The 10th annual Knowledge Industry Recognition and Achievement Awards (KIRA) ceremony and gala are set for May 1 at the Delta Fredericton Hotel and nominations for the event are open.

The ceremonies will recognize and celebrate New Brunswick's excellence in the knowledge industry through awards for Export Product, Export Service, Technological Advancement/Innovation Private Sector, Technological Advancement/Innovation Public Sector, Employment Growth, Most Promising Start-Up and Industry Person of the Year.

"The KIRA Awards represent a vibrant industry with a unique spirit and entrepreneurial character that New Brunswickers possess," said KIRA 2008 co-chairwoman Heather-Anne MacLean.

"It is the one event where industry members, their partners, academia and government gather together to not only celebrate, but to network and foster new ideas.

"It is particularly pleasing to know that New Brunswick solutions continue to be some of the best, if not the best, in the world," added co-chairwoman Lori MacMullen.

"As New Brunswickers we have a lot to be proud of, and the night of the KIRA Awards is a night when we get to showcase our talents and really shine."

The selection committee is a panel of experts brought together by Enterprise Fredericton. Members are unknown to the organizing committee.

The committee will select the top three candidates from each of the award categories. The three finalists in each award category will be announced during the week of April 14-18.

To nominate a person or business, provide the name of the company or individual as well as contact information for the nominee, the category of nomination and detailed reasons for the nomination.

Six copies of the nomination, accompanied by a digital copy of the company's logo and a short company biography, must be submitted no later than March 28 by fax at 444-4649 or www.enterprisefredericton.ca.

They can also be mailed to Enterprise Fredericton, c/o KIRA Awards, 570 Queen St., Fredericton, E3B 6Z6.