DOUGLAS Shire businesses who believe they are on the innovative edge, should not hesitate entering the 2016 Tropical North Queensland Innovation Awards (TNQIA), which were launched today. There are eight awards up for grabs.

The awards celebrate those in the TNQ region who are working innovatively and doing new things – it is a showcase for inventive and innovative ideas, projects and processes.

“Entrants in all categories will benefit from valuable exposure to potential investors and business partners, as well as vying for prize packages of professional services, tailored to their specific business needs,” said Cairns mayor Bob Manning.

Building on the success of the previous Tropical Innovation Awards, which were established by Cairns Regional Council in 2010 to foster the region’s entrepreneurial spirit, the TNQIA will reward businesses and individuals who are willing to pursue new ideas and processes.

“There are more than 23,000 locally-owned businesses in the TNQ region, and these generate $12 billion gross regional product annually,” said Cr Manning.

“We know there are some extremely talented individuals within that business community who are developing some great new ideas. These awards are about recognising that creative thinking and the business success to which it can lead.”

Newly created award categories recognise the importance of the planning process in the development of a new product or service.

“We have introduced ‘pipeline’ categories for products and processes that are still in the early development phase,” he said.

The awards are open to individuals and businesses from across the entire TNQ region – from the Cassowary Coast to the Torres Strait, and west to the Burke and Carpentaria shires.

For a full list of eligible council areas and more information on the awards and how to enter, visit www.innovatetnq.com.au.