Telephone 0800 032 1127

Search is on to find Scotland’s John Logie Bairds of 2008

10th June 2008

A glass razor designed to be rust resistant but unfortunately wasn’t shatter resistant; pneumatic shoes containing semi-inflated balloons which burst when worn; and diamonds created from heating graphite which shorted out Glasgow’s entire electricity supply. Not the best of inventions, but they were all created by one of Scotland’s top innovators – John Logie Baird, most famous for creating the television.

And now the hunt is on for the next generation of Scottish inventors and innovators, with the re-launch of the country’s top innovation awards scheme.

The John Logie Baird Awards Programme, launched with the full support of the Baird family, look set to put Scotland on the map for global innovation after returning following a five year break.

Malcolm Baird, John Logie Baird’s son, said: “The John Logie Baird Awards Programme is special, as it encourages Scotland’s finest innovators to harness their potential and turn their ideas and dreams into reality."

“My Dad first dreamt up the concept of television while he was still a teenager in Helensburgh in 1903. He went on to dedicate most of his life to that dream, right up to his death in 1946 when his company was developing the first 28” television screen. Of course, we’ve come a long way since then. In today's world, Scotland is less reliant on traditional heavy industry than it was and a new thrust of ideas and innovation is needed. The potential is there, so our family are delighted to give full support to the programme.”

Previous winners include; a monitor that ensures bar staff serve a full pint, the world's first kilt-making qualification and a device which prevents moisture building up in bagpipes and causing them to go out of tune.

The re-launch follows the news of three Scotsmen who recently won the title European Inventor of the Year for taking the pain and discomfort out of medical eye examinations.
Douglas Anderson, Robert Henderson and Roger Lucas were named at an awards ceremony in Slovenia for work which the judges said had made a significant difference to ordinary lives.
The idea was inspired by industrial designer Douglas Anderson after his five-year-old son Leif went blind in one eye. Laborious and invasive traditional eye scans meant his detached retina was detected too late to save his sight.
The John Logie Baird (JLB) Awards Programme, organised by the GO (Glasgow Opportunities) Group in partnership with Biggart Baillie, LINC Scotland, NESTA and the University of Glasgow, is open to both individuals and companies who will compete to win £20,000 worth of product support and marketing support.

Isabell Majewsky, chief executive of organisers GO Group, said: “The John Logie Baird Awards Programme is about recognising and celebrating success within Scotland. We’re a small nation but as Douglas, Robert and Roger have proved, we can make a significant impact to the UK and the world.”

“While other countries are standing still in innovation - Australia has had it’s innovation funding slashed and Indian innovators are struggling to access funding options – Scotland is moving full steam ahead.”

“The Awards aim to identify innovators like Douglas as well as discovering the next generation of John Logie Bairds. We can then give them the help and support they need to bring their products to market.”

John Logie Baird dedicated most of his adult life to creating the television – a dream of many scientists for decades. Many believe he worked so hard on inventing the TV to avoid being remembered for his other inventions which also included thermal undersocks, inspired by his own cold feet, which were actually moderately successful.

Initially, JLB award entrants will compete at a regional level, with judges looking for originality, entrepreneurial ability, market potential and the ability to develop the idea.

Regional workshops, providing support and information on patents, prototypes and product development, will be provided for the best commercially viable ideas.

Awards will then be presented to the most innovative projects with the best prospects of commercial success. A full programme of support and national publicity will be available to the winners.

Regional winners will then be selected to go forward to the national competition. The Awards are free to enter, anyone interested should visit www.johnlogiebairdawards.com

The award categories include:
• The John Logie Baird Award for Knowledge Transfer Champion
-Encouraging academic entrants

• The John Logie Baird Award for Impact through Innovation

Encouraging established business entrants

• The John logie Baird Award for Achievement in Innovation

Encouraging a broad range of entrants

• The John Logie Baird Award for Entrepreneurial Spirit

Encouraging entrants who have fully realised the commercial opportunity from their invention or innovation

• The John Logie Baird Award for Young Inventor

Encouraging young entrants below the age of 30 years

• The John Logie Baird Award for the Public and Third Sector

Encouraging entrants from the public and charitable sectors.

The John Logie Baird Innovator of the Year Award – this will be awarded on merit and not through application

ENDS
For further information contact
Sabina Kadic, Axis Media Group
T: 0141 889 6868
Sabina: 07894 607 584 | sabina@axismediagroup.co.uk

Notes to editors

Award organisers GO Group can be contacted through Axis Media Group. GO Group’s chief executive Isabell Majewsky is available for interview.

telephone 0800 032 1127 | email info@axismediagroup.co.uk
Registered in England and Wales | 4375076
website designed by stream media | sitemap