Three top British nanotechnology firms whose innovations make solar cells more efficient, help in the fight against heart disease, and improve the production of fine chemical compounds won Business Innovation Awards today at the UK NanoForum & Emerging Technologies Conference 2009.

The two-day event, which has drawn more than 450 delegates from the UK and overseas, is hosted by the Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN) and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) in the London Hilton Park Lane.

Lord Davies of Abersoch, the Minister for Trade, Investment and Small Business commented: "Here in the UK we have a truly first-class record of innovation. The country’s most forward-thinking companies are helping to shape the future and secure our future prosperity. I am determined that the UK should remain a world leader in innovation. With the support of UK Trade & Investment, this event provides a platform for trailblazers who want to take their business to the world."

Baroness Valentine, Chief Executive of London First, who presented the awards, added: "I congratulate the winners on their success. London is home to more of the world's top universities than any other city. The UK as a whole has four of the world's top six, and they typically spin out around 200 companies a year. Whilst London is best defined as a global talent hub, it can also be described as the world's largest science park, with financial and legal advice close at hand."

The Business Innovation Award winners are:

Materials & Devices: Promethean Particles from Nottingham won the award for the development and manufacture of dispersed high specification inorganic nanoparticles, with applications in green energy storage, such as more efficient solar cells, and healthcare. Accepting the award, Sandy Gordon commented: "This is great recognition of our achievements. We already have customers overseas, but this award will increase our profile."

Sandy Gordon, Business Development Manager

Tel: 0115 9124477 E-mail: Sandy.Gordon@proparticles.co.uk Web www.prometheanparticles.co.uk