The John Logie Baird Awards Programme

The John Logie Baird Awards
If innovation is important to you or your business we would like to hear from you. By entering the Programme you will gain:
Access to a unique network of support and development tools that could take your innovation to the next level
Entry in to the national awards scheme and the chance to win a coveted John Logie Baird Award for Innovation

About the Programme
Targeted at individuals and small and established businesses during the early stages of innovation development . The innovation must possess potential for commercialisation OR represent a technological advance that would impact on the Scottish Economy. 

Who is Eligible?
Individuals
Existing Businesses
Young Entrepreneurs
Academic Spin Offs
Public & Third Sector Organisations

Awards
The Awards scheme is one element of a full package of support provided by the Programme which is free to enter and open to any innovative business, entrepreneur or inventor with an innovative idea with commercial potential. If this sounds like you then the only way to enter is through the online application process. There are six categories that applicants can select to enter - Knowledge Transfer Champion, Impact Through Innovation, Achievement in Innovation, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Young Inventor, Public and Third Sector.The Awards will operate across Scotland with six main entry points and regional heats located in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee and the Borders. The Awards package for winners comprises the John Logie Baird Category Award Trophy, £1,000 cash prize, Media Training Day, PR support package, individually tailored 6 months aftercare programme, opportunity to pitch to JLB Funding Panel for Investment Finance, exhibition space at the Awards event, attendance at the Awards dinner.
Past winners of the Award have benefited hugely from the resultant publicity and media interest that comes from winning such a prestigious award.

Workshops  
Your single John Logie Baird Awards Programme application will also automatically give you access to a series of free "how to" workshops which will deal with major aspects of commercialisation. This series of workshops will be invaluable at whatever stage you are in developing your idea or your business. Specifically targeted at innovation these workshops will include:
The protection and commercial exploitation of intellectual assets
Getting ideas to market and scaling opportunities
Becoming investment ready, and   
Raising finance
Expert trainers in their field will lead these workshops in locations across Scotland ensuring that every entrant will have an opportunity to take part.

Expert Advice  
Also available:
Fast-track access to the Innovation Counselling and Advisory Services for Scotland (ICASS)
Where appropriate, referrals to other business development organisations
Expert coaching support for selected candidates to nurture development and accelerate their route to market

Counselling and Aftercare Support
Award finalists will benefit from one-to-one coaching from a group of experienced coaches from the business community. This will form part of an investment readiness process to enable finalists to consider routes to market and develop business propositions that are robust investment opportunities.
Finalists will also benefit from a customised package of aftercare support to help them realise the full market potential of their product, process or service. In addition, the accolade and public recognition coupled with significant media attention, will serve as an important by-product.

This Programme is free to enter and the deadline for entries is 15th September 2008. Take a look at www.johnlogiebairdawards.co.uk

Application Support Helpline: 0845 300 8991
ICASS: www.icass.co.uk