SEAI invites applications to its Sustainable Energy Innovation Award 2012. The Award will showcase innovative developments taking place in the sustainable energy sector and profile the organisations and individuals behind these developments.

The Award is open to early stage companies, (no more than five years old) at the pre-commercial stage of developing a sustainable energy product or service. This includes innovations at research, development, testing or demonstration stages which are not yet available on the market.

Award Criteria

1. Level of innovation (technical, system solutions, support service, etc.)
2. Energy performance / Environmental impact (reduction of greenhouse gas emissions)
3. Business potential (revenue generation, employment creation, etc.)

Judging

Following a preliminary evaluation by SEAI, shortlisted entrants will be announced mid-March and will be invited to present a brief overview of their innovative sustainable energy solution at the  Energy Show in March in the RDS Dublin. This will take the form of a ‘Dragons’ Den’ style presentation in an open forum, in front of the judging panel. Entrants must be available to attend this presentation.

Deadline for receipt of completed application form – Monday 5^th  March 2012

Download a copy of the application form here>>

Prize

The winning entrant will receive €3,000 in support of their business development. Depending on the business stage, this will take the form of support towards incubation space fees, mentoring and management consultancy or marketing consultancy.

Timelines

Deadline for receipt of completed application form – Mon 5^th March 2012
Selection of Shortlisted Entries – week commencing 5^th March 2012
Notification to Shortlisted Entries – week ending 15^th March 2012
Presentation by Shortlisted Entrants – 28/29^th March 2012
Winners Announced – following presentation

Terms and Conditions

1. Businesses must be established enterprises, operating with a Tax Clearance Cert for a minimum of six months, but no more than five years;
2. Innovations must enhance the deployment of sustainable energy and demonstrate significant savings in energy consumption, CO₂ emissions or  facilitate such savings;
3. Innovations submitted must be pre-commercial but extend beyond the concept phase with a some significant product and market research undertaken;
4. Approval for publicity is implied as part of taking part in the Sustainable Energy Innovation Awards competition;
5. Shortlisted applicants must be available to present at the Energy Show in the RDS, Dublin in March 2012 (exact date and time will be confirmed) and may be requested to bring examples of their innovation with them;
6. The organisers cannot guarantee that market sensitive information will be protected;
7. Entries must include the completed application form;
8. The prize will take the form of support for the business development.
9. The judges' decision will be final in all matters relating to this competition.