The IET Innovation Awards

Emerging Technologies Award winner 2011

QinetiQ Ltd The Zephyr solar-electric Unmanned Aerial System

The judging panel commented:

The Zephyr unmanned aerial system met most if not all of the judging criteria for the Emerging Technology category. The system takes a giant step towards the goal of eternal flight the concept of which is fascinating, exciting and with enormous opportunities.

Also shortlisted:

Scope of category

Entries to the IET Emerging Technologies Innovation Award category are welcomed from all organisations: universities, clients, consulting engineers, contractors, suppliers and component manufacturers.

Emerging technologies are defined as new and novel high science technologies, using electrical or electronic engineering.

The Emerging Technologies category welcomes innovations at any stage of development. Nominations should come from (but are not limited to):

• Investment in research and development investment
• Highly developed skills
• Knowledge transfer
• Collaborative partnerships
• Entrepreneurship and enterprise
• Differentiated products and services

Please note

This category covers the development of new and novel emerging technologies, for innovative applications designed to meet a need or demand, but does not include a new and novel application of an established technology.

Winning innovations in this category

2010:
DNA Analysis – a new silicon chip technology for real-time DNA analysis, eliminating expensive and time-consuming laboratory processes. (DNA Technologies)

2009:
The Power of a Heartbeat - Next Generation Pacemakers Powered from the Patient (Zarlink Semiconductor)

2008:
Integrated quantum photonics (University of Bristol)

2007:
Acoustic detection technology for drug discovery, diagnostics and biothreat detection (Akubio)

See also

• How to enter
• All categories