Trans-Tasman innovation nominations due

Entries are closing soon for the DuPont 2007/08 Australia New Zealand Innovation Awards, dedicated to recognising and rewarding innovation in industry, science, the environment and agriculture.

Independently judged by respected business leaders from Australia and New Zealand, the awards help showcase cutting-edge innovations from a range of industries.

"In only three years, the DuPont Innovations Awards have attracted submissions from 140 of Australia's most innovative thinkers," said DuPont Australia's managing director, Hutch Ranck.

"Previous award winners have used their award to help them market their products locally and globally, resulting in considerable commercial success."

According to Kate Dawson, commercial manager at Orica Watercare, winning a 2005/06 innovation award was a marketing boon.

Orica Watercare's Landguard enzyme technology for pesticide clean-up won the food, agriculture production and marketing category.

"It was a wonderful compliment for both Orica and CSIRO to be recognised by a company of DuPont's reputation and standing. As a result of the award, Landguard has received a huge amount of kudos," Dawson said.

"Winning the award really helped us in our marketing efforts, both in Australia and overseas."

Entries for the 2007/08 awards close on 2 November 2007, while the finalists will be announced early next year.