National Innovation Awards Applications Close Aug. 31

The Scientific Research Council (SRC) is reminding that applications for the National Innovation Awards will close on August 31, 2016.

The awards, scheduled for November 2016, will highlight excellence in innovation and creativity in various areas of Science.

Executive Director of the SRC, Dr. Cliff Riley, told JIS News that the applications have been coming in slowly; however he expects this to increase in the last week of August.

“It is pretty exciting. The awardees will have access to post-award support, training and mentorship,” he said.

Categories of awards will include Agriculture; Food and Agro-Processing; Education and Popularisation of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI); Energy, and Cyber Security.

Innovation in the field of Entertainment Products; Environmental Sustainability; Health and Safety, as well as Engineering and Manufacturing, will be included in the awards.

There will also be a ‘Youth Innovator’ category; the Prime Minister’s National Medal for someone who has contributed significantly to the areas of science, technology and innovation; and a special ‘Young Scientist and Technologist’ award.

Dr. Riley said the awards will offer young scientists and entrepreneurs the opportunity for better branding of their products, and will also give them exposure through the display of their products at the SRC’s Conference on November 14 and 15.

Entrants must consult the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) before submitting applications. All application forms must bear the JIPO seal.

Applications should be addressed to Mrs. Andrea Kerr, Coordinator, Innovation Awards Secretariat, Executive Director’s Office, Scientific Research Council, P.O. Box 350, Hope Gardens, Kingston 6.

For additional information, interested persons may visit www.src.gov.jm.