Many of the inventions honoured are strong examples of technology created for social development in categories such as sustainability, healthcare and transport. Desolenator is a sustainable water system which purifies and desalinates all forms of water through the power of the sun, and has the potential to give millions of people access to clean drinking water. It won both the Start-up and Sustainability categories
The Transport category was won by NATS and Lockheed Martin. They have developed the world’s first Air Traffic Management tool utilising a time based separation algorithm. Implemented at Heathrow Airport to optimise landing rate, it has reduced delays for travellers since it was installed.
Other breakthrough innovations which were awarded a top prize include Metrasens, that won in the Measurements in Action category, and Fripp Design and Research, which won in the Manufacturing Technology category. Metrasens has developed quasi-static magnetic measurements that can be used to detect in security applications. Fripp Design and Research has created ‘Picsima’, claimed to be the world’s first 3D silicone printer, capable of making geometric moulds for use in industry and medicine which are usually highly costly and complex.
In the Emerging Technology Design category, Aeristech won for its eSupercharger, an electric supercharger which is said to allow extreme automotive engine downsizing
Naomi Climer, IET president, said: “This year the standard was exceptionally high. By celebrating excellence and innovation in our industry, we very much hope that the Innovation Awards will continue to inspire other bright sparks to excel and create, challenging the boundaries of technology in order to improve our everyday lives.”
