Generating electricity from paving slabs is just one of the ideas from firms who have made the final of an exporting competition.

The brains behind London’s brightest export innovations have been named as finalists in the UK Trade & Investment Export for Growth Prize, supported by PwC and HSBC.

The 10 finalists will compete for a chance to win business support worth up to £5,000 by presenting their big export idea to a live audience of business leaders on March 8 at One Marylebone.

The finalists were receiving a business bootcamp session today (21 February) where they were receiving advice on how to pitch their product, ready for final.

Parveen Thornhill, regional director for UKTI London, said: "The standard of entries was excellent. It has been extremely difficult to narrow the entrants down to 10 finalists and the quality and innovation of the ideas demonstrates what we already knew - London is a hotbed of talent and innovation.

"Exporting is crucial for firms to sustain their business and grow during the economic downturn. This competition should help propel some of our finest firms into new markets and we urge London companies to take advantage of the support and opportunities out there."

Simon O'Brien, partner at PwC, said: "The fact that the competition has attracted such a high level of entries demonstrates that there are many good SMEs looking to boost their export sales and non-exporters to enter overseas markets for the first time.

"Our prize package encompasses the best assistance we have to offer, including mentoring and advice from expert partners, and we are really looking forward to working with the winner."

Brian Weare, deputy regional commercial director, London HSBC, said: "Exporting is vital to the UK economy so we are dedicated to helping businesses realise their international potential and were pleased to see such an excellent standard of entries. Our prize package of dedicated trade expert support, knowledge, and insight at an International Trade Day will help propel businesses into new export markets."

The 10 firms will pitch their exporting idea to a panel of distinguished judges, including successful London exporters. The day will include a welcome by successful entrepreneur Sir Eric Peacock. The winner will be announced by Lord Green, Minister for Trade & Investment. Over 50 firms entered the competition from across London.

The finalists are: 

1. Aquatina Ltd, Camden, whose collapsible pocket-bottle provides an alternative to disposable water bottles.

2. Incognito, based in Notting Hill, who have produced a powerful natural mosquito repellent which is as effective as chemical equivalents.

3. Integrated Trackers, Greenwich, who have designed and manufactured GPS trackers for bicycles to help you locate your cycle if it’s stolen.

4. International Academy of Clinical Research Ltd, Harrow, who provide a comprehensive range of clinical research programmes. They are currently the only organisation in this field to become an accredited training provider.

5. KwikScreen, based in Barnet, who have invented a versatile portable room divider which can be used in environments such as hospitals.

6. Pavegen Systems, Camden, who have created paving slabs which generate electricity from footsteps.

7. Peppersmith of Wandsworth, who make award-winning natural, healthy and sustainable mints and chewing gum.

8. Smartstreets Ltd, Chiswick, who have created a range of environmental products including cigarette and gum litter bins.

9. Squease Ltd, based in Havering, who have developed an award-winning therapeutic garment to help people with illnesses such as Autism and Dementia, to cope with stress. The garment calms the wearer by applying firm pressure to the upper body.

10. Testplant, based in the City of London, who are supporting the software test industry in India with their test automation tool.