Record entries for innovation awards

A panel of independent judges are about to take on the massive task of choosing the top innovation from a record field of entries in the 2012 Tropical Innovation Awards.

Entries closed on Monday, with a record 87 submissions received from as far as northern NSW and Western Australia.

Mayor Bob Manning said the scope and calibre of entries would make judging this year’s awards particularly difficult.

“I don’t envy our team of judges at all,” Cr Manning said. “This year we have received significantly more entries than in the previous two years. It is going to be a big job to analyse all of these entries and to determine the winners.”

The independent judging panel consists of four successful businesspeople: Ernie Graf, a partner at  Fisher Adams Kelly Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys; Owner and CEO of CMD Product Design and Innovation Craig Mounsey; General Partner in OneVentures Anne-Marie Birkill; and accomplished Cairns management consultant, private investor and mentor John Mlikota.

Entries for the 2012 Tropical Innovation Awards have been received from 15 local government areas, with the majority of received from within the Cairns Regional Council area.

Entries are divided into Emerging Innovation (52 entries) and Established Innovations (25). The Youth Innovation category received 10 entries – all from the Cairns region.

Cr Manning said the strong showing in the Youth Innovation category was a positive sign for the future of the region’s business community.

“There are some enterprising young people in our midst,” Cr Manning said. “The creativity and quality of ideas that are coming out of the Youth category gives us insight into the next generation of innovators.”

Judging will commence next week and a shortlist will be determined by October 9. After this time, members of the public will have their own opportunity to choose their favourite innovation by casting a vote for the People’s Choice Award.

Awards will be presented at a gala dinner at the Cairns Convention Centre on November 30. Tickets are now available via TicketLink.

For more information on the 2012 Tropical Innovation Awards, including the judging panel, visit www.tropicalinnovationawards.com