During the two-day event delegates had the opportunity to attend workshops and panel discussions, and network with university entrepreneurs, investors, and senior representatives from small and multinational companies. Prizes and awards were presented by Head of Industry, Dr Steve Pleasance.
The event included the final of the Emerging Technologies competition, in which 40 finalists pitched their ideas for innovative technology to a panel of expert judges.
Winning entries will receive tailored business support from one of our partner companies, media support, and a cash prize from a prize pot of £100,000.
Steve Pleasance said: “Increasing innovation in the chemical sciences is one of the key elements of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s industry strategy.
“Our Emerging Technologies competition, now in its fourth year and supported by our industry partners, is proving to be highly successful in accelerating the commercialisation of the cutting-edge research taking place in both universities and small companies.”
Winning the competition gives businesses and universities the platform they need to make the industry aware of their technology. Since the initiative began in 2013, our winners have gone on to raise a combined total of over £16 million in further funding, grown their companies and entered commercial contracts. One winner sold their company for £28 million one year after winning the competition.
Industry and Technology Awards
Meanwhile the event also saw the presentation of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s annual Industry & Technology Awards. The award winners, who all work for companies in the chemistry-using industry, are chosen by a panel of senior scientists and executives from industry.
Winners are selected for their contribution to innovation and commercial success, as well as their impact in the industry, in the early stages of their career. Specific awards recognise the importance of vocational roles, such as technicians and apprentices, and teamwork awards recognise successful collaborations between industry and academia.
An illustrious list of 47 previous winners of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Awards have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their pioneering work, including Harry Kroto, Fred Sanger and Linus Pauling.
Dr Robert Parker, chief executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry said: “It is an honour to recognise the illustrious achievements of our prize and award winners in our 175th anniversary year.
“We were founded in 1841 by a group of academics, industrialists and doctors who understood the power of the chemical sciences to change our world for the better. Our winners share that vision and are advancing excellence in their fields, whether through innovative research or inspirational teaching and outreach.
“We are proud to celebrate and support the work of inspiring and influential individuals, whose work has the potential to improve so many lives.”
