UK Trade & Investment has launched a nationwide search for the country's most innovative mobile company, with nominations sought from the cream of the UK's mobile industry.

The competition is open to any UK-based company working in the mobile industry that can demonstrate a new product or service that has the potential to change the way people use mobiles across the world. The winner will be crowned The UK's Most Innovative Mobile Company at Mobile World Congress 2012 - the industry's largest exhibition.

Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, said:

"Future growth depends on our ability to generate new ideas that have a real global reach. The UK has already had an enormous impact on the global mobile market and this competition aims to highlight the future stars of the industry.

"Mobile World Congress is the event that sets the agenda for the mobile industry. The finalists and winning company will have the opportunity for their ideas to gain exposure to the global industry. I wish all of the companies taking part success."

Nominations for The UK's Most Innovative Mobile Company are open now until Wednesday, 14 December 2011. Shortlisted companies will win pitching support, a place at a media networking event before Mobile World Congress and global exposure through various media channels. 

The finalists will feature at Mobile World Congress where they will present their company to an expert panel of judges. The UK's Most Innovative Mobile Company will be announced on 29 February at Mobile World Congress 2012. The winner will be showcased at a high profile UKTI event during 2012.

Companies wishing to enter the competition can do so at www.smartukproject.co.uk.