AUGUSTA — The Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership invites Maine companies to apply for the 2012 New England Innovation Awards.

This year marks the 26th year that the Smaller Business Association of New England has sponsored the competition to identify the region’s most dynamic and innovative firms. In soliciting applications, Maine MEP announced that it would again be nominating selected Maine manufacturers for the coveted award.

Last year, one of Maine MEP’s nominees became a New England Innovation Award finalist. The firm, Biovation, LLC, a Boothbay-based biotech firm, won the award in the Rising Star category.

Established in 1986, the SBANE innovation awards recognize companies that have transformed innovative ideas into products and services that deliver value to customers. The awards are bestowed in three categories to for-profit companies headquartered in New England. The three business categories are technology, manufacturing and rising star.

The companies are judged according to criteria that include: the nature of the compelling idea or technology, the demonstrated benefit to users, its ability to address a market need or create a new market, and its marketplace success.

The nomination deadline for 2012 awards is Feb. 28. For more information about the award application process, visit the SBANE website or contact the Maine MEP at 623-0680.