Archives: Insights

Business advancement with AI made possible through KTP

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are transforming the way we live and work and driving real changes in every sector and industry.

Pioneering, legally-grounded AI models have been developed by researchers at the University of Liverpool and are now being used in a specialist law firm, thanks to two KTP associates who developed the project with continuous support from academics at the university.

For the law firm, ”KTP was the perfect marriage”; for the university, KTP enabled this close collaboration, guaranteeing successful delivery of the project and saving the law firm millions of pounds.

Read more about this successful partnership in the Guardian article here.

Stories from Women in KTP: the Power of Collaboration

From footwear to cell culture, kit homes to biotech, we hear from women leading innovation-focussed businesses about how a highly successful academic collaboration model helped transform their operations.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are unique collaborative partnerships between businesses and specialist academics, working together to drive innovation. They’re a highly successful formula, and since 1975 have helped around 14,000 businesses to innovate for growth. Every year, approximately 800 businesses engage in KTP and that number looks set to grow.

Close collaboration between these two sectors seems like an obvious fit: a business needs fresh thinking and deep expertise to realise future-focussed innovation; academia is constantly pushing knowledge boundaries and developing new technologies. Together, via a KTP, they can achieve real impact.

But, despite its obvious success many businesses are not familiar with this Innovate UK programme. A host of KTP events around the UK over the next few weeks looks set to change that (find your nearest one here). And, to coincide with International Women’s Day, we hear from women business leaders engaged in KTP (this is our second blog – hear from more Women in KTP here).

First we hear from Chirine Riachy, Head of Data Science, at Charles Clinkard, a large, UK-based footwear retailer established 1924. It has since grown from one store in Middlesbrough into multiple online selling channels and physical stores spread throughout the UK.

“As a result [of growth], optimising the levels of stock…while retaining existing customers became pivotal to withstand a shift in consumer behaviour and a tough economic climate. The KTP project aimed to change Charles Clinkard’s business model to a data science advantaged enterprise by enabling more data-led decision-making and exploiting machine learning, particularly in the areas of stock control and marketing. This would lead to increased profitability as a result of streamlined business processes and increased sales.

A KTP was necessary for this innovation given its multifaceted aspects, technical challenges, cultural change requirements, and novelty to a well-established family business. The project concluded with a permanent data science division being created within the company.

KTP projects pave the way for businesses who want to exploit the latest advancements but do not have the expertise or confidence to do so.”

Chirine Riachy, Head of Data Science, Charles Clinkard

KTP is a highly flexible model, working across all industry sectors and for businesses of all sizes. Next we hear from Liz Jenkinson, Chief Executive of Biocleave a biotech company specialising in innovation in recombinant protein expression for customers researching in the areas of malaria, neglected tropical diseases, and cancer, for example.

“At Biocleave we are experts in the production of research proteins and other bio-molecules using non-pathogenic clostridia as our host microbe. Previously we had completed some small R&D projects with Dr Alan Goddard from Aston University….

The KTP came about as Biocleave identified that some recombinant proteins … seemed to be associating with the cell membrane. To exploit this feature commercially we needed to access the expertise of the Aston Centre for Membrane Proteins and Lipids (AMPL) team [who have] a specialist skill set we did not have internally.

I would definitely recommend KTP to other businesses; we’ve been able to make progress much more quickly by…connecting the technology elements from Biocleave and AMPL to advance our understanding and immediately apply the results to a commercial setting.

60% of all pharmaceutical drugs, including the top 10 best selling prescription drugs, target membrane bound proteins; so this is… an attractive market area to expand into.”

In a very different sector, KTP has been used to help North of Scotland-based timber kit home manufacturer, Norscot, to diversify its offering and address new markets.

Product Development Manager, Carla Resendez, takes up the story: “Our KTP with Teesside University was focused on designing and implementing a community-led, user-centred design process with the aim of developing affordable, modular,”smart home”; components to support the health and wellbeing needs of an ageing population.

Norscot had a challenge that required diversifying its offer to reach new markets, and the KTP provided the right mechanism for this as it allowed for the transfer of research methodologies into our product development processes with a human-centred approach.

During the KTP, we were able to bring the project from idea to launch, reaching initial commercial opportunities before the end of the project; it also provided the basis to set up a new section of the company focused on product development.

The words that sum up KTP for me? Growth, collaboration and ambition. And, based on my experience, I would recommend that companies of any size looking to innovate should consider KTPs as a must.”

And finally, Jenny Murray, CEO and founder of Life Sciences Group (LSG) gives us some of her KTP insights.

“Our KTP proposed the development of new defined serum-free media for cell culture and storage to replace undefined media containing animal-serum… The KTP gave us the opportunity to work with an experienced and talented team at Coventry University… and with equipment that we otherwise would not have been able to access…. The success of the KTP has led to the development of a new and potentially disruptive product; and allowed the business to meet the strategic aim of entering the market to supply animal-free media and reagents to the Cell and Gene Therapy field.

