Coventry University's new flagship institute has won a national iaward for its collaborative work with a local company.

The Health Design & Technology Institute (HDTI) which is based at the University's Technology Park has been working with Opal Contracts, a Birmingham-based manufacturer of blinds, curtain tracks and security systems.

The iawards, which were presented by Lord Drayson at a ceremony at the Science Museum in London earlier this week, recognise and celebrate the best British achievements in science, technology and innovation.

They are the first awards of their kind to be backed by the British government, working in partnership with leading entrepreneur James Caan.

Opal Contracts conceived the idea of a novel curtain fixing clip that enables the easy packing, storage, handling and suspension of disposable curtains within a healthcare environment.

They took their idea to the HDTI who developed it into a prototype to use for client discussions. The product is specifically targeted at supporting the drive to minimise the risk of infection, particularly from superbugs in UK hospitals.

Guy Smallman, Commercial Development Director at HDTI takes up the story: "We developed a 3D computer model to take the component straight to full tooling for manufacture and the design was also used to produce a series of animations to demonstrate the product, which proved invaluable as a marketing tool."

The development of the design from concept through prototyping to manufacture has assisted Opal Contracts in securing business within a notoriously difficult to penetrate market in an extremely short space of time.

Maurice Laydon from Opal Contracts said:  "We are delighted to have won such a prestigious award and gaining recognition as one of the top 10 innovative companies in the UK.  Our sincere thanks go to MAS (Manufacturing Advisory Service) and Coventry University for their assistance in the development of our product."

Hosting the event, Science and Innovation Minister, Lord Drayson said, "The iawards winners epitomise the best of British innovation that will drive the future growth of our economy and make Britain a better place to live and work. I'm delighted to be part of an event celebrating British success." 

Co-host, business entrepreneur, James Caan said, "All of the finalists have demonstrated that Britain is home to some of the best innovators in the world. I'm privileged to be part of the iawards and recognise and honour all finalists for their expertise and vital contribution they make to our economy. I'd like to say huge congratulations to all of the winners who have helped bring the deserved attention to these new technologies and innovations."

Guy Smallman of the HDTI added: "It is a perfect example of how we can work with a business or organisation and turn their idea into a viable, working product. To be given such a prestigious award for Best Collaboration at such an early stage in our development is something we are extremely proud of."

First year sales of the product have totalled approx £1.3 million. This has allowed Opal Contracts to employ five additional members of staff and to ensure that over 20 posts were created or protected at subcontracted manufacturers and logistics companies.