Canstar Blue has extended the application process of its inaugural Innovation Excellence Awards. The awards were launched in late July in order to recognise and celebrate the latest and greatest appliances and electronic products making their way into homes across Australia and New Zealand.

Companies wishing to submit an application now have until 6pm on Wednesday 20 August 2014 to do so.

“We’ve had lots of interest and some great applications to date, but we wouldn’t want any worthy applicants to miss out on the chance to be considered,” said Canstar Blue business unit leader Megan Doyle.

“We’re still fielding calls and emails enquiring about the awards and so we have decided to extend the application process for a few extra days.

“We’ve been encouraged by the applications we have received to date and we’re looking forward to seeing what other appliances and electronic products are exciting consumers in both Australia and New Zealand.

“As well as the interest we’ve had from companies, it’s also been great to see so many consumers nominating the products that are having a positive impact on their lives, and we’re also continuing to welcome these until the closing date next Wednesday.”

Once the application process is complete, Canstar Blue will assess both the degree of innovation and the overall impact that submitted products could make. Objective and subjective measures have been carefully developed by Canstar Blue researchers to identify key measures of product innovation.

Doyle said this will ensure there is fair comparison of all products that are eligible for the awards.
Canstar Blue also has external industry and consumer specialists on the awards judging panel in order to ensure that the decisions made are robust and reflect the market conditions.

“We’re delighted that Patrick Avenell and Michelle House will be joining our judging panel,” added Mrs Doyle. “Patrick is the managing editor of Appliance Retailer magazine and website, and an expert on the consumer electronics industry, while Michelle is a well-known personal money management expert and has a wealth of experience as both a business owner and household manager.”

Companies wishing to submit an application for a product can do so by completing Canstar Blue’s innovation questionnaire.