3M Honored for Its Technology Innovations at 2017 Edison Awards

The global award recognizes two inventive products from 3M Food Safety and 3M Oral Care

ST. PAUL, Minn.--()--In 1902, Thomas Edison was still an avid inventor. His ingenuity and scientific pursuits resulted in technologies that would impact the everyday living for millions of people. Also in 1902 was the inception of 3M, which ever since has applied science to life with Edison’s same determination as a way to improve the daily lives of its consumers. 3M today announced that two of its most innovative and advanced technologies have been selected to receive a 2017 Edison Award — a global recognition honoring innovators that create a positive impact in the world. The 3M™ Molecular Detection Assay 2 from 3M Food Safety received a Gold and 3M™ Mobile True Definition Scanner from 3M Oral Care received a Bronze Edison Award in the Diagnostic Tools category.

Category finalists were judged by a panel of more than 3,000 senior business executives and academics in the fields of product development, design, engineering, science and medicine. Winners were chosen for their excellence in concept, value, delivery and impact.

Gold Award-Winning 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2
The 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 platform is the next generation of tests for 3M’s previously Edison-awarded 3M™ Molecular Detection System. Powered by Isothermal DNA Amplification and Bioluminescence Detection, the technology makes molecular detection of foodborne pathogens simpler and faster, providing food manufacturers never-before-available speed and ease in identifying Salmonella, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli O157 (including H7) in food or environment-collected samples, and Cronobacter for powdered infant formula. It uses a single assay protocol for all pathogens, enabling batch processing of up to 96 different samples at once and improving efficiency in the laboratory. Enhanced with a proprietary 3M nanotechnology, the test gives processors a streamlined workflow that simplifies their pathogen detection, enabling same- or next-day results and faster, more confident food safety decisions. Comparative research shows that the 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 - Salmonella, for example, will process a batch of 96 samples 1.7 times faster than the closest competitive technology.

“At 3M, we work to enhance food safety by offering transformational technology that protects the health of consumers while optimizing productivity, and protecting the brands of our customers,” said Polly Foss, vice president and general manager for 3M Food Safety. “Therefore, we are especially proud to receive this honor as it showcases our commitment to innovative solutions that bring about safety and quality in our food supply.”

Bronze Award-Winning 3M Mobile True Definition Scanner
The 3M Mobile True Definition Scanner from 3M Oral Care is a one-of-a-kind tablet-based intraoral scanner. The ergonomic, handheld technology is similar to tablets patients and clinicians use in everyday life, and gives clinicians the freedom to move within their facilities while carrying the scanner with them. It offers more space for the clinician and assistant to maneuver. Also, the device can be placed directly into the hands or lap of a patient for informed discussion and patient communication, providing cutting-edge visualization of the patient’s oral anatomy for a better understanding of treatment.

“It is an honor to receive an Edison Award for our innovative approach to oral care and commitment to bringing digital advancement to the industry,” said James Ingebrand, president and general manager for 3M Oral Care. “Positively impacting both the ability of clinicians to provide quality treatment and the oral health of patients is what is most important to the work we are doing at 3M, and we appreciate being recognized for that commitment to the oral care industry.”

About the Edison Awards
The Edison Awards is a program conducted by Edison Universe, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to fostering future innovators. The Edison Awards have been recognizing and honoring the best innovations and innovators since 1987. For more information about the Edison Awards, please visit http://www.edisonawards.com.

About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $30 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter at @3M or @3MNewsroom.

Contacts

3M Food Safety
Aaron Berstler, 651-789-1264
Kohnstamm Communications
aaron@kohnstamm.com
or
3M Oral Care
Michael Gugala, 612-342-9604
Karwoski & Courage Public Relations
michael.gugala@creativepr.com

Contacts

3M Food Safety
Aaron Berstler, 651-789-1264
Kohnstamm Communications
aaron@kohnstamm.com
or
3M Oral Care
Michael Gugala, 612-342-9604
Karwoski & Courage Public Relations
michael.gugala@creativepr.com