The General entry guidelines for 2009 were:
- The project must involve a UK company (or UK-based division of an overseas company) and at least one UK university, and can involve either ongoing or completed collaborative activity.
- The same entry can be submitted for more than one category (for example Energy and Environmental Technology). Successful finalists will be short-listed in one category at the discretion of the judges.
- Either a corporate or university partner may enter, but agreement of all parties involved in the project must be secured before entering.
- The judges will give consideration to the following areas when assessing entries:
1. Evidence of significant collaborative activity involving corporate and university partners. The entry should demonstrate that this activity adds significant value to the project in helping it meet its objectives.
2. Evidence of significant technical innovation at the heart of the project.
3. Evidence that the outcome of the project has made, or is likely to make, a significant impact in its end marketplace, or will significantly advance technological progress in its field of application.