Innov_ex 09 Prize: Pete Dollman
This annual prize was introduced in 2007 by the organisers of the Innovation for Extremes conference, Mike Parsons and Mary Rose and was sponsored by NWTexnet.
It is to encourage future innovators in the outdoor trade. A cash prize of £500 + a year's business mentoring.
1 Research into related past inventions
2 Understanding of users
3 Understanding of what is needed and what is possible
4 Clear definition of product benefits
5 Display and poster at conference
How to enter:
Complete and return the entry form, along with the illustrated outline of your innovation, by 15 April 2010. You will
shortly be notified whether or not your innovation has been accepted for the 2010 competition.
NB Where innovations are under development but not at the prototype stage we will consider outlines for
entry for future Innov_ex competitions. Please indicate whether 2010 or 2011 entry.
Your outline should explain:
1. What your innovation is and why developed
2. Choice of materials and why appropriate
3. Clearly define the product benefits
4. Demonstrate understanding of the following:
- How does it relate to past innovations, what does it add, how has it been influenced past, what research has been undertaken to establish what has gone before?
- Who are the users, what are their needs how does the innovation meet these needs
- How does it relate to available technology
- Is it possible?
Acceptance will secure you a free place at the Innov_ex Conference (for year of entry) to display your innovation, and the opportunity to discuss it with leading outdoor specialists.
You will need to bring to conference:
- Design and prototype
- Poster explaining the innovation
You will be allocated display space at the conference and will have opportunity to discuss your innovation with judges and conference delegates
The OIA, in sponsoring the Innov_ex student prize, is genuinely investing in the future of the outdoor industry. The 2009 Innov_Ex prize winner is Peter Dollman for Figfour, which is a unique way for ice and mixed climbers to train using any indoor climbing surface without causing damage.
Sam Fountain, MD of Shewee presents Peter Dollman with his Innov_ex 09 Innovation Prize
Graham Thompson TRAIL Gear Editor -commented :
'Without out doubt this is one of the most important innovations in outdoor equipment for many years. I expect every climbing wall in the country to have them available for hire alongside rock boots, harness and helmets in the future.'
Mark Pedley, CEO Smartlife Technology
Our winner was simple, elegant, scaleable, affordable and eminently applicable to the environment. He has health and safety issues which he didn't address and will need some validation and a partner to manufacture. He could be in business with his prize winnings as was Jan with ROJK in 07. Innovation is exampled through this winner.
Sam Fountain, CEO Sheewee
Sam Fountain Shewee
It was a complete product and ready to be sold to users and retailers.
A clever and innovative product and more innovative than we originally thought. We see that it was initially designed for a niche market but it's got huge potential to be a more commercial product. We think it could be sold to all climbers and climbing centers as another tool/ type of indoor climbing.
Pete's product won because it was a good idea, well executed, clearly positioned and priced. His product was ready to take to market unlike the other entries
Since winning the prize on 6 May 2009 it has been announced that Figfour is to go into production Details of Figfour
Past student prize winners Jan Betros and Lisa Alberti demonstrated the ways in which the Innov_ex prize had allowed them to develop. Jan Betros, the 2007 winner showed how the prize had helped him make his clothing brand RÖJK a commercial reality. Lisa Alberti has used the 2008 prize to inspire an innovative design project in an inner city Manchester School. She aims to develop both interest in going outdoors alongside design of outdor gear in partnership with the outdoor trade.
