The world's first digital residual circuit device (RCD), high definition terrestrial TV on freeview using DVB-T2, and a fuel efficiency programme for trains are among the short-listed entries in the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Innovation Awards 2008.
The awards span 15 categories and have attracted hundreds of entries from around the world. They represent a unique opportunity for industry innovators to be recognised and provide a showcase for the brightest ideas, highlighting the importance of innovation by celebrating its application across a range of engineering disciplines.
IET Chief Executive, Robin McGill, said, "We have had a fantastic response to the Innovation Awards this year with over 300 entries received. These have now been judged by our panel of experts who are recognised industry leaders in science, engineering and technology.
"In shortlisting the entries, the judges have been looking for innovative engineering projects, products or processes for commercial use that demonstrate genuine novelty and represent a significant technological advance for the industry or technology sector."
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Monday 3 November 2008 at the Park Plaza Riverbank, London. The event will be hosted by television personality Maggie Philbin and will include a keynote speech by the Minister of State for Science and Innovation, Ian Pearson MP.
Ian Pearson MP said: "Engineers are essential to the process of turning new innovative ideas into practical products and services. They have the vision to conceive new solutions and to deliver well designed products and services to match customer needs.
"The UK can only succeed in a globalised world by producing innovative, high-value products and services. Engineering and technology are a very important aspect of this work".
The award categories are: Asset Management, Built Environment, Electronics, Emerging Technologies, Information Technology, Power and Energy, Product Design, Project Team, Measurement in Action, Security, Software in Design, Start-ups, Sustainability, Telecommunications, and Transport.
The IET Innovation Awards 2008 are generously sponsored by: ABB, Accenture, Amplicon, BT, Cre8Ventures, Halcrow Yolles, National Grid, The MathWorks, National Physical Laboratory (NPL), RS Components, Siemens Transmission and Distribution Ltd (STDL), Withers & Rogers LLP and Nortel Networks. The awards are supported by the Department of Innovation, Universities & Skills (DIUS).