Idea of the Year Launched

RTC North has partnered with the Innovation SuperNetwork to launch an ‘Idea of the Year’ category at the North East Innovation Awards 2019.

A new category to the Awards, which took place for the first time at last year’s VentureFest North East, it will be bestowed to the business that can demonstrate their “idea” could significantly impact any or all of the following sectors:

• Healthcare & Life Sciences
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Offshore and Energy Technologies
• IT, Software, Creative & Digital

Encouraging businesses to innovate and think outside the box, all who are eligible will be appointed one of RTC North’s experienced business advisors via the Pathways to Innovation programme.

The advisor will work closely with applicants to help develop their ideas and business plans. A shortlist of the best ideas will have the chance to pitch at the North East Innovation Awards at VentureFest North East in November, with delegates taking part in a live vote for their favourite to win the award.

Simon Green, CEO at the Innovation SuperNetwork who deliver the North East Innovation Awards and VentureFest North East, said: “We introduced the Awards to last year’s VentureFest where we showcased some truly ground-breaking innovations. We’re pleased to be working with RTC North to deliver the Awards once again, but also that we’re able to introduce a new early-stage ideas category to support SMEs and individuals with the kinds of innovative ideas that have potential to impact society and industry.”

Pathways to Innovation is a programme designed to help SMEs protect and commercialise new technologies, products, services and processes and access new markets.

The programme is funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is delivered by RTC North in partnership with the Business & Intellectual Property Centre Newcastle. Pathways to

Innovation gives companies access to one to one support from expert innovation advisors with expertise in market research and competitor analysis, IP commercialisation and product licensing.

Companies joining the programme will also get access to a rolling programme of one to many masterclasses and workshops and may also qualify for a grant to part fund work with external experts.

Enter your ‘Idea of the Year’ submission here

Further details on applying for the North East Innovation Awards will be released in early summer. For more information on VentureFest North East visit:  www.supernetwork.org.uk/venturefest