This award recognises an engineer who has demonstrated exceptional creativity and innovation. They advance the field of engineering with groundbreaking ideas and solutions in delivering a project or product. The award celebrates those who push the boundaries of what's possible in engineering.  

Entries should demonstrate: 

• development of a pioneering technical or management process, technology or product  

• implementation of novel approaches to solving complex engineering challenges  

• creation of solutions that redefine industry standards or practices  

• lateral thinking and unconventional problem-solving  

• potential for the innovation to have a significant impact on the industry, environment or society  

• contribution to the advancement of engineering knowledge and practice.  

​

Eligibility  

• Entries are open to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents.  

• The work must have been substantially completed or the initiative developed and tested in New Zealand between November 2022 and November 2024. 

• The entrant doesn’t have to be an Engineering New Zealand member  

Judging Criteria  

• Innovation (30%): Originality and creativity of the engineering solution  

• Technical merit (25%): Depth and quality of engineering work  

• Impact (20%): Potential for significant positive change in the industry, environment or society  

• Feasibility (15%): Practicality and potential for scalable implementation or commercialisation  

• Knowledge contribution (10%): Advancement of engineering knowledge and practice