A genetic testing device created by Genial Genetic Solutions, based at The Heath Business and Technical Park in Runcorn, was the star of the show in the recent Merseyside Innovation Awards.
Genial Genetic Solutions beat off strong competition from firms across Merseyside to scoop first prize in the 2006 awards, which were held in a prestigious ceremony at Liverpool's Crowne Plaza Hotel.
The device has been hailed as ahead of its time and will revolutionise genetic testing in healthcare laboratories around the world.
The Multiprep CellSprint Cytogenetic Suspension Culture Harvester will make the process of diagnosing problematic cancers such as leukaemia quicker, cheaper and more successful.
The device, which costs £100,000 to buy, is the result of two years' research and development costing £500,000.
The project was sponsored by Business Link, which also supported the company's move from Chester to a purpose-built laboratory at The Heath 18 months ago.
The move and the investment are now paying off and already there are several firm orders in place and interest from many potential customers across the UK, Europe, the Americas and even Sri Lanka.
Managing Director Lawrence Crees said: "We are delighted the Merseyside Innovation Award has recognised the significance of our revolutionary device which will help with the speedy diagnosis of genetics-related disease in healthcare laboratories across the world".
"The system we have developed is probably three to four years ahead of its time and will revolutionise the whole cytogenetic testing procedure on the majority of types of patient samples." Genial Genetic Solutions was up against six other top Merseyside firms to be shortlisted for the final.
This was the tenth year of the awards which aim to recognise the use of innovation as a means of boosting growth and profitability in Merseyside.
The company walked away not only with the prestige but also a £10,000 cash prize and the offer of £4,000 consultancy support.
