Posted on February 13, 2024
Two businesses put forward by European firm Abel + Imray have been nominated for The Earthshot Prize 2024. Both clients are developing solutions to tackle key challenges for our planet – reducing CO2 and improving sustainability – and are leading the way in their fields of technology.
Wales-based Nellie Technologies have been nominated in recognition of their modular and scalable carbon capture system. Abel + Imray have been working with CEO and founder Stephen Milburn and the team since 2022 to help Nellie protect the innovations that are at the heart of this technology.
Gecko Rubber, who are located in the South West of England, develop and produce Gecko single component cellular rubber tyres for bicycles, which generate 70% less CO2, last more than twice as long as conventional pneumatic tyres, and are fully recyclable. Richard Adams, who founded Gecko, has been working on the idea of an airless tyre that performs well and is kind to the environment for over 20 years.
“Gecko and Nellie are well deserving of their nominations in the Fix Our Climate and Build a Waste-Free World categories” said Tom Turner, Partner and patent attorney at European firm Abel + Imray. “The technology that Nellie have created means that the system can be deployed to most areas of the world due to its modular design. Their drive and continued appetite for research and innovation will make them a strong contender for the prize, and just being part of the nomination process has been a real boost for this environmental solution focussed business that has only recently celebrated its second anniversary.”
Speaking about Gecko, Tom said “We’ve been working with Gecko for over 10 years, and admire the passion from Richard and his team, and the principal aims of their innovations. They continue to strive for a tyre that has similar characteristics to a pneumatic bicycle tyre, yet which is puncture-proof and more environmentally friendly. Their products have a global market of billions of users, and the award nomination will be important as this business continues to scale-up."
Tom nominated both clients for the prize through the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) who are one of the Official Nominators.
The Earthshot Prize was launched in 2020 and searches for and scales the most innovative solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges. The UK continues to lead innovation in this important area and in the past two years three British businesses have made the 15 finalists, including one winner.
We wish Nellie Technologies and Gecko Rubber every success in the next round, during which their nominations will be reviewed by the Expert Advisory Panel, and we hope shortlisted to be one of the finalists. The awards ceremony and announcing of the winners will take place in November 2024 in Cape Town.
We are a European firm and assist our clients to protect their IP rights in the UK, Europe and worldwide from our offices in the UK and The Netherlands and through our international network of trusted local attorneys.
If you have an innovation that aims to positively change our world, get in touch so we can start the conversation of protecting your idea.
