Innovative companies throughout Ireland have been invited to compete for the prestigious 2003 All-Ireland Innovation Awards.

The awards are designed to highlight the achievements of companies that have focused on innovative products, processes and management techniques. Companies that have maximised the R&D benefits of increased investment in technology and research are also likely to do well in the competition.

The awards are organised by Invest Northern Ireland, Forfás and InterTradeIreland, with sponsorship from The Irish Times and BT.

The award winners will be chosen by an independent panel of judges and will be announced at a gala event in Belfast in November. The closing date for applications is September 12th. Details are available on www.investni.com

Last year, the overall award was won by Ulster Carpet Mills of Craigavon, Northern Ireland. The company won its award for its innovative approach to developing new forms of carpet weaving.

Mr Mike Mills, managing director of Ulster Carpet Mills, said: "As well as providing a tremendous boost for everyone within the company, the publicity associated with the award enhanced market awareness of Ulster Carpet Mills as a customer-focused business committed to creativity and service."

He urged companies to become involved in the awards.

The deputy managing director of The Irish Times, Mr Michael Austen, said a willingness to embrace a culture of innovation was central to continued economic prosperity.

"As The Irish Times is the only newspaper with a full-time science correspondent, we have a leading role in the science sector and this is why we are delighted to be involved in these awards," Mr Austen said.