Finalists in BioQuarter Innovation Competition 2012 announced

Edinburgh BioQuarter today announced the names of the five finalists who will participate in a “Dragons’ Den” style business plan pitch in Central Edinburgh on 25^th May, competing for a grand prize of £10,000 to further the development of their product or business concept.

BioQuarter also released the names of all 20 first-round winners who will be awarded an iPad2 at an awards ceremony in Central Edinburgh on 1 June. Overall the competition saw a 300% increase in entries over 2011, with 75 submissions received from around the University and NHS Lothian.

The five finalists are:

• Jonathan Wraight, intravenous cannulas device
• Mark Hughes and Lana Romaniuk, Pre<Optimise (pre-surgery prep for surgeons)
• Rory McMahon, Electrosole
• Jacqueline Maybin, novel treatment for gynaecological condition
• Mike Millar and Sheila MacPherson, non-contact method for embedding histopathology samples

For a full list of winners, please visit www.edinburghbioquarter.com/news.

Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, which includes Main Sponsor Marks & Clerk LLP and Competition Partners Springfords LLP and MBM Commercial LLP, Dr Mike Capaldi, Commercialisation Director at Edinburgh BioQuarter, said: “We have been very impressed by both the number and quality of entries we’ve received for the innovation competition this year, which just goes to show the strength and depth of scientific talent and innovation that exists in this city. Now the race is on to find our overall winner, as well as the winner of the coveted “People’s Choice” award, which is selected based on votes cast for the five finalists at www.bqinnovation.com between 14^th and 28^th May.”