Cambridge’s MP Daniel Zeichner visited Endomag, a Cambridge company, which is one of three finalists for this year’s Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award. The winner will be awarded a gold medal and a £50,000 cash prize at the Academy’s annual awards dinner in London next week.

The MP met Dr Eric Mayes, Chief Executive Officer of Endomag to learn more about the company’s groundbreaking system to improve the diagnosis of cancer spread in breast cancer patients. Their pioneering breast cancer diagnostic tool avoids the use of radioactive tracers in determining the spread of cancer through the lymphatic system.

Synonymous with spotting the ‘next big thing’ in the technology sector, the MacRobert Award is the UK’s longest running national prize for engineering innovation. Since 1969, the Award has identified world-changing innovations with tangible societal benefit and proven commercial success.

Many previous winning technologies are now ubiquitous in modern medicine, transport and technology. The very first award in 1969 went to the Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine, used in the iconic Harrier jets, and in 1972 the judges recognised the extraordinary potential of the first CT scanner -; seven years before its inventor Sir Godfrey Hounsfield received the Nobel Prize.

Dr Eric Mayes, Chief Executive Officer of Endomag, said: “Endomag is extremely honoured by this recognition, both for the hard work of our founding team and how we have since translated this engineering innovation to meet the needs of so many patients.”

Daniel Zeichner MP who has recently been appointed to the Commons Science and Technology Select Committee said: “Once again Cambridge is leading the way in medical and scientific advances. I am delighted that such a dynamic company is getting this national recognition. As local MP I’m proud to champion engineering which improves everyday life and is key to our future prosperity.”