Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
PicoPUF invented a tiny semiconductor IP core that provides strong, unique authentication for even the cheapest microchip, and not only won the Electronics category but the overall grand prize. PicoPUF was deemed by judges to have the most innovative product with the biggest global commercial potential. They faced stiff competition from 11 other finalists in categories including Agri-Food, Life and Health, and Enterprise Software.The award was presented to the trio of Queen’s researchers who invented PicoPuf, Neil Hanley, Maire O’Neill, and ChongyanGu. Their invention means that any grade of device can have the highest grade of security. They took home a prize package of £13,000, a fast-track to NISP’s Springboard programme, and a space on the NI TechMission to California in January 2016.