The strong relationship with the University has led to skills and knowledge being embedded within the business, allowing LSG to… further develop staff..and also look to the research and development of further products. The whole process was extremely collaborative and the outputs from this project will have a lasting impact on the success of the business.”

Do you think KTP could help your business innovate for growth? Find out more about KTP by visiting one of the many KTP events running over the next few weeks – a listing of them is here.

Or explore the KTP website for more information on how KTP could transform your business.

Stories from Women in KTP: celebrating International Women’s Day

The power of collaboration: in the first of our mini series, we hear from leading business women about how they used a highly successful academic partnership model (KTP) to accelerate innovation and create significant commercial impact.

Realising opportunities to innovate new products and services, improve existing ones, increase productivity, enhance management effectiveness – these are key to business leaders’ strategic thinking.

Since 1975, around 14,000 UK businesses have discovered a powerful tool to help them do precisely this: Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs). Matching a business with one of the UK’s world class knowledge bases (university, research organisation or catapult), KTPs create a collaborative team that works together to deliver a strategic innovation project. From life sciences to construction, transport to the third sector, KTP transforms organisations of all sizes right across the economy and right across the UK.

In the first of a short KTP series around International Womens’ Day, and to coincide with a wide range of KTP events over the coming weeks (find one near you here), we hear from three leading business women about how this Innovate UK programme supported their organisations to innovate for growth.

First we hear from Sarah Ferguson, Managing Director of The Algorithm People. Optimize, by the Algorithm People, are specialists in fleet and freight transport optimisation, decarbonisation and transformation, using powerful artificial intelligence.

“The objective of our KTP [with Teesside University] was to develop a new route optimisation framework to facilitate a new concept of mobile storage hubs (vans, lorries, cars etc). Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms have been developed to optimise the development of storage hubs based on historic data. 

Our KTP project has resulted in the development of AI based algorithms and our company pioneering innovation in the sector.

Commercially, the success of the project has enabled us to accelerate our plans for growth. With the development of the technology in progress with the project, we were able to bring forward the most recent investment round of £2.2m funding. The potential provided by the new technology has enabled us to secure new contracts resulting in triple digit growth and increased valuation.

KTP has enabled us to bring our research in house to maintain and build on our agile innovation strategy. It ensures we continue leading the charge in our sector with cutting edge technology and the continual development of new IP.

Joining the dots through a true collaboration is exciting and an exceptional way to make innovative ideas a reality”.

Operating in a very different sector is Charlotte Hale, Operations Director, Sevenoaks Modular, a rapidly expanding timber frame and modular manufacturer based in South Wales.

“Our experience with KTP has been really positive and the impact on the business has been huge. Via the KTP we have had access to the specialist knowledge and expertise at Cardiff Met Uni which has been invaluable.

As with all KTPs, the project is overseen by a KTP Associate who acts as the link between the business and the academic team. In our case we had two Associates and both have been exceptional (the last one is now a permanent employee and continuing to make a fantastic contribution to the business).

The KTP allowed us to really fast-track our innovation ideas, allowing us to develop more sustainable solutions which is a core value at Sevenoaks but the KTP didn’t just allow us to achieve our innovation goals more quickly: it’s also about the quality of the innovation, which happens thanks to the access to specialist expertise. The partnership framework requires that there is a clear action plan; and the Knowledge Transfer Adviser from Innovate UK-KTN also makes sure that there is a constant level of challenge and rigour to ensure the very best outcome for the project”.

And finally in this blog, we hear from Lucy Jones, VP Clinical at Oviva, an NHS provider that delivers digitally-enabled programmes to help make lasting healthy changes through support and education.

“Oviva aims to transform the effectiveness and efficiency of its digitally enabled weight management and diabetes prevention programmes by incorporating novel techniques which will transform behaviour change for patients.

Our KTP with City University not only provides project management and skilled resources…but the support of the University academic supervisor makes it as current and evidence-based as possible. A KTP was one of the only ways to achieve this – the KTP collaboration (which, incidentally, is entirely led by women on both the academic and business sides!) has given us an excellent member of the team to drive forward innovation; and also the collaboration with best in class academics to partner with and learn from. It has the power to be truly transformational in a single project.

Whilst it is still early days, we are already seeing great changes for our patients in terms of personalisation of their clinical journeys according to behaviour change research through tools, podcasts etc. All of this will drive better engagement, leading to better clinical outcomes. This means better health for them in the short term, and then less complications long term, resulting in less pressures on the NHS. I would absolutely recommend KTPs.

Do you think KTP could help your business innovate for growth? Find out more about KTP by visiting one of the many KTP events running throughout the UK during March – a listing of them is here.

