Dorchester-based Precision Acoustics has been internationally recognised for its part in designing life-saving cancer-finding equipment.

The engineering company was one of three finalists in its category in the Collaborate to Innovate awards at St Bart's Brewery in London on Wednesday, 07 September.

The company, which boasts 25 years of designing and producing cutting-edge ultrasound equipment, narrowly missed a win in the Health and Wellbeing category.

The project - PIUCT (Phased Insensitive Ultrasound Computed Tomography) - is part of an Innovate UK funded collaboration with National Physical Laboratory (NPL), University Hospitals Bristol (UHB), North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), Precision Acoustics Ltd and Designworks.


Using ultrasound computed tomography (UCT), the team has developed a ground-breaking piece of equipment that intends to overcome the problems of diagnosing breast disease using conventional X-ray mammography and ultrasound scans.

The new method will be safer and lower cost than currently used screening techniques and the results should also be easier for clinicians to interpret.

The company will now be showcased along with the other finalists at the Collaborate To Innovate conference on 17 November at the state of the art Lloyds Bank Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre in Coventry. The event which will see experts explore key themes around collaboration and innovation.

Managing Director of Precision Acoustics Gary Livingstone said: "We will continue to work on this exciting and potentially life-changing piece of technology for the medical field and were honoured that it was recognised as such by being up for such a prestigious award."