Some of the UK’s top innovators, designers and developers will be honoured at the second annual LeicestershireLive Innovation Awards later this month.
Leading entrepreneurs and researchers – and examples of the technology and services they have come up with – will be recognised during a day of celebration at the Morningside Arena in Leicester on Thursday, February 27.
A pre-awards exhibition, open to the public, will run from 2-4.30pm followed by the ticket only awards event, starting at 6pm.
Guest speaker will be Will Whitehorn, former Virgin Galactic president, and recently appointed president of UKspace, which represents the UK space industry.
As Richard Branson’s right hand man, Will took the space tourism venture Virgin Galactic, from a vague dream to a project with real spacecraft and its own spaceport.
He is now involved in businesses which range from communication to technology to cutting-edge transport systems.
The actual awards include categories ranging from digital innovation of the year to innovation in design, construction, engineering and manufacturing.
There will also be a lifetime achievement award for someone the judges believe has made a lasting contribution to science, technology or the creative industries in Leicester and Leicestershire.
LeicestershireLive editor George Oliver said: “In a world where technology plays a huge part in pretty much everything that we do, it seems only right to recognise that with these awards.
“The businesses and universities of Leicester and Leicestershire are already leading the way when it comes to science and innovation.
“You only have to consider last year’s winners to see that in action – from a secure text messaging service that helps families and young people get in touch with healthcare professionals, to the leadership in innovation award that went to Chas Bishop, chief executive of National Space Centre.
“Last year’s lifetime achievement award, meanwhile, went to Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, the inventor of DNA fingerprinting. The impact of DNA on everything from fighting crime, to solving paternity and immigration cases has been profound, affecting millions of people around the world.
“This year’s award winners, we believe, have been just as important.”
Tickets for the night are still available, priced at £30 each-plus VAT and can be purchased by clicking here.
To register your attendance at the exhibition or further information, e-mail caitlin.chester@reachplc.com