Or explore the KTP website for more information on how KTP could transform your business.

Collaboration drives innovation – discover more about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Innovation is the beating heart of progressive, successful companies; so making it happen is key.

 

That’s why thousands of businesses – big and small, all around the UK – use a powerful innovation engine to effect dramatic positive change: Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs).

These are dynamic collaborations between a business and one of the UK’s world class knowledge bases (Universities, Research organisations, Catapults) and they’re all about making strategic innovation happen.

As a host of universities “go live” with a series of KTP Events all around the UK over the next few weeks, we talk to Knowledge Transfer Adviser, Sharon Perry, about what makes these partnerships so special. She’s one of a team of KTP specialists at Innovate UK KTN – a delivery partner of the programme for Innovate UK.

“All businesses recognise the constant need to innovate, whether that’s to improve their systems and processes or to design new products and services. But often they don’t have the full knowledge within their own teams to do this effectively.

“KTPs work by matching a business to a knowledge base with the right expertise for the specified business goal. A well qualified associate (a graduate or postgraduate) is employed to run the partnership project, which enables the expertise to be embedded within the business. By setting up a collaborative partnership with a research base team, businesses benefit from being able to apply deep knowledge and fresh thinking to their innovation challenges. Not only do they achieve innovation impact and a lasting culture of innovation, but there are often societal and environmental benefits too. The KTP project often concludes with the business employing the KTP associate to help them continue on their innovation journey.

“The success of these partnerships speak for themselves: the programme has been running for nearly 50 years and thousands of businesses, in all sectors of the economy, and including the third sector, have been positively transformed as a result of engaging in a KTP.

“Right now, over 800 businesses are engaged in the programme, giving them exceptional access to expertise and facilities within universities, research organisations and catapults. Alongside this, the same number of associates get the opportunity to apply their knowledge to a real world problem and elevate their career prospects. 75% of Associates are offered employment by the host business at the end of their KTP project.

“This is a busy time for KTP. Over the next few weeks, many of our knowledge base partners are running events where you can discover more about how these dynamic partnerships work, and how they could revolutionise your business. You’ll probably find a Knowledge Transfer Adviser, like me, there too. There are over 30 of us based throughout the UK and we’re here to support you at every step, from establishing whether KTP is right for your business, through to evaluating its impact.”

Find a KTP event near you here. Find out more about KTP here.

And the Winners are…

Thank you to all who joined us both online and in Liverpool for a dazzling ceremony at St. George’s Hall. Joined by our fantastic host, Suzannah Lipscomb, we witnessed the inspiring work from KTP projects and departments across the UK. 

With additional awards up for grabs at this year’s ceremony, we were treated to even more stories from across the KTP community. From Technical Excellence Award, Changing the World Award and Best Knowledge Transfer Partnership, each finalist and winner highlighted the best of KTP. 

For each of the finalists and winners, you should all be delighted with your hard work. Read on below outlining our winners for the Innovate UK KTP Awards 2022. 

If you missed the awards show, you can catch up here. 

Best Knowledge Transfer Partnership Award

The Best Knowledge Transfer Partnership Award recognises teams who demonstrate exceptional achievements across all three Partners: Business; Academic; and Associate.

The winners of this award were Cirdan Imaging, Queen’s University Belfast and Jonathan Armstrong who delivered a project to enhance pathology medical device products with clinical expert intelligence derived from an embedded deep learning system. 

The key objectives of the project were to develop and integrate an AI model, for the detection of calcification in mammograms, and to develop an AI model for tumour detection in colon polyp whole slide images.

To learn more about this project and the other finalists, check out our blog detailing their nominations. 

Technical Excellence Award

The Technical Excellence Award recognises partnerships which demonstrate excellence in the application of science, technology, engineering or maths.

The winning project was a KTP between South West Water (SWW), University of Exeter and Joshua Myrans.

The KTP aimed to develop and apply image processing and machine learning methods to automatically detect structural and serviceability faults in sewer pipes using standard CCTV surveys, and use this to develop a novel fault detection software. This fault detection technology would increase the reliability of the sewer network, helping SWW to proactively and effectively manage blockages, collapses and related issues. 

To learn more about the finalists, check out our blog detailing their nominations. 

Business Impact and Transformation Award

Finalists for this award have demonstrated a transformative commercial outlook and accessing academic knowledge to deepen expertise, companies are able to expand their commercial capabilities and exploit market opportunities.  

The winning project was SC Group-Global Limited, University of Exeter and Matthew Harvey for their work on an All-Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP) hybrid drive vehicle. 

The project developed the expertise required for the propulsion, control and associated ancillary systems for a ‘go anywhere’ high mobility vehicle, for use in hazardous environments, including the defence and emergency services sector.

To learn more about the finalists, check out our blog detailing their nominations. 

