Gelbart, who began inventing in his laboratory at his parents' home in Israel when he was just eight years old, has been recognised for his instrumental role in the move from analogue to digital pre-press.

Gelbart co-founded Creo in 1984, where he developed award-winning technology such as the light valve thermal imaging system and the thermal imaging head.

In total, Gelbart holds more than 100 patents, most of which relate to printing, from thermal imaging and multi-channel heads to direct-to-press, flexography and plate handling.

Ipex 2010 event director Trevor Crawford said: "We are delighted to honour Dan Gelbart for his exceptional contributions to the printing industry.

"We have been overwhelmed by the interest in the Champions in Print initiative and look forward to welcoming them to Ipex 2010."

Gelbart added: "I am honoured, surprised and delighted by this award. Honoured by seeing the names of prior recipients, but mainly surprised as I retired from printing more than three years ago.

"I guess in an industry with more than 500 years of tradition, being away for a few years is not an issue. Printing is an amazing combination of art and science and I still catch myself checking print quality on every magazine or book I'm reading.

"As in many other mature industries, there is a surprising amount of innovation happening, as this Ipex 2010 demonstrates."

All Ipex Champions will be invited to and officially honoured during the show's opening ceremony, which will take place on Tuesday, 18th May at 11.30am in The Atrium at The NEC.