The Categories

Choosing your category

Innovation comes in various forms, and to ensure a focused competition, we've have created 6 new and exciting categories for 2024.

From reimagining leisure experiences to exploring environmental solutions, each category offers a unique platform for your product or service to stand out and garner the attention of some of the most influential minds and decision makers in the region.

Creative Leisure

  • This category celebrates new and exciting developments in entertainment, creativity, and recreation - innovations that contribute to defining our region's growing reputation. Whether you're reshaping film and television, revolutionising sports technology, redefining the music experience, innovating in the world of hobbies, or pushing the boundaries of fashion and design.

  • • Immersive Virtual Reality Experiences: Creating virtual worlds for an enhanced entertainment experience, from interactive storytelling to virtual theme parks.

    • AI-Driven Music Composition: Using advanced engineering and AI to create music, with smart algorithms for new genres and personalised playlists.

    • Interactive Hobbies and Games: Developing connected hobbies blending the physical and digital realms, bringing new dimensions to traditional pastimes.

    • Fashion-Tech Integrations: Incorporating technology into fashion, such as smart fabrics and wearables, for innovative and interactive fashion experiences.

    • Innovative Film Production Techniques: Exploring advanced methods in film production, introducing creative approaches to visual storytelling through technology.

    • Digital Platforms for Creative Collaboration: Creating online platforms that facilitate collaboration among artists, musicians, filmmakers, and creators for diverse and interactive projects.

  • • SEQO: A platform for managing continuity in the TV and Film Industry.

    • Torann: An innovative signal optimiser device for musicians.

    • WearMatter: Inclusive adaptive fashion for individuals with disabilities and without.

Green Horizons

  • Welcome to Green Horizons, where we celebrate efforts for a greener planet and showcase innovations that focus on environmental sustainability and climate solutions. If your idea aims to heal and preserve the Earth through green technology and practices like waste reduction, energy efficiency, or eco-friendly materials, this category is for you.

  • • Solar-Powered Street Lights: Implementing solar technology to power street lights, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and promoting renewable energy.

    • Smart Thermostats for Energy Efficiency: Introducing smart thermostats that optimise heating and cooling systems, reducing energy consumption and lowering carbon footprints.

    • Biofuel Development for Sustainable Energy: Innovating in biofuel production as an alternative to traditional fuels, contributing to sustainable energy solutions.

    • Eco-Friendly Crop Protection: Innovating in environmentally friendly pest control and crop protection methods to ensure sustainable and chemical-free farming practices.

    • Water-Saving Faucet Attachments: Developing water-saving attachments for faucets that promote efficient water usage without compromising functionality.

    • Eco-Friendly Building Materials: Using sustainable and energy-efficient building materials in construction projects to reduce the environmental footprint of structures.

    • Electric Cars for Sustainable Transportation: Promoting the use of electric cars to reduce emissions and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable mode of transportation.

    • Precision Agriculture for Sustainable Crop Management: Utilising precision farming techniques to enhance crop yield while minimising environmental impact, aligning with sustainable development goals.

  • • GoPlugable: Building the world's largest peer-to-peer EV charging network.

    • Plaswire: Creating commercial solutions to waste products beyond basic recycling.

    • BODtech: Making sustainable and clean energy available to communities.

Future Business

  • Welcome to the Future Business category. Presenting solutions that could include transformative financial technology applications, robust cybersecurity solutions; an innovative approach to data management, or ground-breaking advancements in business robotics. We invite entries that demonstrates how our region is leading the way in shaping the future of business technology.

  • • Blockchain-Powered Finance: Creating secure financial platforms using blockchain for transactions and investments in the finance sector.

    • AI Cybersecurity Solutions: Developing smart systems to protect businesses online, used across industries like healthcare.

    • Data-Driven Business Tools: Innovating tools for informed decisions through data analysis in retail.

    • Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Using robots to improve efficiency in tasks, applied in manufacturing.

    • Augmented Reality (AR) for Businesses: Introducing AR for interactive experiences in hospitality.

    • Smart Supply Chains: Using IoT and analytics for efficient logistics, beneficial in the retail sector.

  • • Track: Ensuring a secured and organised digital environment for your business.

    • Anneal: A platform that lets engineers plan, discuss, and review engineering concepts, designs, and drawings.

    • Workplus: Making it easier for employees to find apprentices.

    • Equitas: A fair way to hire the right candidates for the job.

BioBreakthroughs

  • Welcome to the BioBreakthroughs category, dedicated to acknowledging pioneering work in life sciences. This category is the platform to showcase innovations that contribute to advancing our understanding of living organisms and improving the quality of life. If your innovation is reshaping the landscape of life sciences, demonstrating a positive impact on health or the environment, this category is tailored for you. Join us in highlighting innovations that make a difference in the world of life science.

  • • Personalised Medicine: Tailoring treatments based on individual genetics for better results.

    • Botanical Genome Mapping: Cutting-edge techniques for mapping and understanding the genomes of plants, paving the way for improved crop breeding and sustainable agriculture.

    • Health Monitoring Wearables: Devices tracking vital signs to monitor health from anywhere.

    • Smart Prosthetics: Advanced prosthetics and devices improving mobility for users.

    • AI in Medical Imaging: Artificial intelligence enhancing accuracy in medical scans for early detection.

    • Aquatic Ecology Monitoring System: An innovative system for monitoring and analysing aquatic ecosystems, aiding ecologists in understanding and preserving marine life diversity.

    • Robot-Assisted Surgery: Robots assisting surgeons for precise and minimally invasive procedures.

    • Diagnostics Advancements: Innovations in diagnostics or cancer treatment for improved testing and therapies.