Changing the World Award

The Changing The World Award recognises teams who have delivered a societal, social, or environmental impact.

The winners for this particular award were Network 2 Supplies (N2S), Coventry University and Mahsa Baniasadi for their project to develop an in-house bioleaching-based capability using bacteria for the recovery of precious metals from e-waste. This allowed the company to recover precious metals in-house, whilst preserving the environment and preventing health-related issues.

To learn more about the finalists, check out our blog detailing their nominations. 

Best Knowledge Base KTP Support Team

The Best Knowledge Base KTP Support Team Award recognises a team that has influenced and supported sustained high-quality performance in KTP.

The winners were the University of the West of Scotland with Stuart Mckay as the KTP Officer. 

The KTP Centre at UWS currently comprises five staff, providing both pre and post-award support to UWS academics, KTP Associates and business partners across the UK and overseas. As a comparatively small University with around 600 academic staff, UWS punch well above their weight in the UK league table for KTP, and it’s because of this we want to recognise their invaluable contribution to the programme by nominating them for this award. 

To learn more about the finalists, check out our blog detailing their nominations. 

KTP Academic of the Year

This award recognises the outstanding contribution made to KTP by a member of academic staff and the role that they have had in influencing the uptake of KTP throughout their institution.

The winner of the KTP Academic of the year was Dr Faiyaz Doctor from the University of Essex. The project attributed to Dr Faiyaz was with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to develop a transformative data-driven simulation and deep machine learning capabilities for improving efficiencies in MSC’s shipping and haulage supply chain network in the face of global issues around demand, congestion and space limitations at ports.

To learn more about the finalists, check out our blog detailing their nominations. 

Future Leaders

The Future Leaders Award is for selected Associates who have shown exceptional skills, above and beyond the normal expectations of a KTP Associate, in driving and delivering innovation strategy; demonstrating great teamwork and outstanding leadership potential.

Catherine Campbell
Acheson & Glover Ltd
Queen’s University Belfast

Catherine joined a KTP between Acheson and Queen’s University Belfast which set out to develop a new range of concrete paving stones using surface treatments and additives to improve their performance. They aimed to reduce the tendency of these sites to become urban heat islands whilst also improving their appearance.

Harsh Shah
East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)
De Montfort University

The aim of the project was to develop a Regional Business Research & Intelligence unit to address economic competitiveness. Harsh demonstrated great skill in designing and creating the business model and the operational tasks needed and went on to showcase his strong leadership skills. The result is a new service of great value to the Region and impact for both the Chamber and its members. 

Matthew Holland
Innverva, Shapemaster Global Ltd 
Manchester Metropolitan University

Shapemaster design, manufacture, and sell power-assisted exercise equipment to the leisure and rehabilitation sectors in the UK and Scandinavia. By collaborating with Manchester Metropolitan University, they hoped to embed new-to-company design and modelling capabilities to facilitate the development of new-to-market products, driving significant sales growth in leisure and rehabilitation markets.

Tania Farhat
AV Unibrak
The University of Manchester

The KTP project which saw collaboration with The University of Manchester designed, developed and embedded an Industry 4.0-inspired data-driven business model and management information systems that will support the company’s strategic vision of expansion.

Relive the KTP Awards by streaming it here. 

 

Future Leaders pt. 2

In the second part of the Future Leaders finalists blog, we take a look at selected Associates who have shown exceptional skills, above and beyond the normal expectations of a KTP Associate, in driving and delivering innovation strategy; demonstrating great teamwork and outstanding leadership potential.

Lulu Qu,
Judge Sampson, University of Brighton

Lulu acted as an Associate during a KTP between the University of Brighton and the leading importer and producer of tourist products – Judge Sampson. 

The project aimed to implement cutting-edge digital transformation of marketing approaches, and redevelop new business processes that increase productivity, brand recognition and market share. The KTP hoped to attract new design clients, whilst maintaining flexible product customisation for customers.

Lulu was instrumental in directing and influencing the activities of the whole organisation, including implementing new management techniques among the senior leadership team to help keep priorities on track. This included instilling a no-blame culture and turning challenges into growth opportunities, revolutionising how the family business has operated from a process point of view. 

 

Matthew Ellison,
Arktis Endurance Textiles, University of Lincoln

In collaboration with the University of Lincoln, Arktis Endurance Textiles sought to enhance the understanding of load carriage and utilise scientific knowledge to modify designs to reduce musculoskeletal injuries. This KTP aimed to bring scientific principles and biomechanical analysis techniques to enhance the research and development process for police, military and outdoor load-bearing equipment. 

Despite the UK going into its first national lockdown on Matthew‘s first day, the first year of the KTP Workplan was completed within 9-months – a testament to Matthew’s hard work, perseverance and incredible skill set. His ability to communicate and work as part of a team has allowed him to exceed expectations from the beginning.

