The world’s first cardiovascular exercise bike, an aerial robot, a method of controlling insects with sex, a novel bladder cancer detection test and a cardboard pet casket range are among the finalists of this year’s New Zealand Innovators Awards, the annual awards that celebrate the best of Kiwi innovation.
It’s the time of year when you get to have a say in who should take home an award at the NZ Innovators Awards. Before we announce the finalists in the different categories, we are opening up nominations for the People’s Choice Award, the award that is all about who you – the people! – think should be recognised.
Ecostore and Little Treasures’ personalised magazine campaign by Special Group, Naked/Open and Salt Interactive has already earned its fair share of industry accolades, from Media Awards gold to the inaugural winner of The Glossies. And now it’s got another one to add to the list after being nominated as one of 18 finalists in the WARC prize for innovation.
Fonterra, in what it’s calling a game changer for the dairy industry, the most significant innovation project Anchor has ever undertaken and a world-first, has launched a light-proof three-layer bottle that claims to improve the taste of milk. And the campaign by Colenso BBDO uses a herd of magical, sun-avoiding glass cows to promote the benefits of the new technology.
Revolution Fibres, an Auckland company that uses nanotechnology to make super strong fibres—in particular, for air filters for household ventilation systems, high strength fishing rods and fabric to enhance skin healing—claimed the supreme prize at the 2012 New Zealand Innovators Awards. And in the categories most relevant to the marketing community, Syrp’s Genie, Kiwibank’s online relationship management, The Gibson Group’s TouchHistory innovation, audio/text fusion Booktrack, virtual world SmallWorlds, paperless receipts company Paperkut and The Nutter’s Club also took home prizes.
Innovation helps drives our economy. And, in the marcomms world, innovation helps to drive effectiveness. But are you getting the recognition you deserve? Sir Ray Avery is calling on enterprising Kiwi minds and organisations to enter the New Zealand Innovators Awards. And who are you to argue with one of our country’s best-known innovators?
This week from the Consumer Counsel: What do frugal consumers want in their new products? Smart, cheap innovation, it would seem.