Focus on R&D paying dividends for innovation award finalists

May 17 2008 by Sion Barry, Western Mail

THE finalists in the innovation category of next week’s Western Mail Business Awards for Wales can be unveiled.

The companies competing for the Welsh Innovation Company of the Year Award, sponsored by the CadCentre (UK) are Confused.com, DeepStream Technologies and G24i. All were shortlisted by the judges for demonstrating excellence in research and development and innovation.

Cardiff-based G24i is the first company in the world to manufacture dye sensitised thin film solar cells for next generating solar energy products.

Bangor-based DeepStream Technologies has devised a world-beating way to fit digital sensors into domestic and industrial appliances to make them smarter.

Cardiff-based Confused.com. is an online price comparison service, which enables customers to compare car, home and travel insurance prices in one place.

Ali Anwar, managing director of the CadCentre (UK), said, “We are delighted to be able to sponsor this exciting award again. Innovation is the only way forward for a competitive Welsh economy.

“Creating and sponsoring this award for the sixth year is a small contribution to promote and acknowledge the role of innovation in the success and growth of businesses in Wales.”

The Western Mail Business Awards for Wales, presented by Bill Turnbull, will be held at Cardiff International Arena on May 23.

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