Within the first 9 months, the team captured motion data to quantify how operational police equipment alters running mechanics. Matthew worked tirelessly to analyse a vast dataset, and identify where vest fit potentially altered running mechanics linked with injury. Matthew led the writing of a patent for the new design, liaising with the patent attorney and only reaching out to the supervisory team to double-check his approach.

Matthew Holland,
Shapemaster, Manchester Metropolitan University

Shapemaster design, manufacture, and sell power-assisted exercise equipment to the leisure and rehabilitation sectors in the UK and Scandinavia. By collaborating with Manchester Metropolitan University, they hoped to embed new-to-company design and modelling capabilities to facilitate the development of new-to-market products, driving significant sales growth in leisure and rehabilitation markets.

The project was a complex, multidisciplinary challenge that required Matthew to synthesise user physiology and exercise and rehabilitation pathways to create a novel design approach that led to the development of industry-first machines. Matthew took ownership of this from day one and displayed exemplary leadership qualities throughout. 

Matthew represented the partnership at academic conferences, where his poster submission won an award and enhanced his, Shapemaster’s, and MMU’s reputation for innovation and impact on the international stage.

Matt Maufe,
Filament AI, University of Warwick

Filament’s collaboration with the University of Warwick aimed to build an intelligent question-answering system (chatbot) using Natural Language Processing. The system ingests a set of text documents and answers user questions, posed in natural language, benefitting clients in a variety of industries.

Matt had a strong positive impact on cohesion and process improvement within the data science team at Filament, having quickly built rapport and become a trusted advisor and mentor. Matt has a natural talent for engaging and building relationships with stakeholders outside his immediate team, which provided vital guidance and direction for the project in recent weeks.

During his short time with Filament so far, Matt has proven himself to be a very capable and dependable member of the team, able to combine his software engineering acumen and innate curiosity with a natural set of interpersonal and time management skills that put him firmly on a steep trajectory towards becoming a future technology leader.

Max Nentwich,
Cambridge Vacuum Engineering, Cranfield University

Laser welding of metallic components using high-powered discs and fibre lasers has become commonplace in the automotive and aerospace manufacturing industries. Laser welding gives very low heat input into a part compared with other welding techniques.

Cambridge Vacuum Engineering, in partnership with Cranfield University, sought to embed novel technical capabilities to commercialise innovative world-leading welding technology. The objectives of this KTP are to understand the key process fundamentals during the melting of metals in a vacuum and the effect of pressure on the stability of liquid metal, weld vapour generation and final joint quality.

Max understood the state of the market in power beam welding with little guidance. His reporting, along with his effective scientific testing methods, has enabled him to establish machine specifications and sales opportunities very early on. Upon finding a solution to a problem, Max is flawless in reporting and presenting the information to less scientifically experienced peers.

Max displays exceptional abilities in areas such as analysing a process to understand the fundamental physics and understanding market opportunities. He successfully took leadership in developing a solution to a problem whilst considering all of the wider factors that affect integrating a technical development from the laboratory onto a mass-production industrial machine.

Nour Rteil,
Techbuyer, University of East London

Techbuyer is a sustainable IT hardware solutions provider that specialises in product life extension for servers, storage and networking. It has an IT Asset Disposition division, which provides secure, environmentally friendly services for the removal and treatment of redundant ICT.

In collaboration with the University of East London and programming and research expert, Nour, this KTP aimed to create and embed sophisticated data centre modelling capabilities focused on driving the circular economy and the green environment agenda.

With a singular ability to carry out the highly technical front line, innovative research, direct research questions and methodology and finally report these in an easily digestible manner, Nour shows all the qualities of a top rate Head of Research. 

Qiong Bu,
Fitfactory Innovations Ltd, University of Liverpool

Qiong (also known as Amber Bu) worked on a KTP with Fitfactory Innovations Ltd. and the University of Liverpool. Fitfactory delivers supply chain management software for manufacturing companies to improve cost, delivery and quality by collaborating with their customers and suppliers. 

The objective of the KTP was the development of a secure digital platform for sharing and trading business intelligence using distributed ledger (blockchain) and privacy-preserving data processing technologies. 

Amber demonstrated an extraordinary ability to apply technologies to business settings, showing strong teamwork and leadership skills. This included leading company participation in the EFPF European-wide consortium for developing a digital European Connected Factory Platform for Agile Manufacturing. 

Amber showed a keen interest in working with students. She proposed and supervised an MSc group project at the University of Liverpool which was focused on exploring the areas directly relevant to the KTP. Amber was also awarded the Outstanding Employee Award by the company last year in reflection of her excellent contribution to Fitfactory Innovations.

Sara Bru Garcia,
The Together Agency, University of Nottingham

Dr Sara Bru Garcia joined a KTP with the University of Nottingham and The Together Agency. Together is a creative marketing agency based in Nottingham, providing services in digital, social media, brand and packaging design.

