The products, selected by the Design Council, range from Foster & Partner’s International Passenger Terminal for the new Hong Kong airport to the Ford Focus.

‘All these products, produced within the last five years of this millennium, show how Britain is preparing for the new millennium, in an exceptionally creative and innovative way,’ said Mr Byers.

‘I am delighted to announce this latest tranche from the Design Council. These products vary. Some have earned millions of pounds for UK companies, others provide solutions to world problems like land mines. It is a truly varied list which reflects the talent and innovation in Britain.’

This is the third tranche of Millennium Products to have been announced since the initiative was launched by Prime Minister Tony Blair in September 1997 and brings the total number selected so far to 634.

Other innovative products from this tranche include:

• DERA’s FireAnt mine clearance system, which ‘burns out’ landmines without exploding them;
• Ozone, a newly-shaped, more hygienic toothbrush;
• the pharmaceutical product, Viagra;
• BioAcoustic Fish Fence, a ‘sonic’ barrier which blocks fish from turbines and other underwater obstacles;
• Firespy, JCB’s robotic firefighting vehicle.

Computer and communications products include Digital Projection Power Displays, used at the Oscars and by George Lucas for presenting new Star Wars previews in London. There is also Hairnet, a computer and internet training service for the over 50s.

Environmental products include the Co-operative Bank’s biodegradeable Greenpeace Card and a new pollution monitor, the Learian Streetbox, which is far smaller and cheaper than existing models and can broadcast its results to a city centre HQ.

New safety products include an anti-stab vest by Highmark and Airpocket Plus, which enables evacuating passengers to ‘re-breathe’ their own air. Similar technology is used in A P Valve’s Buddy Inspiration, an aqualung system that lasts up to 100 times longer than conventional cylinders.

Medical products include Body Positive, a pioneering method of treating AIDS patients, and Saquinavir, a drug which represents a breakthrough in treatment of the syndrome. There is also Tricorder, a 3D modelling system which can dramatically improve the rebuilding of human features after surgery.

Sedbergh School for Boys in Cumbria has been awarded Millennium Product status for its Max Seat, an ingenious water ski system for wheelchair users, and the Day Chocolate Company has been recognised for its Divine chocolate, which shares profits with African farmers.

Other products include a Waterless Urinal to be used at the Millennium Dome and Heathrow Airport, the Amazon Aquacharger, which uses river current to generate electricity and charge batteries, a Holographic Cloth to prevent forgery of designer labels, and the Sustrans Cycle Route Maps.

Every Millennium Product will be given the opportunity to be featured at the Millennium Experience in Greenwich. Others will form special installations in a number of the Dome’s zones.