iawards recognise cutting-edge British innovation

A high-tech ‘X-MAN Model Cancer Patient’ last night won the iaward of the Year for British innovation.

The iawards recognise cutting-edge British companies that are working to develop practical solutions to society’s greatest challenges. Award winners were named last night during a ceremony at the Science Museum hosted by Lord Drayson and entrepreneur James Caan.

The top honours went to Horizon Discovery Ltd, a technology start-up whose product identifies patients most likely to respond to particular, personalised cancer treatments.

“We had an extremely high calibre of entries but this product really stood out for us,” said Sir John Chisholm, chairman of QinetiQ. “The Horizon cell model represents first-class innovation and we should be proud that a British company is helping lead the way in the fight against cancer. A truly deserving winner — and one that can positively affect many lives.”

Added chair judge Mike Butcher: “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.”

Other award winners include:

• The iaward for places to live and work: E-Stack Ltd, Cambridge, whose E-Stack Atrium Ventilation System can reduce the energy consumption of residential and commercial buildings by up to 50 per cent, based on recycling internal heat.
• The iaward for energy and environment: Siemens Mobility, for its extra-low voltage traffic signal equipment that reduces power consumption and costs, as well as improves electrical safety.
• The iaward for digital communications: Powertraveller Ltd’s Solargorilla, which is a portable solar charger for power-hungry devices including laptops, mobile phones and MP3 players.
• The iaward for entertainment and media: The Foundry, for Ocula, a set of dedicated software tools for 3D film post-production that addresses common problems experienced with stereoscopic imagery.
• The iaward for a consumer product: Unilever R&D’s Pureit, which was jointly developed in Port Sunlight UK and Bangalore. Pureit is the first home water purification device that kills 100 per centof water-borne bacteria and viruses.
• The iaward for cross-application of technology: Metrasens Ltd, for FerroGuard, a portable metal detector for medical and security purposes that uses technology originally developed for submarine and mine detection.
• The iaward for best collaboration: Opal Contracts’ 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.
• The iaward for British inside: Ubisense’s Real Time Location System, which accurately tracks people and goods in real time — benefiting industries including manufacturing, the military, transport and animal husbandry.
• The iaward for the next big thing: Diverse-Energy Ltd’s PowerCube, a fuel-cell-based power solution for cellular telecoms towers, designed to provide a clean, low-cost and reliable alternative to diesel generators.