The iawards recognise and celebrate the best British achievements in science, technology and innovation. The shortlist of finalists for the 2009 awards has been revealed and the winners are set to be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Science Museum on 16 November 2009.

There are ten categories: Energy and Environment; Places to Live and Work; Digital Communications; Entertainment and Media; Consumer Product; Cross-application of Technology; Best Collaboration; British Inside; Best Technology Start-up; and Next Big Thing. There will also be an ‘iaward of the Year’.

Each category is judged by a panel of experts and chair, with iaward of the Year chosen by all of the chair judges and Graham Love, Chief Executive Officer of awards associate QinetiQ.

All entrants in each category had to specify the British involvement in any innovation, demonstrating that creative thinking and development came from a British organisation or team.

They were also required to illustrate how the innovative qualities of the entry relate to at least one of the following challenges:

• Addressing the healthcare needs of an ageing society.
• Increasing international security from tackling global poverty to minimising the threat of terrorism.
• Preserving finite natural resources in the face of population growth and climate change.
• Delivering public services which make best use of new technologies.

Below is a profile of each finalist in their respective categories…

Energy and Environment

This category is for innovation in any area of energy and environment which supports society in terms of the challenge of providing/conserving energy and our responsibilities ensuing from climate change.

Monitoring system behind Google’s home energy-saving service

AlertMe is a smart energy and home monitoring system integrated with the Google Powermeter tool.

The system connects to a home via broadband or mobile phone and allows users to monitor how much electricity they are using, so they can make changes to reduce both energy bills and their carbon footprint.

Home owners can view and control their energy usage wherever they want, with access online via the Google PowerMeter tool on their iGoogle homepage or via mobile telephone.

The AlertMe Nano Hub is the brains of the system, communicating securely with the service on the internet. A self-installed meter reader clips onto the electricity meter and communicates wirelessly with the hub, allowing the user to view energy information online.

Software maps and tracks users’ global energy consumption

AMEE is an acronym for “Avoiding Mass Extinctions Engine”. AMEE enables the user to measure, track and act to reduce their environmental footprint. The platform provides collection of raw consumption and/or activity data in an auditable manner and calculates environmental footprints based on government and international standards.

The platform is run as a managed service and AMEE uses a variety of emissions factors to calculate carbon footprints. Some of the data comes directly from governments (for example DEFRA or DECC in the UK, or the EPA in the US) whilst other data is more specific and comes from other reputable sources such as the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

The full AMEE platform has a broad user base, including Google, EST, BRE and Morgan Stanley. The Irish Government uses the full AMEE platform for its country-wide initiative.

Traffic signal system uses extra low voltage technology to reduce costs and CO2 emissions

Siemens ELV family of traffic signal equipment uses Extra Low Voltage technology, resulting in reductions in power consumption and costs, as well as improved electrical safety.

The benefits of the system include significant reductions in CO2 emissions due to lower power requirements, and reductions in raw material usage, resulting from the need for fewer street cables. Costs are also significantly lower compared to traditional LED solutions.

The Siemens ELV family includes the ST900 ELV Intersection Controller and the ST750P ELV Pedestrian Controller, as well as Helios ELV LED signal heads, Helios ELV LED box signs, ELV nearside signals, ELV LED wait indicators and ELV solar cell.

Digital Communications

This category is for innovation in any area which supports society in terms of communications and how our economy is driven by pace of change.

Software makes websites viewable on mobiles phones

Mippin optimizes the latest content from websites into a format suitable for mobile phone screens. It provides users with instant and convenient access to news and blogs as well as business and lifestyle information on the World Wide Web.

Mippin works with most recent mobile phones that have a colour screen and access to the mobile internet. It is compatible with browsers already installed on phones so no download is necessary.

When the user visits a website from their phone, Mippin automatically gathers the latest content and delivers it in the optimum format for the screen size.

Mippin gives access to any website that publishes an RSS feed, a common format used by millions of websites.

Dictation service allows Blackberry users to record, edit, submit and track content

BigHand is a digital dictation workflow system for Blackberry smartphones.

It is installed over-the-air onto the Blackberry. The user can record, edit and submit dictations, taking advantage of features such as the trackball, convenience buttons and touch screen.

Users can send instruction and dictation instantly into the office workflow, enhancing document turnaround times, remote productivity and client service.

The system cuts down on the number of devices needed to be carried around as well as the call costs involved in using telephony/cell phones for dictation.

Tough portable solar-powered device recharges laptops, mobile phones and iPods

The Solargorilla portable solar charger from Powertraveller provides charging duties for the company’s Powergorilla device, which extends power life for laptops and electronic devices.