The KTP aimed to create and embed methodologies to provide behavioural psychology insights to the enhancement of the agency’s reputation, development of the communication/brand strategy and shape client campaigns and projects.

Sara was successful in applying these methodologies to a sophisticated model of behaviour change that synthesizes different psychological barriers (and ways to overcome them) and applied them to the company processes within the Together Agency. To embed this complex model into the Agency, Sara trained professionals new to behavioural science on how to use the models and approach clients’ briefs from a behavioural perspective, which posed several operational and cultural challenges within the company.

The result was a shift in the way Together Agency staff approach projects, including consideration of how behavioural science could impact the work from the early stages.

Sara also increased collaboration with academic groups, including a collaboration between the School of Psychology, the School of English, the Together Agency and Healthcare Research Worldwide. This resulted in an academic publication on the process of bringing together science and creative marketing and communications.

Sneha Parajuli,
SDG Construction Ltd, Queen’s University Belfast

This KTP between SDG, Queen’s University Belfast and Sneha as the Associate, aimed to develop a more strategic and proactive approach to understanding, managing, and engaging with customers and other key stakeholders within their supply chain. 

The KTP strove to restructure the business in an ambitious way. Notably, to improve accountability and create a culture of innovation, to identify opportunities to utilise data to drive activity and provide insights from data. 

Sneha’s role was a significant success possessing key leadership skills that drove the project and the company forward. Despite challenges during the Covid lockdown, Sneha quickly earned a reputation for being analytical, detailed, tenacious, innovative/disruptive, a completer, and a team player. She quickly achieved buy-in from the team by spotting inefficiencies and creating new processes. Additionally, the creation of an innovative knowledge hub, known as ‘SDG Academy’ reflected her commitment to going above and beyond for the KTP. 

Tania Farhat,
AV Unibrak, The University of Manchester

AV Unibrak is one of the UK’s largest independent ventilation companies, which has been providing ventilation solutions for over 20 years.

The KTP project which saw collaboration with The University of Manchester designed, developed and embedded an Industry 4.0-inspired data-driven business model and management information systems that will support the company’s strategic vision of expansion.

Tania demonstrated expertise in operational design, digital systems and change management which combined improved the business performance long term. Tania’s ability to take employees on a journey of change is exemplary.

Register for the KTP Awards 2022

The KTP Awards recognise the people and partnerships behind the UK’s most inspiring and successful KTP projects. Highlighting these outstanding partnerships is just the tip of the iceberg, with more than 800 inspiring collaborations currently happening across the country.

If you want to attend the awards virtually or apply to join us in person, you can register here.

Future Leaders pt.1

Once again, at the Innovate UK KTP Awards, we will be celebrating The Future Leaders Award, for selected Associates who have shown exceptional skills, above and beyond the normal expectations of a KTP Associate, in driving and delivering innovation strategy; demonstrating great teamwork and outstanding leadership potential.

In this first blog post, see who is in contention for this award at the Innovate UK KTP Awards, happening in Liverpool on 12th October (register here). Stay tuned for the second part of this blog to be posted tomorrow. 

Beth Wilson,
Harris Tweed Hebrides, Robert Gordon University

During Covid 19 lockdown, Beth Wilson moved to the isles of Lewis and Harris to embark on a KTP to explore new product developments and new international markets. The KTP’s aim was to provide year-round and sustainable business demand for Harris Tweed Hebrides and the home weaver industry.

In collaboration with Robert Gordon University, Beth developed a first-of-its-kind range of natural, undyed yarns within the Harris Tweed industry. Additionally, Beth identified a significant research gap in the global wool industry with regard to the composability of dyed wool.

Not only did Beth’s design skills significantly reduce design lead time and environmental impact, but her input as a sustainability champion also allowed the business to focus more on its sustainability plans with Beth leading a cross-department working group to implement changes at every stage of production. 

Beth’s extensive research into product development demonstrated the long-term benefits of reducing issues around seasonality, as well as benefits to rural communities’ economy through the numerous improvements instigated across the mill site.

Calum McCormack,
Aggreko, Glasgow Caledonian University

Calum’s KTP with Glasgow Caledonian University enabled the development of an Internet of Things (IoT) device and a strategy for deploying Aggreko‘s advanced analytics suite from the cloud to the Edge, allowing sites in remote locations to benefit from their robust machine learning analytics. 

Having undertaken the anticipated project activities, Calum exceeded expectations by taking a leading role in a number of aspects of the research and development during the KTP. Not only did Calum procure hardware for testing and evaluation, towards selecting a general Edge hardware specification, but he also built, managed and improved plans and system designs for software and hardware solutions. 

