An Auckland company that uses nanotechnology to make super strong fibres has taken out the Supreme New Zealand Innovator Award at the 2012 New Zealand Innovators Awards.
Revolution Fibres also won the Innovation in Manufacturing category at the Awards event, held at the Auckland City Art Gallery on October 12.
The company was recognised for its ground breaking work in developing innovative manufacturing processes for nanofibres and nanofibre products.
In particular, Revolution Fibres has created three Nanofibre products: air filters for household ventilation systems, high strength fishing rods and fabric to enhance skin healing. More products are in its development pipleline.
The New Zealand Innovators Awards judges especially liked that “Revolution Fibres has shown its ability to conceptualise and commercialise new nanofibre product solutions. It is Revolution Fibres success in solving complex technical problems, developing new manufacturing techniques and identify new market opportunities for nanofibre products that gives it the recognition of the Supreme New Zealand Innovator Award.”
Several other awards were presented at the Awards evening covering a wide range of industries and business sectors.
Organisers say the 152 entries was a record, which reflects the growing importance of innovation to the New Zealand economy.
“Globally Bayer spends about 8% of turnover or $4.5 billion on research and development,” says Bayer New Zealand managing director Patricia Castle. “While New Zealand’s investment levels are not as high, I think what the Innovators Awards have revealed is a thriving innovation culture that runs across the length and breadth of the country.”
The category winners represent the most innovative people and organisations from all over New Zealand, from start-ups like Syrp, to the iconic Kiwibank and international success of Booktrack and The Gibson Group.
“We were thrilled to have such a range of entries from different industries and organsiations across the country. It’s great to see the innovation that a small nation can produce, we have every reason to be proud,” says Louise Webster, owner Ideas Accelerator and awards convenor.
The full list of award winners:
Innovation in Design and Engineering
Winner; Syrp, Genie
Highly Commended; 3i Innovations with Inductive Powered Lighting
Innovation in Environment and Agriculture
Winner; Outpost Central, Outpost Wasp
Highly Commended; Compac Sorting Equipment with Compac Small Fruit Sorter
Innovation in Health and Science
Winner: Canterbury Scientific, Hemoglobin A1c Controls
Innovation in Hospitality, Food and Beverage
Winner; Oritain Global Limited
Innovation in Marketing and Communications
Winner; Kiwibank, Online Relationship Managers
Innovation in Manufacturing
Winner; Revolution Fibres, the Nanofibre Revolution
Innovation in Information and Communications Technology
Winner; The Gibson Group, TouchHistory
Innovation in Sustainability and Clean-tech
Winner; Powersmart Solar, Tokelau Renewable Energy Project
Innovation in Media, Music and Entertainment
Winner; Booktrack
Most Inspiring Individual
Winner; Alison Stewart, Biopesticides for Healthy Plants
Emerging Innovator
Winner; PAPERKUT Paperless Receipts
Highly Commended: Professor B. Robinson, Otago University, Intelligent Polymer Gels
Supreme New Zealand Innovator
Winner; Revolution Fibres,the Nanofibre Revolution
