Final reminder for local innovators

TIME is running out for Londonderry-based innovators to stake their claim for up to £10,000 worth of cutting-edge R&D support. The Green Creativity Awards, which are free to enter and open to anyone in the city area, are calling for clever concepts that will lead to new green products, services and technologies.

A top prize worth £10,000 will be awarded to the best entry and provide vital expertise and know-how to accelerate the idea towards commercialisation. A similar prize value will be distributed to other ideas showing the most commercial promise and the winners will be recognised at an awards ceremony in November.

The competition is organised by the Enterprising Derry Project and is funded by Derry City Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.

Aeidin McCarter from Derry City Council said: “This is a rare chance for enterprising innovators in to have their ideas recognised and secure vital support to help take them to market. The competition is for anyone with an idea to develop sustainable technologies, products or process and who want to realise and benefit from their full commercial potential.

“Londonderry has a proud legacy of enterprise and innovation. The Green Creativity Awards are about celebrating both and giving the next wave of sustainable business ideas a boost towards commercialisation.

“We know how important it is that fresh thinking and new products continue to receive investment and support. No idea is too big or small to be considered,” she added.

The competition is the first of its kind to exclusively engage Londonderry’s vibrant hub of young entrepreneurs in this sector and will be judged by a panel of experts from industry and business support organisations. All entries are submitted in strict commercial confidence. Non Disclosure Agreements can be signed and IPs protected. To find out more contact Aeidin McCarter at Enterprising Derry on 028 7136 5151 ext 6916, email [email protected] or apply direct on-line www.derrycity.gov.uk/enterprisingderry/greencreativity

The closing date for submissions is midday on June 24, 2011.