Entries from across the region including Bribie Island are being sought for Moreton Bay Regional Councils inaugural Innovation Awards, with $20,000 in prize money to be won by the regions best innovators and inventors.

Entrepreneurs and innovators from across the region can nominate themselves in either the Emerging Innovation or Established Innovation categories.

Finalists for the remaining three categories – the Moreton Bay Showcase Award, Peoples Choice Award and the major Innovation of the Year prize – will be selected from the pool of Emerging and Established Innovation entrants. Deputy Mayor Mike Charlton said there was no telling what great innovations could be unearthed by the competition.

Dont keep your innovation a secret! We want to hear about your creations and how they are going to change the world, Councillor Charlton said.

For the short time you spend completing the simple entry process, you could be crowned the regions best innovator, which is sure to get your innovation noticed in the commercial and government sectors and by investors.

The Emerging Innovation category is open to new and innovative products or processes that are in the early stages of development, whether patented or not. The Established Innovation category is open to those inventions that already have intellectual property protection.

These awards are part of our commitment to support local innovation, business and industry and to building an even more diverse, sustainable and resilient economy, Councillor Charlton said.

Entries are open until October 30 and finalists will be announced on November 27. Winners will be announced at the Moreton Bay Innovation Awards Gala event on February 5, 2016.

Not sure if your innovation meets the entry criteria? Book a meeting with the Moreton Bay Regional Council Economic Development Team by calling (07) 3883 0333 or emailing info@moretonbayinnovationawards.com.au.

For more information, see the Moreton Bay Innovation Awards website or phone Council on (07) 3205 0555