However, the Solargorilla is also a viable charging option for laptops under 40 watts and can also charge mobile phones, iPods, handheld consoles and other devices from the 5V USB output.

The device works via two photovoltaic glass solar panels which produce electric current when exposed to light. A red LED indicates the strength of the charge.

The Solargorilla is housed in tough, rubberised casing. It is also water-resistant and has a portable, fold-up design.

Entertainment and Media

This category is for innovation in any area which supports society in terms of the creative industries and how this is a key economic driver for the nation.

Web-based magazine management system helps publishers improve efficiency

The Intelligent Flatplan is a web-based magazine management system, which helps publishers improve efficiency.

This pay-as-you-go software simplifies the often awkward process of flatplanning, giving users great control through a variety of clever tools.

And because it’s based online, the Intelligent Flatplan works on both PCs and Macs and can be accessed from any remote location.

Through aiding communication and automating repetitive tasks, the Intelligent Flatplan does hours of work in a matter of minutes.

Search software finds and tracks images and faces in video

Cortexica Vision Systems have developed an intelligent image recognition system based on the human visual cortex.

Image recognition (IR) can be used to look for a logo in a stream of video, recognise a human face or match an image against a database of images. This technology is currently being applied to track brands and provide wine information.

Brandtrak allows companies to assess their brand exposure across broadcast, online and press media.

WineFinder allows users to take a picture of a wine label using their mobile phone and have the details provided instantly.

First 3D film post-production tools improve image quality

Visual effects software developers The Foundry have created Ocula, the first set of dedicated tools for 3D film post production. The Foundry’s software tools have helped create films including Watchmen, District 9 and Quantum of Solace.

Ocula will be used in James Cameron’s highly anticipated film Avatar.

Ocula 2.0 is a unique collection of plug-in tools that address common problems experienced with stereoscopic imagery in post production.

It has delivered considerable workflow improvements to better control the calibration of stereo sequences, as well as new algorithms to perform image corrections and disparity map generation.

A Consumer Product

This category is for innovation in any area which supports our society and has provided a product or service which has most positively impacted the lives of mass consumers.

Water purifier protects from all water-borne diseases

The Pureit is a water purifier that offers protection from all water-borne diseases.

The battery-powered device purifies drinking water in four stages, beginning with the removal of visible dirt, followed by the removal of harmful parasites and pesticide impurities. Then, the harmful viruses and bacteria are killed and finally the water is rendered clear and odourless. Thus, the Pureit provides 100% protection from all water-borne diseases like jaundice, diarrhoea, typhoid and cholera.

Pureit’s Germkill Battery technology meets the stringent germ-kill criteria of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Device blocks all nuisance telephone calls

trueCall is a telephonic device that is designed to control the calls the user receives.

The ‘Whisper’ feature asks the caller who they are before the phone rings. The user can then decide how to handle the call before being connected to the caller.

With the ‘Shield’ feature, trueCall can ask the caller to press a number to continue before the phone rings. The device can also reject anonymous callers or send all unrecognised numbers to the built-in answering machine.

The ‘Star’ and ‘Zap’ lists handle the user’s welcome and unwelcome callers and the device can be set to accept only numbers from the Star list.

The first automatic hands-free jar opener

The One-Touch automatic jar opener is a kitchen gadget that enables the easy removal of stubborn lids.

The one-touch action of the device means no twisting or pulling. It’s powerful enough for new, factory-sealed jars and opens lids from 30mm to 88mm.

The device runs on AA-sized alkaline or rechargeable batteries and it’s small enough to fit in a kitchen drawer.

Best Collaboration

This category is for innovation in any area which supports our society in terms of one of the key national challenges.

Infection-minimising curtain hook helps fight hospital superbugs

Opal Contracts have an established history in providing cubicle curtain track systems for the NHS and private healthcare. Opal’s infection-minimising curtain hooks are the next step in healthcare hygiene.

Superbugs have been well documented in the media and pose a serious threat to healthcare providers and patients. Opal contract’s new curtain hooks help reduce superbug infections by enabling easy packing, storage, handling and suspension of disposable curtains.

Such attention to detail with every component is essential in combating infection within the healthcare industry.

Software defined radio has potential to revolutionise satellite navigation services

NSL in collaboration with De Montfort University have developed Primo, a Software Defined Radio (SDR) GNSS receiver.

Software defined radio technology has the potential to revolutionise satellite navigation services, as it enables satellite navigation services to be readily upgraded with a simple firmware upload, moving the industry and associated market from being product driven to being service oriented and focused on the provision of applications.

Primo is a fully functional GNSS receiver that is configured for optimal signal acquisition, tracking and positioning dependent on the target application.