Calum successfully developed software infrastructure to allow integration with existing physical assets, monitoring and analysing capabilities whilst utilising proven Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) hardware and software as much as possible to reduce overhead costs.

Catherine Campbell,
Acheson and Glover, Queen’s University Belfast

Acheson and Glover Limited is a renowned and respected designer, developer, manufacturer and distributor of best-in-class walling, paving and facing brick. They operate in commercial and domestic markets across the UK and Ireland. 

Catherine joined a KTP between Acheson and Queen’s University Belfast which set out to develop a new range of concrete paving stones using surface treatments and additives to improve their performance. They aimed to reduce the tendency of these sites to become urban heat islands whilst also improving their appearance.

Catherine brought advanced technical knowledge to the project and showed her abilities in fostering collaboration across multiple stakeholders and leading the team to the successful design of innovative new products. This new product was brought to market ahead of schedule with the critical thinking behind it so successful that Catherine was invited to present at the “4th International Conference on Bio-Based Building Materials”, alongside her findings being published in the journal “Construction Technologies and Architecture.”

In addition to these achievements, Catherine leads the Environmental section of the team, coordinating waste reduction activity and developing and driving the use of the carbon footprint calculator.

Chuan Liu,
Motor Design Limited, University of Nottingham

Chuan Liu was the Associate on a KTP with Motor Design Limited and the University of Nottingham which aimed to develop a fast and accurate modelling capability to simulate and design oil spray cooling systems for the next generation of electric traction motors. 

The project sought to transfer knowledge from real-world testing and academic research to develop practical modelling capabilities for motor design engineers.

Chuan’s hard work on this KTP led to Motor Design’s Motor-CAD capabilities, which will make it a globally leading product. Additionally, the KTP generated a new understanding of spray cooling and directly contributed to the UK’s aerospace electrical machine technology roadmaps published by the University’s Aerospace Technologies Institute. Chuan presented this work at the Motor-CAD Global Summit in 2021 and also presented a paper at IEEE- Energy Conversion Congress and Expo (ECCE) 2021.

Edward Blissitt,
Motive Offshore Group, The University of Aberdeen

Edward embarked on a KTP with the University of Aberdeen to use new data capturing and analysis techniques to digitalise both processes and equipment currently used by Motive Offshore Group. 

Throughout his placement, Edward was responsible for the creation of a wire monitoring system in terms of its design, manufacture, coding, testing and production. This system is a non-intrusive data acquisition and monitoring device, designed to be retrofitted onto existing pieces of rental fleet equipment, transforming the previously inanimate machine into a form of a data stream.

Edward became the focal point for technology and new developments within the company,  which saw the development and deployment of a new route-to-market strategy whereby all pieces of Motive rental equipment are fitted with a new system. The leadership skills Edward showed in this role resulted in Motive offering him the role of R&D Lead once the KTP project concludes. Here, he will be responsible for developing and managing the company’s new R&D department, creating new technologies and further driving change within the business.

Emmanuel I. Epelle,
ACS Clothing Limited, University of the West of Scotland

Emmanuel worked on a KTP project with ACS Clothing and the University of the West of Scotland to develop an improved, scalable and environmentally friendly means of continuous garment sanitisation using ozone technology. 

The project aimed to increase the operational efficiency of the company by embedding chemical photochemistry, microbiology and automation expertise in the development of this sanitisation system.

The work from the KTP resulted in the successfully developed design of the novel automated system, a patent for the invention, a novel PhD research proposal, and the development of a new funding proposal to Scottish Enterprise. Emmanuel is also now a registered member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). 

Harsh Shah,
East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), De Montfort University

The East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) is a non-profit, leading business organisation representing more than 4,100 businesses – small to large, local to international.  The Chamber is renowned across the region for enhancing East Midlands businesses.

The aim of the project was to develop a Regional Business Research & Intelligence unit to address economic competitiveness. Harsh demonstrated great skill in designing and creating the business model and the operational tasks needed and went on to showcase his strong leadership skills. The result is a new service of great value to the Region and impact for both the Chamber and its members. 

Harsh has been recognised for both his technical and leadership abilities through awards. After a successful application, he took part in the Alan Turing Institute’s Data Study Group resolving challenges for Siemens and Rolls-Royce and won the “Data Driven Approach” award for his enthusiasm and determination; he has also been invited to join their Data Skills Taskforce. He has also been shortlisted as a finalist for the Excellence in Innovation and Technology Award at the Generation Next Awards. 

Jacob Mitchell,
SPTS Technologies Ltd, Swansea University

Jacob joined the KTP project between SPTS Technologies and Swansea University to develop new capabilities on a completely new tool platform (Molecular Deposition System). The aim was to create an exemplary process and application-driven innovation, develop a joint demo facility, showcase SPTS tools, and embed design, fabrication and systems knowledge within SPTS.

