The winners of London Development Agency’s London Knowledge Transfer Awards have been announced at an award ceremony in London. The Awards – sponsored by LBC Radio, Barclays Bank, and University College London – celebrated innovation where companies have worked with universities, sharing their ideas and expertise to boost their business.

The London Development Agency devised the award scheme as part of its commitment to promote London’s knowledge economy. Knowledge transfer is at the centre of London's economy enabling the transfer of ideas and skills between the capital’s 43 higher education institutions, other knowledge base organisations, businesses and the wider community. This promotes the development of innovative new products and services - enhancing the performance and competitiveness of London’s businesses.

London Development Agency Chief Executive Peter Rogers said:

"The London Development Agency supports knowledge transfer as the knowledge economy is a vital part of London’s future. These awards recognise the excellent innovative work between London’s world class universities and its enterprising businesses."

The University of Greenwich and the Cutty Sark Trust scooped the overall "Knowledge Transfer Collaboration" award.

The university’s experts are using sophisticated computer models to work out how to dismantle and reassemble the fire-damaged Cutty Sark. They are now using their knowledge to understand how the Cutty Sark’s structure will age over the next 100 years. The university is developing the technology to be used on other ships, protecting maritime heritage across the globe.

The other award categories and winners are:

• Collaborative Innovation Excellence - Cableduct Ltd working with London South Bank University

• Knowledge Base Collaboration Award - The University of Greenwich working with The Cutty Sark Trust

• Entrepreneurial Spirit Award - Julian Polzella

• Environmental Sciences Award - King's College London working with The Met Office

• Commercial Deal of the Year – University College London Business PLC working with Stanmore Implants Worldwide Ltd

• The Knowledge Transfer Champion - Dr Jeff Skinner, University College London

For more information, contact the LDA Media Team: Robert Beasley 020 7593 8437; out of hours media enquiries 07977 439371; public enquiries 020 7593 9000.

Notes for editors

The London Development Agency aims to improve the quality of life for all Londoners - working to create jobs, develop skills and promote economic growth.

Two hundred guests gathered at the Royal Garden Hotel Kensington on Friday 5 December to hear the winners announced by Jason Bradbury of Five’s "Gadget Show" and James Max, a former Apprentice semi-finalist and a presenter on LBC Radio.

The Knowledge Transfer awards ceremony received additional in-kind sponsorship from Knowledge London, the London Technology Network and the Royal Garden Hotel London.

Photos will be available on the LDA website and the awards website http://www.londonktawards.co.uk/ shortly

For further information please contact:

Robert Beasley, Acting Head of Media

Tel: 020 7593 8437 Mob: 07790 907568 robertbeasley@lda.gov.uk LDA out of hours: 07977 439371 Public enqs: 020 7593 9000