Welcome to the 48th annual R&D 100 Awards issue. In these pages, we profile the 100 most technologically significant products and processes introduced in 2009. The winning technologies—and the developers behind them—will be honored at the R&D 100 Awards Banquet, a black tie gala, on Nov. 11, 2010, at the Renaissance Orlando Hotel at SeaWorld, in Orlando, Fla.
For the editors, the R&D 100 Awards program is a year-round project. Over the last few years, we initiated a few changes to streamline the process. This year, we are extending the window for entries. The nomination process for the 2011 awards will open on October 1, 2010, conclude on February 28, 2011.
Because we select 100 winners each year, there are a large number of entries for the editors and judges to review. Over time, based on our own experience and feedback from judges, we have a good idea of what makes a good entry. Of course, the merit of the product must take precedence. But a good presentation goes a long way, too.
Here are some does and don’ts that editors have gathered over the years:
DO. Tell us what your product can’t do as well as what it can do. Making sure the editors and judges know your product’s capabilities is important. However, they are not going to believe it will “save the world”, and will want to know the applications it can’t fulfill.
DON’T. Enter prematurely. Some technologies, such as drugs and medical devices, require more evidence than others. A process technology needs evidence of actually having been used. The product must be an actual product, not a concept or prototype.
DO. Tell us how it works. Remarkably, many entries spend too much time providing context or marketing potential and simply do not do enough to explain the nuts and bolts of the product. Strike a balance and inform us which data should remain confidential.
DON’T. Send us the entire IP. The judges (and editor) must review a lot of material quickly. Asking them to read through hundreds of pages of material that is difficult to digest is an invitation for rejection.
DO. Be excited. For many competitors, the R&D 100 Awards is the sum total of year (or careers) of hard work. If it’s important enough to be entered into the R&D 100s, the it’s important to generate good supporting materials, pertinent testimonials, and audiovisuals that can greatly help communicate the product’s merits.
DO. Enter. While the entries are judged on their technological significance, an obvious characteristic of the winners is the diversity of the products and organizations submitting the entries.
The application form, instructions, and detailed advice will be posted in the Awards section of www.rdmag.com on October 1, 2010. All entry information and transactions will be conducted online. We would be happy to answer your questions. Contact us via email at [email protected].
