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Energy innovators wanted

Posted: 12/10/2007

E.ON, UK integrated electricity and gas company, has joined forces with former Tomorrow's World presenter Philippa Forrester and former Changing Rooms star Oliver Heath to launch E.ON EnergyLab a nationwide talent search to find Britain's next big innovations in energy efficiency.

Philippa and Oliver form part of the E.ON EnergyLab judging panel who will be on the lookout for clever creations that could revolutionise the future of energy and how it is used.

Britain's budding inventors are invited to enter one of two award categories:

E.ON EnergyLab Award: This category is open to all, from potting shed inventors to canny customers to entrepreneurs, with the creator of the winning invention receiving a cash prize of £10,000;

LIFE-IC Technology Award: A new category aimed at recognising, supporting and encouraging those who are already studying or working in the field of engineering or technology. The winner will receive a cash prize of £5,000 plus support and consultancy from world class business accelerator LIFE-IC to help get their idea into production.

Dave Clarke, from E.ON's Technology Centre, said: "This is the second year we've run E.ON EnergyLab and last year we unearthed an army of ingenious inventors with a wealth of energy saving ideas so we're really excited about the hidden talents we could uncover this year".

Philippa Forrester said: "Having spent seven years reporting on the technology of tomorrow, I can't think of a more exciting project to be part of. I can't wait to see the energy saving concepts that Britain's next generation of inventors will come up with".

Bright ideas should be submitted at www.eonenergylab.co.uk before 30 November 2007.

Those lucky enough to be shortlisted will be invited to one of a series of regional heats held in Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Manchester in January and February 2008.

Regional finalists will then have the opportunity to pitch their ideas and present their prototypes to the panel of experts against the clock, vying for the chance to go head to head in the national final in London in April 2008.

Oliver Heath said: "The E.ON EnergyLab combines all of my passions - the environment, design and innovation - into a fantastic competition that is open to anyone and everyone, regardless of age or experience. This really is a talent search with a difference and I'd encourage anyone with a nifty idea that could help conserve energy to take part".

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