Technology

Posted on July 26, 2018 by staff

EU-run tech and innovation awards names one UK nominee

Technology

A Cambridge-based BioTech is the one UK Company announced amongst 41 European nominees in the 2018 European Institute of Innovation and Technology awards.

Matt Mclaren, CEO and founder of Cambridge-based Entomics has been nominated in the ‘EIT Food’ category.

The company, founded in 2015, has created a BioTech platform for insect farming or ‘insect biomass conversion’, which turns food-waste into high quality animal feeds and pet food.

The nominees have been selected for driving their contribution to European innovation through ground-breaking products, projects and services that tackle global challenges in the fields of climate, energy, digitalisation, food, health and raw materials.

“I am pleased that the EIT is so successful in training innovators, helping young people make the most of their talents while tackling the big challenges facing our society,” said Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport responsible for the EIT.

“Driving change, bringing together business, higher education and research, the EIT is helping us build bridges for more effective cooperation between East and West, North and South – a truly European effort.

“I am proud of the entrepreneurs now competing globally, helping us create a resilient, open-minded Europe for the future. The EIT Awards are a celebration of this European success and global ambition.

This year Italy has the most nominees with 5, followed by France with 4 nominees, and Hungary and Spain have three.

The prizes are divided into four categories, ‘Change’ ‘Venture’ ‘Woman’, and the ‘Innovators’ award which offers the top prize of €50,000.

“The EIT Awards are a window on Europe’s future as the EIT Community provides solutions to some of our most pressing challenges,” added Martin Kern, EIT Interim Director.

“These innovations presented by our nominees can help Europe to compete, thrive and succeed. The Awards showcase some of Europe’s brightest talents; at the EIT, we are proud to support these exceptional individuals and outstanding teams.”