All island innovation awards launched
The Irish Times 2015 InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards were officially launched at two simultaneous events in Belfast and Dublin.
Hosted by the University of Ulster and KPMG, the events marked the start of the island-wide search for the best innovations that Northern Ireland and Ireland have to offer.
Now in its sixth year, The Irish Times and InterTradeIreland have partnered to showcase and reward excellence in innovation, across a wide range of ground breaking products and services.
Innovation will continue to rejuvenate our economic and social landscape and it is important that the Champions of Innovation, whether as individuals or organisations in the public or private sectors, or as large, medium or small, family owned or multinational enterprises, get the recognition they deserve.
The key categories for the Awards are:
Agri-Food
Bioscience
Creative Industries
Energy & The Environment
IT and Telecommunications
Manufacturing
The competition is now open for entries at www.irishtimes.com/innovationawards. The closing date for applications is 5.00pm on Monday 1st December 2014.
Commenting at the launch of the awards, Michael McAleer, editor, Innovation, The Irish Times said:
“Since its inception The Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards have recognised dozens of innovative firms. Looking back on the alumni of winners, it demonstrates the extensive range of innovation practice in action on this island, in every sector from agri-foods to med-tech and from cutting edge production processes in multinationals to sole traders in the creative arts.”
Dr. Bernadette McGahon, science, technology & innovation manager, InterTradeIreland, added: “We are delighted that these prestigious awards are coming back to Northern Ireland in 2015 and that the final will be held in City Hall, Belfast. We strongly encourage all companies to use the opportunity to showcase their innovation and benefit from the exposure and recognition that comes with participation in the awards.”
Awards are given to one winner from each category, each receiving a €10,000 communications package in The Irish Times Business and Innovation supplement and an iPad with an annual subscription to The Irish Times Digital Pack. The category winners are then in the running to win the overall ‘Innovation of the Year’ title and receive a communications package, worth in excess of €150,000, comprising of advertising promotion across The Irish Times Business and Innovation supplement.
UCD Smurfit School will provide the overall winner with a scholarship for an Executive Education programme commencing in 2015 and the winner will also receive a Mac Book. There is also a special recognition award from InterTradeIreland given to the company with the best North/South collaborative innovation.
For more information about the awards, including a show reel video from last year’s event visit: www.irishtimes.com/innovationawards
