Innovators shine at VentureFest awards

An awards event has celebrated the North East’s brightest ideas and industry pioneers.

The North East Innovation Awards, a highlight of this year’s VentureFest North East, honoured innovators driving business growth. 

The event, which is now in its 11th year, is delivered by Innovation SuperNetwork (ISN) and is powered by UMi.

Held at Newcastle’s Civic Centre on March 18, the event featured expert panels, live pitching and a new Cyber Local Supplier Village. 

Nicki Clark, chief executive at Umi, said: “The businesses shortlisted for the awards are innovating at the forefront of their sectors to develop impactful ideas to help us to tackle some of the most pressing challenges that we face in the region.

“VentureFest has a legacy of delivering real results for businesses by bringing together talent, entrepreneurship, research and ideas. 

“The awards help us to really celebrate organisations and innovators from across the North East and the winners in each category demonstrate the range of ideas flourishing right here in our region. 

“Congratulations to all winners and nominees, I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them and what they achieve next.”

Since its inception, VentureFest has sparked transformative business connections and opportunities in the North East. 

Previous attendees have secured funding, landed major contracts and formed strategic partnerships to drive their growth.

This year’s winners included SQDP, which helps manufacturers replace paper systems with digital solutions. 

SQDP was selected as ‘Innovation of the Year’ by delegates on the day, who voted for their favourite Innovation Showcase business.

The winners were:

• Start Up Award: Spotlight Health
• Scale Up Award: NunaBio
• Sustainable Innovation of the Year: NunaBio
• Inclusive Innovation Award: We Are Active Soles
• Innovation Champion Award: Mark Renney, Wubbleyou
• University Spinout of the Year: METzero Technologies
• Innovation of the Year Award: SQCDP

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