University of Leicester recognised for contribution to innovative business development thanks to new medical device developed with Dialog Devices Ltd.

The University of Leicester has been named as a finalist for the Innovation in Development Award in the Lord Stafford Awards East Midlands 2008. The Lord Stafford Awards recognise and reward businesses and universities who collaborate to transform new ideas into business.

The University has been shortlisted for the award because of its work with Loughborough-based Dialog Devices Ltd to develop a new medical device, the Peripheral Arterial Diseases Device (PADD). A combination of patented research and engineering from the Dialog Devices and clinical input from Leicester University has resulted in the development of the non-invasive optical device, intended for use by nurses and healthcare assistants in Primary Care. The new device will increase the diagnosis of PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease), a common condition that is under-diagnosed and under-treated, and consequently work to prevent heart disease and strokes.

Jody Brown, chief executive of Dialog Devices Ltd, said:

“These awards are a great way to celebrate successful innovation through collaboration. As finalists, we are very pleased by the recognition for the years of commitment Dialog Devices has devoted to developing a breakthrough technology that will bring major benefits to the lives of so many. The collaboration between Dialog Devices and clinicians at the University of Leicester is critical to the worldwide commercial success of our PADD device.”

Whilst successful businesses benefit with a prize of £5000, which they can use for the winning project, Universities gain the prestige and recognition for their contribution to innovative business development. The Lord Stafford Awards will be taking place on 11th September 2008 Winners will be announced on the night.