Innovations range from the world’s first accurate breastfeeding monitor to a device which has been called ‘a Fitbit for the brain’ to a housing co-operative’s new model for providing affordable housing
The search for the most innovative business on the island of Ireland is one step closer following the announcement of the shortlist of the Innovation Awards 2018. Fifteen nominees from across the island and in five different industry categories have been named in the shortlist.
The finalists include entries from established companies and start-ups. Nine of the companies are from Dublin, while Kildare, Galway, Antrim, Limerick, Westmeath and Wicklow are also represented.
he aim of The Irish Times Innovation Awards, which are now in their ninth year, is to showcase and reward excellence in innovation across a range of products and services.
This year innovations range from the world’s first accurate breastfeeding monitor to a device which has been called a ‘Fitbit for the brain’ to a housing co-operative’s new model for providing affordable housing.
The shortlisted companies are:
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IT and fintech: EquineMedirecord (Kildare) Aid:Tech (Dublin), Priviti (Galway).
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Life sciences & healthcare: Aalto Bio Reagents (Dublin), BrainwaveBank (Down) and MIASPharma (Dublin)
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Manufacturing & design: AddiHive (Limerick), Innopharma (Dublin) and Marco Beverage Systems (Dublin)
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New Frontiers: 3MsImagineering (Westmeath), BidX1 (Dublin) and Coroflo (Dublin)
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Sustainability: EirGrid (Dublin), ÓCualann Cohousing Alliance (Wicklow) and Parkpnp (Dublin).
The winners will be announced at a high-profile awards ceremony at the RDS in Dublin on November 20th. Michael McAleer, innovation editor at The Irish Times, said the standard this year was particularly high.
“The calibre of the entries has been of the highest order and this has made the task of selecting the 15 finalists extremely challenging. Each of our innovators has a really interesting story to tell and we are looking forward to meeting them and hearing more about their business plans. The final judging panel will definitely have their work cut out to pick a winner for each category, as well as an overall winner of ‘Innovation of the Year’.
While 280 companies registered for the awards it is now just down to the 15 shortlisted entries who will present their innovations before a distinguished panel of judges - chaired by Dr Chris Horn, co-founder of IONA Technologies - in Dublin next month.
Along with the national and international recognition the winners receive, and the impact it has on attracting potential investors, each category winner will receive a communications package worth €10,000 from The Irish Times.
The overall 'Innovation of the Year' will win a unique communications package worth in excess of €150,000 and a scholarship for all three Executive Development courses from UCD Smurfit School commencing in 2019.
The Irish Times Innovation Awards 2018 are brought to you by The Irish Times in partnership with Science Foundation Ireland, KPMG, Enterprise Ireland and UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Article Published: 14/09/2018