Prizes awarded in the INNOINT 2005 invention contest for conscripts

INNOINT is part of the INNOFINLAND project. The purpose of the innovation contest is to encourage conscripts to adopt an innovative, creative and enterprising way of thinking. In order to achieve this, the contest awards inventions, ideas or methods that can be regarded as having wider significance.

The INNOINT contest for conscripts was organised for the sixth time in 2005 and became a real success this year. A record number of 204 high-class entries were submitted to the contest. Part of them related to technical solutions and part to methods. For six entries the jury awarded a prize and for five entries an honourable mention. The prizes were presented by Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Kari Rimpi at the INNOFINLAND awarding ceremony at the premises of the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland on 29 November 2005.

The INNOINT contest is organised by the Finnish Defence Forces, the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland, the Foundation for Finnish Inventions, the Finnish Inventors' National Federation and INNOFINLAND.

INNOINT PRIZES 2005 were presented to:

2nd Lieutenant Timo Mihaljov, Oulu
Method for improving the tactical communications network

Lance corporal Sampsa Karhunen, Helsinki
Weekly programme system in Excel table format

Sergeant Jan Ruotsalainen, Rovaniemi
Multi-purpose jacket for rucksacks

Corporal Jesse Viljanen, Helsinki
LED lights for a combat simulator

Officer student Mikito Takada, Helsinki
Professional skills and innovation system

Officer student Heikki Hirvonen, Helsinki
Field spade/periscope combination

Honourable mentions were awarded to:

2nd Lieutenant Tero Sundström, Huhmari
Improvement in a blast and light alarm

Private (Airman) Esko Virkki, Vaajakoski
Storage basket

Sergeant Jan Ruotsalainen, Rovaniemi
Glow plate for installation in the keyboard of an air surveillance device

Corporal Ilkka Meriläinen, Oulu
Conscript’s cash card

NBC Defence man Juha-Pekka Perälä, Lappeenranta
Prize for activity on the basis of good entries submitted

Further details on the prize-winners:

Defence Staff, Secretary-General of the Conscript Committee Miikka Putto, tel. +358 (0)9 181 22397, mob +358 (0)40 866 9055, e-mail: vmtk-paasihteeri@mil.fi

INNOFINLAND: Project Manager Timo Suokas, tel. +358 (0)9 6939 5308, mob +358 (0)40 772 1733, e-mail: timo.suokas@prh.fi