Opportunity knocks for inventors

The South's top inventors are being invited to pit their creative wits against each other and battle to be crowned the best in a new competition.

The South's top inventors are being invited to pit their creative wits against each other and battle to be crowned the best in a new competition.

As well as fighting for a share of the GBP 20,000 prize pool, they could also attract attention from businesses, manufacturers, investors and licensees, all interested in their product.

Innovention 2006 gives inventors the opportunity to showcase their talents and for many let their ideas be seen in the marketplace for the first time.

Now in its 15th year, the competition and exhibition is open to businesses and lone inventors from Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

This year the exhibition will be held on Friday 23rd June 2006, at the Intech Centre in Winchester.

The deadline for entry to the competition is 12th May 2006.

The event is run by Wessex Innovation Service, a subsidiary of the South Hampshire Enterprise Agency (SHEA) - a not-for-profit organisation which provides advice to inventors on how to develop and market their innovative ideas.

John Stainer, of Wessex Innovation Service, said: "This is not just about the prize money - it's a unique opportunity for inventors to show off their ideas to experts that could help them in their quest to become the next James Dyson".

"This competition is not a guarantee of overnight success, but we would urge people with innovative ideas to enter the competition - this could be 'their' year".

Many of the competition's past entrants have gone on to realise their ambitions, including a radical new design for a total control fuel can - dubbed one of the most important safety designs of recent times.

Paul Bone, from the Isle of Wight, was one of last year's winners with his environmentally friendly NuCan flow control fuel can.

His success in the competition has allowed him to develop his product and he has now taken more than 30,000 advanced orders, with interest coming in from companies such as Honda and Robin Suburu.

Bone said: "Innovention was a real springboard for me".

"It has given me the chance to really develop and manufacture my design and the fact that so many companies are interested is a dream come true".

"I would really encourage other inventors to bite the bullet and take part".

The competition does however have strict guidelines and vetting procedures - only commercially viable ideas will be chosen to participate in the exhibition.

This not only ensures that the exhibition remains at a high standard, but it also saves would-be entrepreneurs cost and disappointment.

Successful entrants will be invited to exhibit and the winners will be announced on the day.

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