Bridgend company TVonics set up just over two years ago to produce digital TVs and receivers has scooped a top award at the prestigious IET Innovation in Engineering Awards.

The business won the Start-Up category in the awards which attract entries from all over the world.

TVonics was initially funded by the CEO and the staff was recruited from a disbanded team of former Sony engineers in south Wales. The company designs and manufactures digital TVs, receivers and records for the UK and European markets to address the digital TV switchover programme.

The company now supplies a range of high street stores and markets under their own name plus a variety of other household names. Among the innovations they have developed is the combination of energy efficient designs which meet Energy Savings Trust recommendations, ease of use and special needs support, Audio Description Language and fast time to market.

A total of 15 awards, each sponsored by a major company, were presented and at a ceremony at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London hosted by TV personality and science enthusiast Johnny Ball.

The host of “Think of a Number” said: “What makes a great innovator? Perhaps a little eccentricity, a desire for improvement, plus vision and the determination to see it through. All that equals the type of projects recognised through these awards. Innovators always ask ‘Why can't it be better?’ If it wasn't for innovation we would still have black and white television and mono radio.”

He continued: “Innovation is at the heart of business and wealth creation. It is right that we acknowledge those who push the boundaries of science, engineering and technology and it will be exciting to see how the innovations awarded this year will make their mark in the future. “

Robin McGill, CEO of the IET said: “These awards recognise the vital role that innovation in engineering plays in the global economy. On behalf of the IET I would like to congratulate all the winners who have displayed outstanding innovation in their respective categories.”

He added that because of the huge interest in the awards this year details of the 2008 awards would be available immediately on the IET web site at: www.theiet.org/innovationawards

Mr Laurence Garrett, director at the Cambridge office of 3i and chairman of the judging panel said: “Taking on the set top box market from a location in Wales is an uphill task for any business. TVonics has not only taken on this task but has succeeded in obtaining customer wins and industry accolades. The consumer electronics industry in the UK should be encouraged and it is great to see a seasoned team starting to make an impact at the high end of the market. To do this on a self sourced financing basis is also a credit to the management.”

The Start-up category is sponsored by Cre8 Ventures.

The awards have been supported by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills and Make Your Mark in Manufacturing & Engineering.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology website