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- Innovations Honoured With Bright Sparc Awards 2010
The Bright Sparc Awards 2010 Winners
Technology led businesses and entrepreneurs from across the region have been recognised for innovative achievements at the third annual Bright Sparc Awards. Organised by the Milton Keynes-based Sparc Technology Network, the awards honour those businesses or individuals who have truly excelled in their specialist field.
The panel of judges, selected from leading business and technology organisations across the region, received over 70 impressive applications across all industry sectors. After a detailed selection process, the chosen category finalists gathered for the prestigious awards ceremony held at the Cranfield Management Research Institute on 12 May 2010.
There were eight worthy winners across the individual categories, with the Overall Bright Sparc Award 2010, sponsored by Invest Milton Keynes, presented to Lightsout Computer Services. Based in Kettering, Lightsout was selected by the judges in recognition of their development of new technology to provide solutions to the Highways, Utilities and Facilities Maintenance sectors, producing cost savings and better use of resources, as well as setting new standards for site working.
Lightsout Computer Services also picked up the McIntyre Hudson sponsored Best Technology Innovation in a Business award, in recognition of the intelligent use and integration of software GPS and mobile technology to bring an impressive new service to their customers.
Sponsored by Cranfield University Business Incubation Centre (CUBIC) and St. Modwen, Accounts Assist based at the Silverstone Innovation Centre won the Business Support Award for the way in which new technology was being used to create streamlined and cost effective support to businesses, and to recognise the innovative franchising business model.
Kinetic Solutions based at Cranfield Technology Centre picked up the Education & Business Collaboration award, for their software solution for universities, colleges, conference centres and venues across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia. Sponsored by The Buckingham and Milton Keynes Innovation Growth Team, the judges were impressed by the way the business grew out of a College incubator and its success was built on the continuing use of knowledge transfer and the skills of new graduates.
Best Technology Innovation in a Start-Up or SME award went to Neonight Lighting Solutions. Sponsored by Aylesbury Enterprise & Innovation Centre, Neonight was commended for its development of innovative electroluminescence technology for safety and hazard warning lights for cyclists.
The Innovation in Sustainable Technology award went to h2gogo for their development of the hydrogen based fuel system which improves engine efficiency and reduces emissions. Sponsored by the Silverstone Innovation Centre, the judges were impressed by the use of new technology to provide solutions to existing equipment and offer ways to enhance the current performance of vehicles.
Sponsored by Bedford i-Lab, the Young Technology Entrepreneur award went to Studioworx. Based at the Cranfield Innovation Centre, Studioworx provides a best-in-class service to the manufacturing and design industry through cutting edge technology, innovation and creativity.
Evidence Talks won the Technology Entrepreneur award which was sponsored by The Open University. The judges were impressed by the innovative use of complex software and IT technology, the successful commercialisation of a business in a specialised sector, and the commercial recognition and endorsement reflected in the recent alliance with DELL Computers.
In addition to the individual categories, the Judges’ Special Merit Award was presented on the night to Caltec, This award is presented to a company or individual who displays outstanding qualities but who may not fit into one of the designated award categories. This year they felt that Cranfield-based Caltec, which designs, develops and supplies equipment for improving production from oil and gas wells, had demonstrated extraordinary business and technology skills to not only grow and develop a unique product, but also to sell a major share of the company to a leading oil and gas supplier.
Rounding off the awards ceremony, Guy Hawking from Sparc Technology Network commented " I would like to thank all of the sponsors who supported this event not only for their expertise in assessing the applications but also for their enthusiasm and dedication in supporting technology innovation and entrepreneurs through the incubation centres, growth coaching and support services around the region. This year’s awards ceremony was bigger and better that ever and demonstrates the wealth of innovation in this region and particularly the young entrepreneurs bringing these ideas to market. This shows that Milton Keynes and the surrounding area is home to some of the best new technology and the most dynamic new companies in the country.”