Primo tracks and utilises signals from the full complement of GNSS systems, including GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, Compass, EGNOS, GAGAN, MSAS and WAAS.

Software enables media-rich meetings for virtual teams

NuVa is a highly media-rich environment, which enables virtual meetings.

The software allows users to collaborate clearly and efficiently through its audio and video channels.

nuVa also allows users to share documents, helping teams communicate ideas easily, wherever they might be.

Places to Live and Work

This category is for innovation in any area which supports society in terms of places to live and work.

Natural ventilation system reduces energy consumption by up to 50%

The E-Stack Atrium Ventilation System is a natural ventilation system that uses technology patented by the University of Cambridge.

It is designed to ensure a minimum rate of air change between a building and the exterior in winter (in compliance with Part F of the building regulations), while minimizing the heating energy required.

Air quality remains very high while the building is comfortable, avoiding the risk of the cold draughts often associated with natural ventilation systems.

In warmer weather the system typically operates with higher ventilation flow rates, thus minimising the risk of overheating.

Vertical wind turbine works in cities

The quietrevolution5, or QR5 is a wind turbine that has been developed in response to increasing demand for designs that work effectively in an urban environment, where wind speeds are generally lower and there are more changes of direction.

The helical, or twisted, design with three ‘S’ shaped blades eliminates noise and vibration and also ensures a robust performance even in turbulent winds.

With just one moving part, it is a low-maintenance design and at five metres high and three metres in diameter, as well as a vertical axis, it is easy to integrate with existing masts and buildings.

Sustainable building practices will halve landfill waste

Crest Nicholson is a developer of sustainable communities whose mission is to be the market leader in the design and delivery of sustainable housing and mixed use communities.

Their business strategy is based on the three core principles of sustainable development; they integrate environmental, social and economic considerations into their decision making processes and maintain high standards of corporate governance and risk management.

Crest Nicholson commits to engaging with stakeholders to create cohesive, integrated and sustainable communities in which people want to live, work and play, as well as providing information which enables customers to make sustainable lifestyle choices.

They also seek to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by the progressive implementation of their Climate Change Policy, to drive the realisation of lower, and ultimately zero, carbon developments and a continuous reduction in their own direct and indirect operational emissions.

The Next Big Thing

This category is for innovation in any area which supports our society and is yet to be fully commercialised in its widest potential.

Environmentally friendly power supplies for telecoms towers in remote and developing markets

Diverse Energy Powercubes provide environmental and economical off-grid power solutions for telecommunications in remote areas worldwide.

The Powercube uses anhydrous ammonia as fuel, which is relatively inexpensive, readily available, low in CO2 emissions and is easy to store and transport. The robust and simplified fuel cell system is purpose-built to withstand high temperatures, high humidity and dust.

The Powercube has been designed to provide a clean, low-cost and reliable alternative to noisy, polluting and maintenance-intensive diesel generators.

A combined heat and power boiler that generates electricity

Baxi Ecogen micro-CHP is a compact combined heat and power boiler that produces electricity whilst providing heat for your home.

The Baxi Ecogen utilises a Free Piston Stirling Engine that generates heat and electricity by driving a magnetic piston up and down between a generator coil. This technology provides multiple benefits:

Environmental – locally generated electricity is more efficient than power produced by power stations. This reduces carbon emissions.

Economical – the homeowner saves money by offsetting electricity consumption or selling unused electricity back to the grid.

Industrial – installing micro-CHP boilers assists the UK Government in meeting carbon reduction targets.

Measurement technology allows laboratory testing of samples to be made in the field

Argento Diagnostics have developed a novel measurement technology that aims to take laboratory capabilities into the field.

Point-of-care tests have been in use for over 20 years, but they have been restricted by lack of portability and single parameter semi-quantitative test capabilities. Argento have created a fully portable handheld device that offers fully quantitative analysis of multiple analytes from a single sample.

Due to the device’s small size and low power requirement it can utilise modern communication technologies such as WiFi, Bluetooth and GPRS, enabling immediate relay of results to those that need them. Its multiple application capability means the technology can be applied to human healthcare, veterinary medicine and even help combat chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.

Cross-application of Technology

This category is for innovation in any area which supports our society in terms of one of the key national challenges.

Intelligent crop harvesting machine improves productivity and reduces waste

Annual waste for certain crops can be up to 60%, which results in loss of revenue for farmers. Shortages in affordable labour means that healthy crops cannot be gathered at the optimal times and so the crops become waste.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) have helped to develop an intelligent harvesting machine by modifying microwave measurement systems to safely assess crops. The intelligent harvesting machine will look beneath the leafy crops, identify the different materials, and precisely identify the crop’s size.

