Thirteen business leaders from green technology, consumer products and financial services were named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young on Friday for their companies' innovations.

"China is an important growth engine for the global economy and Ernst & Young is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs in China to become the global leaders of tomorrow," said Joe Tsang, managing partner for China North of Ernst & Young, in a press release announcing the awards in May.

Thirteen business leaders won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards in Beijing on Friday. [By Ke Wang / China.org.cn]

Innovation is the spirit of our company and it's an attitude, said technology category winner Zhou Hongyi, chairman of Qihoo 360. Through innovation, we can create our own honored brand in the world, the brand of China, he said.

Services category winner Wang Jingbo, CEO of Noah Holdings Limited, said the awards are a reflection of the importance of innovation and the role those enterprises play as a key engine behind China's rapid economic development.

Growth and innovation are closely linked, she said. "Don't leave innovation out of the company's strategy," she said. "Enterprises need to turn innovation into productive forces, otherwise your position in the market will descend."

Industrial products category winner Li Chaowang, chairman of Vinda, said innovation should be based on consumers' requirements and covers the brand, marketing channels, service and talent management.

The winners said business models, operating systems and talent management were the focus of innovation.