Loughborough University is inviting the public to choose the winners of its 2015 Enterprise Awards which recognise inspiring partnerships with innovative organisations, the brightest graduate start-ups, and students demonstrating workplace initiative.

Now in its sixth year, the Enterprise Awards shine a light on the University’s external partnerships and its game-changing graduates who turn ideas into thriving, award-winning businesses. Public voting is open until Friday 15 May for finalists in the following six categories:

• Economic and International Impact

Partnerships formed with: London-based SME Cynar Plc – converting waste plastics into useable liquid fuels; Rolls-Royce Plc – revolutionary aero engine design; Severn Trent Water Plc – leak detection and location in water pipes

• Social and Cultural Impact

Collaborations include: HEART™ Healing Education Animation Research Therapy; Reducing vehicle blind spots; PERFORMS – Improving breast cancer detection; Improving dementia-friendly health and social care environments

• One to Watch

Collaborations include: REPOINT – boosting railway safety and capacity; Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour at work; Driving high street recovery with the Town Centre Consumer tool

• Student Placements

Undergraduates who demonstrated initiative while on a 12-month placement include: Loughborough Design School student Dominic Russell at Nissan Technical Centre Europe; Civil and Building Engineering student Robert Mann at Stanton Bonna Concrete; Chemical Engineering student Ajay Parmar at Total Lindsey Oil Refinery

• Graduate Enterprise

Members of the University’s graduate commercialisation hub, the Studio, include: Ali Foroughi who launched international lifestyle magazine – Jungle; Simon Lyons who launched design company Version 22; Emily Whitesmith who runs hand-weaving workshops under the Weaversmith brand.

Professor Steve Rothberg, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Enterprise) at Loughborough University, said: “The Loughborough Enterprise Awards recognise and celebrate excellence in enterprise across the University, from our academics’ expertise in engaging with external partners for maximum economic and international impact, to collaboration on a range of projects which are helping to make a difference to people’s lives.

“The Awards also provide a fantastic springboard from which many of our undergraduates and graduates grow and develop their entrepreneurial talent and business skills. We need your help to decide who the worthy winners are – don’t delay, vote today, and spread the word among your colleagues, friends and family.”

Visit the Enterprise Awards website to cast your vote. Voting closes on Friday 15 May.