Eureka moments . . . the hunt for Scotland's next John Logie Baird begins

THE search for the best of Scotland's inventors is launched today in honour of one of the country's most famous pioneers.

The John Logie Baird Awards Programme is now hunting for its 22nd set of winners after being created to celebrate the best brains in Scotland.

Winners in past years have been given cash support, advice and help to get their ideas to consumers. Some, such as the restaurant booking site 5pm.co.uk, have continued to find success. But one of the winners for 2009 was Dundee-based software technology company Realtime Worlds, which went bust just months after they were handed the prize.

An official launch for the 2010 awards is taking place tonight at the recently reopened Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow, but participants are being given until December to file their innovative entries.

Isabell Majewsky, chief executive of award organisers The GO Group, said: "In 1927 John Logie Baird broadcast moving pictures from London to Glasgow, putting Scotland on the map for global innovation. This is a tradition that has continued almost a century later.

"Although we're a small nation, we have repeatedly proven that we can make a significant impact to progress in the UK and the rest of the world. The John Logie Baird Awards Programme recognises this.

"To be hosting this year's launch event at a venue which has such a strong historical link to the programme's namesake is quite incredible."

Award categories include young innovator, knowledge transfer champion and entrepreneurial spirit. Individuals and businesses will compete to win a 10,000 support package, per category, which includes advice and help with getting their idea to consumers.

Last year's winners included a special recognition for Glasgow-born chip-and-pin inventor James Goodfellow OBE.

Mr Goodfellow devised the machine-readable PIN number with the advent of cash machines in 1965, and it is still the only ATM Cash Access system in use today.

Realtime Worlds took the category for Impact Through Innovation for technology used in their new game APB (All Points Bulletin). The game was released on 29 June, 2010 and just six weeks later, the firm went into administration.Founded in 2002, Realtime Worlds had previously found success with Grand Theft Auto, which sold more than 6 million copies.

In 2001, 5pm.co.uk was made a regional winner and continues to allow users to book reservations with more than 1000 restaurants, which might otherwise be left with empty seats.

Initially, John Logie Baird award entrants will compete at a regional level, with judges looking for originality, entrepreneurial ability, market potential and the ability to develop the idea.

Regional workshops, providing support and information on patents, prototypes and product development, will be provided for the best commercially viable ideas. Regional winners will then be selected to go forward to the national competition.

The John Logie Baird Awards, in partnership with EDTC Technology Gateway at Edinburgh Napier University, the University of Glasgow, Biggart Baillie and Informatics Ventures are open to individuals and companies from across Scotland.

To enter for the awards for free log on to www.johnlogiebairdawards.com.