  • • AXONNR: Delivering new functionality for upper-limb amputees using AI and robotics.

    • StimOxyGen: Stimulus-responsive oxygen generating nanoparticles for enhanced treatment of cancer.

    • PulseAI: AI-powered cardiac analysis at scale.

Living Well

  • Welcome to the Living Well category, where we celebrate innovations that enhance wellbeing for individuals and societies alike. Whether it’s pioneering SportsTech, transformative mental health solutions, or lifestyle products fostering a healthier and happier existence, Living Well is the category for you. If your innovation centres around enhancing daily life and cultivating positive lifestyles, join us in showcasing innovations that are making an impact on the wellness of people and communities.

  • • Mental Health VR: A virtual reality experience to reduce stress with guided relaxation and mindfulness exercises.

    • Smart Yoga Mat: Yoga mat with sensors for proper form, progress tracking, and enhanced yoga practice.

    • Fitness Social Platform: Online community connecting fitness enthusiasts for support, routine sharing, and a healthier lifestyle.

    • Sleep Aid Device: Smart device creating a calming environment for better sleep with nature sounds and aromatherapy.

    • Smart Posture Apparel: Clothing with embedded sensors promoting good posture by monitoring biometrics.

    • Engaging Learning Games: Fun, interactive games using augmented reality for curiosity, critical thinking, and personalised learning.

    • Accessible Mobility Tech: Innovations for inclusive daily mobility for individuals with disabilities.

  • • Learning Me: Digital learning packages to improve children’s’ emotional wellbeing

    • Informed Minds: A psycho-educational and well-being phone app

    • MoveTru: Empowering athletes with customisable performance tracking through cutting-edge technology.

    • Feminatech: Mobile app for menopause management

Unchartered Ideas

  • Have you discovered a solution to a problem we didn’t even know existed yet? If your project ventures beyond the usual, and doesn't neatly fit into other categories, then this category is for you, the ‘unchartered ideas’.

  • We can’t give you examples of the types of innovations that might enter this category, that’s for you to tell us.

Category guidance

Struggling to categorise your ground-breaking product or service invention? Here is some guidance on common questions we've encountered to help you make the right choice for your innovation.

Please note: This is guidance to help you make an informed decision. The ultimate choice is yours based on the nature and goals of your innovation.

  • We made 6 categories to try and represent the amazing diversity of innovations out there but we get it, not every idea fits neatly into a category. That's why we made a new category called ‘Uncharted Ideas’. It's for creative folks with something totally new. Take a risk and showcase your innovation in this unique category.

  • Choose Category 1 (Creative Leisure) if…

    • Your invention introduces novel approaches in sports entertainment, specifically enhancing the fan or participant experience.

    • The focus is on pushing boundaries in the broader realm of entertainment and recreation.

    Choose Category 5 (Living Well) if…

    • Your innovation directly contributes to enhancing personal fitness, physical well-being, or mental health.

    • The primary goal is to improve the quality of life through fitness tech, mental health solutions, or lifestyle products.

  • Choose Category 4 (BioBreakthrough) if…

    • If your innovation is directly related to healthcare and medical technology, such as advancements in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, or cancer treatments.

    • If the primary focus is on improving and saving lives through innovations in the healthcare and life sciences sector.

    Choose Category 5 (Living Well) if…

    • If your invention contributes to enhancing the overall well-being of individuals, including fitness tech, mental health solutions, or lifestyle products.

    • If the primary goal is to improve the quality of life and promote healthier and happier living through innovations that go beyond traditional healthcare.

  • No, each innovation can only be submitted to one category. Please carefully review the category descriptions and select the one that best fits your innovation. However, if you're uncertain about which category is most suitable or if you change your mind after selecting a category, feel free to reach out to our team for support. We're here to assist you throughout the process and ensure your innovation is properly represented.

  • Innovations focused on diversity and inclusion could potentially fit into multiple categories, depending on their specific applications and impacts. If your solution directly enhances quality of life, promotes well-being, or fosters inclusivity within communities, it might align well with the "Living Well" category. If your innovation pertains to diverse recruitment strategies, workplace accessibility, or other aspects of business diversity, it may find a suitable home in the "Future Business" category. Alternatively, if your innovation introduces novel approaches or addresses challenges in promoting diversity and inclusion, it could be considered for the "Uncharted Ideas" category.

  • If you've developed a brand new household appliance, that could be an ideal candidate for Uncharted Ideas. Take the Roomba, for example, which revolutionised household chores through autonomous robotic technology. This category celebrates pioneering products or services beyond the usual, presenting ideas that don't neatly fit elsewhere and represent a unique exploration of innovation.

  • If your innovation pertains to sustainable farming practices, it would likely find a suitable home in the Green Horizons category, which celebrates efforts for a greener planet and showcases innovations focusing on environmental sustainability and climate solutions. If your innovation involves advancements in animal or crop biology, such as bioengineering or genetic enhancements, the BioBreakthroughs category would be a fitting choice. For innovations related to data management in agriculture, such as precision farming or agricultural analytics, the Future Business category, which focuses on transformative business technology applications, may be the best fit. If your innovation doesn't fit into any of these categories or ventures beyond the usual in the agri industry, Category 6 - Uncharted Ideas, would be the most appropriate option.

  • Depending on the nature and focus of your innovation, there are several potential category options: Category 3 - Future Business could be suitable if your innovation involves transformative educational technology applications, innovative approaches to data management in education, or advancements in educational robotics. Innovations enhancing learning experiences, promoting mental health and well-being in educational settings, or contributing to personalized learning approaches may align well with Category 5 - Living Well. Alternatively, if your innovation doesn't neatly fit into other categories, Category 6 - Uncharted Ideas might be the best option.