17 April 2015
The time has come: Which local entrepreneur do you think has contributed most to our region and shaped our local economy? Who do you think has improved our quality of life? And who do you think continues to inspire future generations of innovators and entrepreneurs?
The search is now on to find Northern Ireland’s next INVENT ‘Innovation Founder’ – a person who has achieved distinction in founding, leading or building a celebrated local science- or technology-based business.
The prestigious award, run by the Northern Ireland Science Park and sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK, is given to those who demonstrate they have put innovation at the core of their companies – and are continually revolutionising their respective industries.
Previous winners of the accolade, which are part of the NISP CONNECT INVENT Awards, include the late Professor John Anderson of HeartSine Technologies (2010); Dr Hugh Cormican, founder of Andor Technology (2011); Tom Eakin of TG Eakin (2012); Dr Peter FitzGerald CBE, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories Ltd (2013); and Dr William Wright CBE, founder of Wrightbus (2014.)
Members of the public are now invited to nominate whom they think should be named the 2015 Innovation Founder, celebrating their pioneering and ground-breaking legacy.
NISP CONNECT Programme Manager, Peter Edgar, said: “Our INVENT Awards are about discovering and championing the newest and most exciting innovations from Northern Ireland, which have the potential to solve some of the biggest global problems.
“As an important part of this, we also acknowledge and credit those local entrepreneurs who have already achieved this world-wide recognition. For us, it’s about creating a community of innovation here.
“Innovation and new ways of thinking are the bedrock which has put all of these companies at the forefront of their industries. By celebrating their achievements, we hope to inspire the next generation of inventors to believe in their ideas and follow in their footsteps.”
Julie Ann O’Hare, Director of Business Banking Northern Ireland at Bank of Ireland UK, said, “Northern Ireland has such a rich heritage in innovation. Bank of Ireland UK is very proud of its longstanding relationship with the many world class businesses led by local business men and women, operating and growing successfully out of the region.
“The calibre of the previous award winners is a testament to the wealth of talent and this year’s award has equal promise; it’s a great way to recognise and celebrate our successful business leaders.”
The winner will be announced following public nominations and an extensive peer-to-peer judging process. The 2015 winner will be the guest of honour at the INVENT Awards Gala Dinner on 8 October 2015.
Nominations for the 2015 Innovation Founder of the Year Award can be registered online at http://www.invent2015.co/ The closing date for nominations is 11 May 2015.
For more information: Sarah Monahan, ASG PR, on 07920 464485
Notes to Editors:
2010’s winner, the late Professor John Anderson, was co-founder of HeartSine Technologies Inc. and Intelesens Ltd. He was responsible for the development of the world’s first portable defibrillator designed for use outside of a hospital setting.
2011’s Innovation Founder, Dr Hugh Cormican, was a founder and Director of Andor Technology plc. He is now CEO of Cirdan Imaging Ltd, which designs and supplies medical imaging solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in surgery, radiology and pathology.
2012’s recipient, Tom Eakin, set up TG Eakin in 1974. TG Eakin is a medical device manufacturer, dedicated to the production of high-quality skin protection products for use in stoma and wound care.
Dr Peter FitzGerald CBE, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, lifted the title in 2013. Randox Laboratories researches and develops innovative, high quality solutions designed to make diagnostic testing quicker with higher accuracy and reliability for results of the highest quality.
Last year, Dr William Wright CBE, founder of global market leader in bus manufacturing, Wrightbus, was announced as the 2014 Innovation Founder. Ballymena-based Wrightbus employs almost 2,000 people and exports to international markets, including Singapore and Hong Kong.