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AWARDS ARAGO CROSS-ARM TECHNOLOGY WINS NATIONAL INNOVATION PRIZE final development of this technology with deployment of the ICA orders already secured on the transmission system, commencing in 2014. Cross-arm Spin-out, Arago Technology Ltd was presented with the Power & Energy Award at the IET Innovation awards ceremony, which was held in November at The Brewery, London. Arago was also 'Highly Commended' in the Emerging Technologies category. The company was awarded the prize by the judges in recognition of its work in developing the Insulating Cross-arm (ICA), which has the potential to enable electricity network operators to increase transmission capacity of existing lines. The ICA, which has been developed over the last 4 years, can be retro-fitted onto existing electricity pylons allowing voltage and / or current upgrade and may reduce the height of new build electricity pylons. Arago's revolutionary insulator was developed by engineers here in a joint venture with EPL Composite Solutions Ltd. The Insulating Cross-arms have been installed for over 2 years on pylons in some of the most stark and remote areas of the UK to test their resistance to extreme weather and since May '12 they have also been continuously energised and monitored at voltages required for the 400,000 volt transmission network at a coastal site in northern Scotland. Tests have also been carried out at the University's High Voltage Laboratory which has subjected them to lightning strikes of more than 1.4 million volts. Arago is currently seeking further investment to complete David Gardner, Director of Transmission for Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc said: "This innovative technology has the potential to deliver a cost effective way of increasing the power carried on our transmission network. We have worked closely with Arago to help develop the technology to the stage it has reached today and we are delighted to see that Arago have received this recognition for this work." We have supported this project right from the early laboratory concept, so we are delighted to see it win the award." Project funding to-date by National Grid, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc, and UMIP's Proof-of-Principle fund, managed by MTI Partners, totals £2.5m. Robin MacLaren, designate chairman for Arago said: "Winning the IET Award confirms that our innovative technology is world class and has the potential to deliver real solutions for society. We are very proud to have won this award and look forward to supporting the development of Transmission networks throughout the world to support the connection of new low carbon generation, and upgrade existing infrastructure." Ian Welch, innovation manager for National Grid, said: "Innovation will be vital for energy network companies as we meet the challenges from the huge changes underway in how we generate our electricity. MANCHESTER WINS THREE AWARDS AT THE 2012 NORTHWEST BIONOW AWARDS Over 280 people from the Northwest's biomedical sector gathered on 29th November at the 11th Northwest Biomedical Awards at Mere Golf and Country Club, Cheshire. This prestigious awards dinner celebrates key achievements from companies and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the biomedical sector during 2012. The University of Manchester winners were: Healthcare Project of the Year Biomedical Project of the Year Service Company of the Year University spin-out, Phagenesis Ltd, PhagenyxTM University of Manchester, Microsensor (Drs Curtis Dobson, Gordon Barker, Jane Bramhill, and the University of Manchester Microsensor consortium) Euprotec Ltd > Phagenyx™ system delivers calibrated electrical stimulus to the throat to patients who suffer from dysphagia – the inability to swallow safely - a debilitating condition that affects stroke patients. > Euprotec is a specialist CRO dedicated to the provision of infectious disease, respiratory and allergy biology services. > The development of a medical device to detect infection that is dangerous to human health more quickly and cost effectively than conventional laboratory based methods. 11