Business

Is Northern Ireland home to the UK’s best engineering innovation?

Randox in Crumlin has previously been recognised by the Royal Academy of Engineering
Randox in Crumlin has previously been recognised by the Royal Academy of Engineering Randox in Crumlin has previously been recognised by the Royal Academy of Engineering

NORTHERN Ireland is already a hub of innovation, being home to the modern tractor and portable defibrillator to name but two.

And now the Royal Academy of Engineering’s MacRobert Award is urging businesses from the north to apply for the UK’s longest running innovation award in engineering.

The MacRobert Award, first presented in 1969, is the UK’s longest running and most prestigious prize for engineering innovation. It recognises outstanding engineering innovation combined with proven commercial success and tangible social benefit. Winners receive a £50,000 cash prize, gold medal and national acclaim.

Companies from Northern Ireland have previously been recognised by the Academy for their outstanding innovation, including Bombardier Aerospace (2001) for their aircraft engine thrust reverser, helping to stop planes faster, and Crumlin-based Randox Laboratories (2003) for an unparalleled rapid analysis system, which could run over 4,500 blood tests an hour, a market-leading achievement at the time.

Dr Dame Sue Ion, chair of the Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award judging panel, said: “Northern Ireland is renowned for its innovation.

"While it is well known for its shipbuilding prowess, its innovators have transformed many different industries, from transport to healthcare to farming.

"We are confident there are many examples of outstanding engineering innovation here and I encourage companies to consider entering this year’s MacRobert Award.”

For centuries Northern Irish innovators have been transforming industry and people's everyday lives, with the world’s first ever street car being designed by 22-year-old John Stephenson from Co Armagh back in 1833, while Co Down’s Harry Ferguson is credited with inventing the modern tractor, and cardiologist Frank Partridge invented the portable defibrillator. More recently, in 2012, Ballymena’s Wrightbus created the new London Routemaster.

MacRobert Award judge and former Professor of Electronics and Computer Engineering at Queen’s University, Professor Sir John McCanny, says: “We have a proud history of engineering in Northern Ireland, and over the past decade it has really begun to thrive.

"Just over 15 years ago the area around where the Titanic was built had become derelict with little business activity around it. Today it’s home to nearly 200 innovative companies pushing the boundaries of computing, electronics, cyber security and fintech – it has become our very own silicon roundabout.

"We are innovating in a variety of sectors, from agri-tech to manufacturing and everything in between. There has never been a more exciting time in the Northern Irish engineering industry.

“I encourage any companies considering applying for the award to do so. It brings with it both national and international prestige, and will provide a platform to showcase your innovation or product.”

Applications for the 2018 MacRobert Award are now open and close on January 31. For more information, visit www.raeng.org.uk/grants-and-prizes/prizes-and-medals/awards/the-macrobert-award