Best of British Innovation 2010 winners announced
SmartKem, a Denbighshire-based company with an innovative printing solution takes top spot
Solaqua, the developer of the world’s first zero carbon desalination plant, is runner up
Oxford based software company RealTime Health gains bronze
SmartKem, a high-tech enterprise from St. Asaph, Denbighshire, has been named gold prize winner of Venturefest’s Best of British Innovation award 2010.
The award sought to find the most progressive technology emerging into the market, and encouraged entries from all over Britain.
The gold prize winning entry summarised the company’s development of innovative materials and processes that created high resolution microelectronic components directly onto thin flexible materials.
Steve Kelly, CEO of SmartKem, commented: “I am delighted to be awarded with this prestigious accolade. Venturefest is highly regarded by entrepreneurs and investors alike, so to be recognised with the award as this year’s most exciting technology business is a great honour.”
Solaqua, from Bury, Lancashire, gained the silver prize with the world’s first zero carbon, zero waste, linear flow solar powered desalination plant.
Barry Coots, CEO of Solaqua, commented: “For the first time in human history we can start to make serious use of the vast water resource locked up in the oceans. This prestigious prize will shout to the world and tell them how to turn the tap.’‘
RealTime Health, from Oxford, won the bronze award for its software which helps hospitals reduce, save time and manage the flow of patients.
Jim Gabriel, CEO of RealTime Health, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised in the Best of British Innovation awards. Our “RealTime” product is a game-changer in the performance improvement space in acute hospitals. It really is a radical step up from everything that has come before.”
Dave Waller, Chair of Venturefest Oxford, commented: “The three winners highlight how strong this year’s competition was. We received a diverse range of entries from innovative businesses throughout the country. The Best of British Innovation Awards demonstrate that innovation and enterprise is truly alive in Britain and will hopefully encourage others to take up the challenge in the years to come.”
