Enter the 2018 Cambridge Independent Science and Technology Awards
New categories, new sponsors and a new venue as our awards get bigger and better
The Cambridge Independent Science and Technology Awards 2018 are open for entry until Thursday July 19.
Following the hugely successful inaugural awards last year, which focused on start-ups and scale-ups, this year’s awards have been expanded and broadened to cover the full range of science and technology companies in our region.
Simply fill in the straightforward form below to enter.
Companies can enter more than one category.
Showcasing the best in the business
Editor Paul Brackley said: “These awards will showcase the best in science and technology companies in our region.
“We are excited to launch these awards with the support of a terrific range of sponsors, and look forward to receiving entries.”
Entry is open until 11pm on Thursday, July 19. An independent panel of judges, chaired by Paul and including Cambridge entrepreneur Charles Cotton, will judge the entries in September.
The awards evening will take place at the Hilton City Centre Hotel on November 1.
Jeremy Sosabowski, co-founder of AlgoDynamix, which won one of last year’s AI awards, encouraged companies to enter.
He said: “It was the best marketing campaign we have ever had – and obviously great fun all along!”
Returning sponsors include office space providers Regus, patent attorneys and IP specialists Appleyard Lees, Woodfines Solicitors and accounting and consulting firm Grant Thornton.
Joining them this year are pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca and its biologics arm MedImmune, land development company SmithsonHill, corporate communications consultancy Cofinitive, life science marketing firm BioStrata, Chesterford Research Park and office design and fit-out specialists COEL.
The categories
Start-up of the Year
Sponsored by Regus
A celebration of early-stage companies, we’re looking for an entrepreneurial business with a new way of doing things. How will your company improve on what’s out there already?
Researcher of the Year
Sponsored by AstraZeneca / MedImmune
Good research is the bedrock of science and technology. Our judges are seeking an individual who is outstanding in his or her field, whether in an academic or commercial setting. Evidence of how a researcher has made a difference, and what has been uncovered and published, will be taken into account. Researchers can enter themselves or be nominated.
AI Company of the Year
Sponsored by Cambridge Precision
Cambridge is at the centre of the explosion in artificial intelligence and machine learning. This category will reward a company that is using AI in an innovative way.
Biotech Company of the Year
Sponsored by Appleyard Lees
With our region so strong in biotechnology, we’re looking for a business that is working to make a real difference to society. Tell our judges how your company has progressed.
Medtech Company of the Year
Sponsored by Chesterford Research Park
Medical technology is there to improve patients’ lives. From diagnostic and monitoring tools to those treating disease, we want to hear from companies who are changing healthcare with their work.
Cleantech Company of the Year
Sponsored by Allia
Cambridge is renowned for its cleantech sector. We want to single out a business that is solving a problem, or improving existing products or services, in a sustainable way. Explain how your technology stands out from the crowd.
Agritech Company of the Year
Sponsored by SmithsonHill
By integrating agritech into farming we can increase crop production and yields, minimise input use and costs, and reduce global food waste. We’re seeking agritech solutions that bring cutting-edge technologies to agriculture and farming. These could address any agricultural challenge – and we’re particularly interested to see technologies from other sectors brought into crop production.
Games Company of the Year
Sponsored by Woodfines Solicitors
Which games company has had the best year? How has it engaged its audience? Whether it’s new titles, or upgrades to existing ones, we want to find a business that is setting the agenda in this arena.
The Ones to Watch
Sponsored by Cofinitive
This award seeks the individual, company, technology or initiative that could shape the future. Entrants can submit in their own right, and will also be compiled from all other award entrants. To be forward-facing in our fast worlds of business, technology and society, you need to look beyond what’s current and turn to the Ones To Watch. We’re looking for the trailblazers paving the way of new trends, industries and ideas we haven’t even considered yet.
CEO of the Year
Sponsored by Grant Thornton
The winner of this category will be a chief executive who has led his or her company to greater things – whether that’s delivering growth, innovating, improving the bottom line, introducing successful new products or evolving workplace culture. CEOs can nominate themselves or be nominated.
Technology Company of the Year
Sponsored by COEL
A broad category designed to capture all of the Cambridge region’s expertise, from wireless communications to electronics, software to engineering, the winner of this will be an exceptional company using technology to change the status quo.
Life Sciences Company of the Year
Sponsored by BioStrata
Cambridge is renowned worldwide for its life science cluster, so the winner of this category will be a true pioneer. Explain to our judges the progress your company is making and tell us how it is improving lives with its work.
Entry rules
■ Entrants must have a base within the Cambridge Independent circulation area.
■ Companies are welcome to enter more than one category.
■ Entrants can enter themselves or their company, or be nominated by others.
■ The entry deadline is 5pm on Monday, July 16.
Supporters
The Cambridge Independent would also like to thank Zyme Communications, The Good Plant Company and The Invested Investor for their support of the awards event on November 1.
Read more
Meet the sponsors of the 2018 Cambridge Independent Science and Technology Awards
Winners of the 2017 Cambridge Independent Entrepreneurial Science and Technology Awards revealed
