The Award is the first ever to be given for software. Commenting on the award, Managing Director, Chris King said "I am delighted to see this recognition of the quality and impact of the FLUENT CFD software. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is the UK's premier Mechanical Engineering forum. That they should have made the first such award for a software product to FLUENT is very special. In doing so they are recognising the contribution that the efforts of all sections of the Fluent organization have made to the establishment of CFD as an important engineering tool in so many industries."

Only two or three awards are given out annually from the IMechE. The criteria are strict and applicants must demonstrate industrial innovation and have made a significant contribution to mechanical engineering. Recent awards have been presented to organisations such as Rolls Royce, Eurostar and The Channel Tunnel.

Fluent's nomination for the award was supported by John Slater, Chairman of the Yorkshire Region of the IMechE, who adds "I was very happy to nominate the FLUENT software for the Heritage Award, it is a leading edge code that has inspired engineering students and commercial users for over a decade. It is a well deserved honor for the company and for South Yorkshire."