For the first time, the inventions will be on public exhibition, on 16th February from 11am to 5pm in the Painted Hall of the Old Royal Naval College. A total of 50 finalists are exhibiting in various categories which include: inventors and innovators; innovation in industry; support for product development; exceptional creativity; and capacity-building initiatives.

The event, now in its sixth successful year, is organised by the Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network (GWIIN) with support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), UK Trade & Investment, the University of Greenwich and the Knowledge Dock at the University of East London.

A key theme of the conference will be the role of universities and government agencies in promoting and supporting innovation. Keynote speakers include Baroness Tessa Blackstone, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Greenwich, Patrick Robinson, Director of Innovation Strategy at the DTI, David Train, International Trade Director at UK Trade & Investment, Sarika Patel, Director of Innovation and Sector Development at the London Development Agency, and Professor Michael Thorne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of East London.

The British Female Inventors and Innovators Awards were established in 1998 to provide inspiration for women seeking to turn their unique ideas into commercial propositions. Over the past six years, the event has showcased many remarkable and innovative products and previous winners have gone on to establish successful businesses and achieve global recognition. These include Mandy Haberman, inventor of the Haberman Feeder and the Anywayup Cup, Tish Fearn, who has signed a major distribution deal with B&Q for her Lite-Lift equine and gardening tools, and Dr Dawn Gibbins MBE, named Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year 2004.

Bola Olabisi, founder of the BFIIN and Managing Director of GWIIN, said: "Women are the world's natural innovators – many of them tend to solve problems they find, rather than find problems to solve. We hope that this year’s event will build on success and bring a new surge of commercially viable ideas to market."

David Train, International Trade Director at UK Trade & Investment said: “UK Trade & Investment are very pleased to be able to support the British Female Inventors & Innovators Awards 2005. One of our key aims is to help break down the barriers that women face when looking to enter the world of business and international trade, which thrives on the new, improved or different. We want to encourage as many women as possible to develop their ideas.”

Tessa Blackstone, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Greenwich, said: “Education, innovation and enterprise go together. Universities have a great deal of expertise and excellent facilities to help inventors develop their ideas. I hope that together we can make the most of women’s ingenuity and talents, and contribute to the success of our economy.”

Professor Michael Thorne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of East London, said: “Universities like ours have a long track-record of innovation, enterprise and working with industry. We have launched Knowledge Dock to provide local businesses and entrepreneurs with access to the resources, networks and technologies they need to compete in the global market-place, and help inventors turn their winning ideas into world-beating products.”

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For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975