On sensitive crops such as cauliflowers and lettuces, such precise measurement and identification will improve productivity, reduce waste and ultimately deliver lower price vegetables to the consumer.

Video conferencing system brings legal advice to remote communities

The Information Advice Network  (IAN) introduces a unique web based Call Centre  video conferencing service. 

IAN allows users to access a three distinct services, face to face advice, web based information, and multi-agency referrals. The services available include; Health, Legal Advice, Carers Services, domestic violence support workers and Business Link advisors.   

The service gives priority to clients without access to direct, face-to-face advice services, such as elderly or disabled people or those who live in remote or faraway locations, both in urban and rural settings.

It was set-up by Marlan Higgins of Legal Advice Direct Solicitors to develop a network of agencies committed to increase access to advice for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities

Mine metal-detection technology used to protect hospital MRI suites

The Metrasens FerroGuard MRI alarm system gives a visual and audible alert as to the presence of ferromagnetic material as medical staff approach the MRI suite. It allows staff to pass by with MRI-safe ferrous free metallic objects without raising an alarm.

The system comes in a freestanding and flexible design which can be quickly deployed, or as a wall-mounted system that can be installed unobstrusively.

The system operates in Pre-screen and Entryway modes. For the former, the alarm is located at the entrance of the MRI suite to reduce the likelihood of a major ‘projectile effect’ incident. In the latter mode, the system poles are placed to allow just a single person through with the sensitivity set to high, to scan patients for smaller ferromagnetic items.

It is a passive system so it does not interfere with electronic medical equipment.

Best Technology Start-up

This category is for start-up companies commercialising innovative technologies or innovative uses of technology, in an area which supports our society.

Model identifies the patients most likely to respond to treatments

The X-MAN cell-line tools aid clinical trials by helping to identify the patients most likely to respond to treatments.

The human cell model allows identification of personalised cancer medications which will reduce R&D costs, shorten clinical cycles and increase patient survival.

Green cement minimises CO2 emissions

Novacem has developed green cement systems that lock atmospheric CO2 into construction materials, thus helping combat global warming and climate change.

The cement minimises CO2 emissions during building construction, operation and disposal by combining the sustainability of timber and the recycling ability of metal with the technical properties and high thermal mass of concrete.

The recyclable cement sytem is based on magnesium oxide and special mineral additives. Unlike Portland cement it causes minimal CO2 emissions during manufacture and requires lower temperature processing.

The cement offers the potential for a range of carbon negative construction products as it hardens by absorbing atmospheric CO2.

System reduces waste in the water industry

The i20 system tackles the problem of waste in the water industry through intelligent water control and pressure management.

It continuously adjusts and controls water pressure going into a district meter area (DMA) so that throughout all demand levels the average zone pressure is kept to a minimum.

A range of algorithms are applied which vary the output pressure of a pressure reducing valve (PRV). In this way, pressure at the critical point in any DMA is kept at a stable level, regardless of demand.

The i2O system results in reduced leakage and fewer bursts. Understanding of the network is expanded as information about each DMA is collected by i2O servers and relayed to client companies on a daily basis, giving them advance warning of increasing leakage and low pressures.

Best British Inside

This category is for innovation in any area which supports our society in terms of one of the key national challenges.

Pre-fab lightweight explosive-resistant buildings

The ABLE Facade system is lightweight walling that is designed for unitised off-site contruction and is structurally enhanced to withstand the effects of an improvised explosive device.

At the core of the AFS is a steel frame, encapsulated between sheeting and fitted with specially enhanced windows. The AFS can be used for counter terrorism as an alternative to heavyweight reinforced concrete or enhanced traditional on-site construction.

The AFS is manufactured off-site in factory conditions, including the glazing of the blast resistant windows. It is then transported to the site in full units where it is fixed onto prepared brackets on the building’s superstructure itself.

The AFS has been designed to allow suitable thermal and acoustic insulation to be incorporated within the construction and can be clad in a variety of products such as aluminium, brass, zinc, copper, timber and terracotta.

Device tracks people and objects in real-time with unrivalled accuracy

Designed to sense and respond with sub-second latencies, Ubisense can track any number of things in any space of any size.

From following actors in live stage shows to synchronise with sound effects, to tracking cattle in order to examine behaviourial patterns, this software has many applications.

Other industries that benefit from Ubisense include manufacturing, military, transit and events, to name but a small selection.

Digital print processor sprays light instead of ink

The LumeJet is a digital print processor, with an innovative ink jet head that sprays light instead of ink.

An alternative to LCD and laser designs, the LumeJet combines simplicity with quality as a printing solution.

The LumeJet is also cost-efficient as printing onto photographic paper is the cheapest method for producing high quality prints.

iaward of the year

To be decided.