland needed to develop an
innovative and enterprising business culture and environment in order to succeed in the
current economic climate. The calibre of the entries we have received for this
competition has left us in no doubt that there is an abundance of those qualities in
businesses the length and breadth of the country.  Businesses able to reinvent
themselves and recognise the constant potential for improvement will not only succeed in their own arenas, they will lead the revival of our economy.”

Liam Nellis, InterTradeIreland Chief Executive, said: "I have no doubt that innovation is critical to the future of both economies North and South. The range of shortlisted finalists demonstrates how innovation can be applied effectively regardless of company size and sector.  InterTradeIreland has a key focus on innovation as a means to improve business capability and competitiveness.  I hope that these awards will also encourage other organisations to realise the benefits of innovation for success and growth.”

The judging panel for the Innovation Awards includes:
Paul Rellis, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland
Liam Nellis, Chief Executive, InterTradeIreland
Barry Maloney, Founding Partner, Balderton Capital
Karlin Lillington, Technology Correspondent, Irish Times
Liam Kavanagh, Deputy Managing Director, Irish Times

Category sponsors include Accenture, UCD Michael Smurfit Business School and BCM Hanby Wallace.

- Ends -

For further information contact:
Nuala Buttner
Q4 Public Relations
Tel: 01 4751444 / 085 1744275

Notes to Editor:

The following eligibility criteria were applied to all applications

• The business must be registered on the island of Ireland North or South
• Formal accounts for 2008 must have been filed for the business
• The entry must be appropriate and compliant to the category
• The innovation around which the entry is based has been fully implemented during the 2008/2009 period
• Compliance with any relevant industry and/or legal standards
• The entry was submitted by 14th January 2010.

The Shortlist

• Product and/or Service Innovation

MCor Technologies, Ltd., Ardee, Co. Louth
BiancaMed, Belfield, Dublin 4 & Belfast, Co. Antrim
InTime Media (Ireland) Ltd., Co. Mayo

• Application of R&D

Sigmoid Pharma Ltd., Dublin City University Campus, Dublin
Blue Box Sensors, Dublin 6
Medtronic Cardiovascular, Galway

• Green-Tech

EasyDry Ltd, Dundalk, Co. Louth
Solarprint Ltd., Sandyford, Dublin
TreeMetrics Ltd., Bishopstown, Co. Cork

• North/South Collaboration

C-TRIC, University of Ulster, Derry
Clinical Conduct Associates Ltd., Cork

• Public Service Innovation

Neurolink, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin
Dublin Airport Authority
Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute, Belfast, Co. Antrim

• Organisational Systems & Processes

Bgate Technology Ltd., Dublin
Concern, Irish Aid & Valid Nutrition, Dublin
Bausch & Lomb (Ireland), Waterford