Loughborough University celebrated its annual Enterprise Awards on Tuesday 19 May. Amongst the winners were the patented technology underpinning next generation aircraft engines; an animation project with a healing touch; and an innovative intervention to reduce sedentary workplace behaviour.

Hosted on the University’s Science and Enterprise Parks, the Enterprise Awards – now in their sixth year – recognise the impact of the University’s research partnerships as well as its game-changing students and graduates.

Almost 150 guests were in attendance at the annual gala dinner and awards ceremony at which Professor Steve Rothberg – Pro Vice Chancellor for Enterprise – revealed the winners who were decided by almost 27,000 public votes.

The Economic Impact and International Impact Awards were both won by the Loughborough University Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre which has made a significant contribution to the development of the Rolls-Royce Trent family of engines. The latest variant – the Trent XWB – is the world’s most efficient large aero engine.

Ali Foroughi accepted the Graduate Enterprise Award for Jungle – a boutique magazine with global reach, featuring the work of established and aspiring creatives. Supported by the Studio, Jungle is fast developing a worldwide readership and contributor network.

Working Works Wonders – winner of the One to Watch Award – is a novel intervention to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour at work. The scheme is now ready to be rolled out across businesses UK-wide in an effort to improve our health and productivity.

The Social and Cultural Impact Award went to HEART^TM – animation therapy which helps to heal and educate vulnerable and marginalised groups. HEART provides a platform for expression, helping to break down prejudice and promote inclusion.

Ajay Parmar was the winner of the Student Placement award. During his time with Total, Ajay helped the company to achieve energy savings of around £800,000 a year across its Lindsey Oil Refinery site.

The only category not decided by public vote – but based on the number of downloads from the App Store and Google Play over the past three months – the Top of the Apps Award was presented to Loughborough Design School’s Mark Evans for iD Cards – an innovative tool that supports new product development by multi-disciplinary teams.

Professor Steve Rothberg says of the Awards: “It is always a pleasure and an honour to host the Enterprise Awards. The evening showcases the incredible diversity in the ground-breaking work conducted by the University’s academic and research staff, as well as our inspiring students and graduates.”

Films about all of the finalists and photographs from the Awards evening are available on the Enterprise Awards website.