StartupCafe

This evening, Jessica, Thomas and I were at the launch of the 2009 John Logie Baird awards.  The short version: the JLB awards are for entrepreneurs with an innovative product with commercial potential. The long version: the word “awards” is quite mis-leading, as it seems like the winners have a whole bundle of support in helping to realise their idea/product into commercial success. From the launch speech, there were roughly 440 applicants last year, with something near 250 through the process.  Last year’s top Young Innovators were StartupCafe favorites Fraser Doherty (Superjam) and Amanda Jones & James Brown (RedButtonDesign).

There are 6 categories that you can apply for:

• Knowledge Transfer Champion
• Impact Through Innovation
• Impact Through Innovation – Early Stage
• Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Young Innovator
• Social Enterprise Innovator

The closing date is 19th November, and you can apply here.

Personally speaking, it looks like a good programme (because that’s what it really is … ) and all entrants get the following benefits (source):

• A full programme of FREE “how to” workshops to help you take that innovation and make it a realization
• Access to VentureNavigator for a wealth of online resources at the click of a mouse button
• Access and signposting to a other innovation support organizations for help and advice on your next steps
• Feedback from our panel of experts on what you need to do to get to that next stage
• Discounted attendance for you and up to 2 guests at the prestigious Gala Awards Dinner where you can celebrate with your fellow innovators and more importantly NETWORK with potentially valuable connections.

Oh and in case you were wondering, John Logie Baird was the Scottish inventor that created the television …