Inaugural awards focus on innovative and technology-based companies and promising entrepreneurs, and were established in honour of Sir Martin and Lady (Audrey) Wood, co-founders of Oxford Instruments
Over 150 representatives from the business, technology, research and investment communities in Oxfordshire and beyond gathered at Culham Science Centre this month as the winners of the Martin and Audrey Wood Enterprise Awards 2005 were chosen.
It was the inaugural year for the awards, which focus on innovative and technology-based companies and promising entrepreneurs, and were established in honour of Sir Martin and Lady (Audrey) Wood, co-founders of Oxford Instruments.
The finalists made five minute presentations before the winners were announced.
The winner of the best innovation award was Siemens Molecular Imaging, formerly Mirada, an Oxford University spin-out company that develops innovative medical imaging software.
Vice president Chris Behrenbruch received the award from Lynn Shepherd, head of corporate communications at Oxford Instruments, which sponsored the award.
Runners-up for the best innovation award were Avidex, a biotechnology company developing novel treatments for cancer, inflammation and autoimmune diseases, and Oxonica, the first pure nanotechnology company to float on AIM.
The winner of the best new technology company award was Oxsensis, a spin-out company from the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory which is developing ultra-high temperature sensors for use in gas turbines, and jet engines to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Chief executive David Gahan received the award from Liz Brighouse, a board member of Seeda, which sponsored the award.
Runners-up for the best new technology company award were Infinitesima, developer and manufacturer of an atomic force microscope which produces ultra-fast images for research use, and Oxitec, which is developing environmentally friendly technology to control insects and insect borne diseases.
The winner of the up and coming entrepreneur award was Edward Green, chief executive officer of Green Biologics, which has developed a technology to exploit the properties of heat-loving micro-organisms (thermophiles) that can be used to accelerate composting times for biodegradable waste.
The company is also developing a novel solvent system to remove chewing gum waste from pavements.
Green received his award from Ian Laing, co-founder of Milton Park and high sheriff of Oxfordshire.
Runners-up for the up and coming entrepreneur award were David Gahan, chief executive officer of Oxsensis, and Gareth Reakes, managing director of Parthenon, which provides entrepreneurs, start-ups and innovative companies with bespoke software development and consulting services to turn their visions into business realities.
The awards were organised by Oxford Innovation, which supports innovative companies and entrepreneurs through innovation centres and investment networks.
David Kingham, chief executive of Oxford Innovation, said: "We congratulate the winners of the inaugural Martin and Audrey Wood Enterprise Awards, who were selected from a large number of very high quality entries.
"The judging panel would also like to acknowledge the achievements of everyone who entered these awards, which showcased a wealth of innovation and entrepreneurial talent in companies and individuals in Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley.
"It is quite remarkable how new technology firms can, within a few years of formation, have such a major impact on healthcare, the environment and energy efficiency".
The awards included cash prizes plus free business accommodation, business advice, accountancy support and PR worth over £27,000.
Following the presentation, guests enjoyed an opportunity for informal networking during a reception.
The winners and runners-up attended a private dinner hosted by Martin and Audrey Wood, with other guests including some of Oxfordshire's leading entrepreneurs.
The Martin and Audrey Wood Enterprise Awards 2005 were sponsored by the South East England Development Agency, Oxford Instruments, Grant Thornton, UKAEA Fusion, and Oxford Innovation.
The reception was sponsored by Marks and Clerk.
