Nine companies have been shortlisted for the National Innovation Awards 2000 in four categories: Small business (fewer than 50 employees); medium-sized (50-250 employees); large business (over 250) and new technology-based businesses.
Artesyn Technologies in Youghal, Co Cork, is a manufacturing and design capability for power supplies. Its entry is a surface mountable converter which offers significant user advantages to endcustomers because it can be incorporated into products by machine, for example, in mobile telecommunications products.
AQZ in Dublin was set up in 1998 to develop innovative patented medical devices; it trades in medical safety products. Its entry for the award is its first product, Cornea Care, a disposable device for protecting patients' eyes from abrasions when under anaesthetic during surgery.
Baltimore Technologies, IFSC House, Dublin, is one of the world's leading suppliers of e-security systems. It has entered Baltimore Telepathy, its wireless e-security framework for mobile commerce, consisting of a suite of seven products which provide a complete range of wireless esecurity solutions for mobile phones and other devices.
Guinness Ireland Group has entered its new system for the delivery of draught quality Guinness stout from a bottle. The system includes new widget technology, revolutionary gas exchange technology and an innovative new bottle design.
HiberGen, a start-up biotechnology and genomics company, has entered SNaPIT, which will systematically analyse the human genome in pursuit of the genetic basis underlying selected prevalent diseases and drug responses. It also can identify an individual's genetic makeup.
Managed Solutions Corporation, Lower Pembroke Street, Dublin, focuses its activities solely on the financial services sector. Its entry, Likewise, is described as a total solution which automates the entire business and customer services functions of a life and pensions company, enabling it to provide individual service to its customers.
Oglesby and Butler, based in Carlow, has developed a breakthrough in the field of gas catalytic heat tools. Its entry G200 Glue Gun/Holt Melt Applicator is notable for its temperature accuracy and its ability to self-regulate.
Scientific Systems, Kilbarrack, Dublin, designs and manufactures plasma process sensors and instruments for the semi-conductor and thin-film industry. Its entry, SmartPIM is a realtime plasma impedance monitor that fingerprints the chamber by providing the industry's highest resolution in the measurement of critical plasma parameters.
Vita Cortex Holdings Ltd in Cork set up LongHaul Technologies to develop a new third-generation aircraft seatbase cushions, which is its entry. The cushions involve using modern airbag technology to make seats more comfortable and safer on longhaul journeys.
