Opportunity: Academic Enterprise Awards Europe 2008, c/d 30 September 2008

The Academic Enterprise Awards Europe 2008 are open for nominations, closing date 30 September 2008. There are three types of award: five awards for spin-outs (for spin-out companies based on ideas developed at universities and public research institutes in Europe); one for fast start early-stage entrepreneurship(for a promising but as-yet unproven spin-out based on ideas developed at universities and public research institutes in Europe); and the Bridge Award for promoting entrepreneurship (to an individual who has done the most to promote policies for entrepreneurship in university or public research institutions) . Nominations close 30 September 2008, multiple nominations are permitted.

Opportunity: Women of outstanding achievement 2009, c/d 19 September 2008

The UKRC’s Women of Outstanding Achievement awards profile outstanding women within science, engineering and technology. There are three categories: 1 - Communication of SET with, and contribution to, society; 2 - SET discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship; 3 - SET leadership and inspiration to others. Six winners will be chosen. All women in science, engineering and technology and the built environment in the UK are eligible for entry. The UKRC is particularly keen for women in industry to be nominated.

Previous winners include Rebecca George of IBM, Ijeoma Uchegbu of the London School of Pharmacy, Julia King formerly of Rolls Royce, and Sima Adhya of QinetiQ. Nominations should be made using the nomination form, with a 600 word nomination statement explaining why the candidate should receive the award, and received by UKRC by 19 September 2008.

Events: UK - Tax Relief for Innovation, 15 September 2008, London

UK Trade & Investment is running a seminar at Imperial College London on how to understand tax credits for companies who are being innovative. "With some of the most experienced companies in the country presenting at this seminar, and a High Court Barrister presenting on Intellectual Property Rights, the opportunity to learn about these systems and procedures through real life examples and experts in the field, will give you the edge over your competitors when it comes to applying for tax relief, protecting, exporting and profiting from your innovations." The seminar runs from 5.30pm to 8.30pm on 15 Seotember 2008 and costs £41.13 per person (including VAT). See PDF flyer or booking form for further information.

Funding: EU Eco-Innovation Funding Call, c/d 11 Sep 2008

This call supports eco-innovative projects in different sectors which aim at the prevention or reduction of environmental impacts or which contribute to the optimal use of resources. The deadline for applications is 11th September 2008. Part of this call seeks:

• Innovative building processes or products that reduce environmental impact and/or support a rational use of natural resources.
• Green building techniques that leverage the use of recycled materials and renewable sources. New water-saving systems such as rainwater collection, grey water use, green roofs. Sustainable construction, maintenance, repair, retrofitting or demolition techniques.

There is more information and some useful guidance from a series of presentations (pdf files - UK in Farnham in May).

(Information courtesy of the MBE KTN)

Opportunity: O2 X Award for Technology & Innovation c/d 1 September 2008

O2 is inviting entries from small businesses (1-50 employees) for the O2 X Awards. Prizes include £10,000 for the overall winner of the O2 X Entrepreneur of the Year Award, with four category winners (for Fashion, Food and Drink, Music, and Technology and Innovation) receiving business mentoring from an industry figure from their category and a profile within one of this year’s media partner publications, Grazia, Music Week, Observer Food Monthly or Shortlist. Entries should be made online by 1 September 2008.