During the project, Jacob went above and beyond by highlighting new market areas and potential customers within the medical and energy storage sectors providing significant areas of growth for the company. He also supported the development of, and

lectured on, an MSc programme for compound semiconductor technology. 

With the success of his work, the project captured the attention of SPTS’ parent company – US-based KLA. As a result, KLA wants to encourage more collaboration with universities and support a continued focus on KTPs.

Joshua Green,
James Robinson Specialty Ingredients, University of Manchester

In collaboration with the University of Manchester, Joshua aimed to develop, embed and exploit expertise and capabilities in the synthesis and design of Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence materials in order to expand James Robinson‘s product portfolio in advanced materials chemistry.

Having conducted synthetic chemistry research into new materials for OLED applications, Joshua demonstrated excellent technical expertise which led him to successfully orchestrate the coordination of academic, industrial, and funding stakeholders under challenging circumstances.

Joshua’s work as a researcher led to the writing of a patent covering highly novel materials within an incredibly crowded intellectual property space. He helped install several crucial pieces of equipment for his project and others, in the absence of engineers due to the COVID pandemic.

Juliette Farrell,
Elite Bedding Company Ltd, University of Strathclyde

The aim of this KTP was to develop knowledge and capabilities in New Product Development in retail and eCommerce at Elite Bedding Company Ltd.  The KTP aimed to embed new technologies within the core business to increase operational productivity, whilst producing an alternative income stream.

During Juliette’s KTP, she worked on product development, website development, brand development, finance, production management and sales. Juliette has shown aptitude in many skills over the last 2 years. She kept the KTP progressing by managing the

communication and ongoing work between Strathclyde University and Elite during a pandemic which required her to keep motivated and showed real drive. 

Juliette successfully managed to sell Elite’s first-ever products online (under the Poco brand) and is now applying the knowledge she has to Elite Contract Furniture giving the business a new lease of life and bringing them into the 21st century.

Without Juliette, there would be no Poco Dog Beds. Juliette single-handedly designed and brought to life the brand and products, creating all the sales channels and marketing.

Kate Turley,
Chroma Lighting, Ulster University

In collaboration with Ulster University and Chroma Lighting, Kate helped develop a computing platform to support people with dementia. This platform has the goal to sense behavioural expressions and alter environmental factors in order to reduce stress and increase overall well-being.

Kate’s self-directed, professional, manner along with her effective approach, led to the timely development of the solution; notably incorporating effective management and mitigation of the slippages/issues which typically affect complex software and hardware development projects such as this one.

Crucially, Kate effectively navigated ethical and clinical processes related to operating a trial. This is a truly multidisciplinary project which required a deep understanding of a range of domains such as software development, systems architecture, clinical studies, research governance, ethics, product design and data science. 

In all these domains, Kate exceeded the needs of the project. This project would not have progressed as well as it has done without Kate driving this forward

Register for the KTP Awards 2022

The KTP Awards recognise the people and partnerships behind the UK’s most inspiring and successful KTP projects. Highlighting these outstanding partnerships is just the tip of the iceberg, with more than 800 inspiring collaborations currently happening across the country.

If you want to attend the awards virtually or apply to join us in person, you can register here.

Technical Excellence Award

This year’s KTP Awards are celebrating the hard work of KTP support teams across the country. The Technical Excellence Award recognises partnerships which demonstrate excellence in the application of science, technology, engineering or maths.

 Read on to see who is in contention for this award at the Innovate UK KTP Awards, happening in Liverpool on 12th October (register here).

 

inov-8
The University of Manchester
Dr Nadiim Domun as the Associate

The need to prolong the lifespan of a shoe both from an environmental and financial point of view for committed trail and ultra runners, adventure-seeking hikers and fitness athletes is increasingly growing. 

inov-8 is one of the world’s leading in all-terrain footwear, clothing, and equipment brands. Operating in over 60 countries, inov-8 pride itself in designing high-quality, innovative products in both running, hiking and fitness sectors.

 The objectives of this KTP were to develop, embed and exploit graphene-rubber and graphene-PU foam formulations for new footwear ranges, by drawing from the University of Manchester’s world-leading graphene technology. 

inov-8 is the first-ever sports footwear company to introduce graphene into sports shoes. Graphene, the world’s most robust material, has been infused in the rubber outsoles of their shoes, making them tougher and more durable than any other soft rubber outsoles on the market. 

The graphene-enhanced rubber outsoles and foam-cushioned midsoles increase the elastic and hard-wearing properties by properties by 50%, and subsequently increase the lifespan of their shoes. 

 Significant media coverage associated with the project enhanced the university’s reputation, consolidating its position as a world leader in materials science.

In leading this project, Dr Domun gained a wealth of commercial and management skills. After accepting a role at inov-8 as Senior Materials Engineer, they continue to support product innovation and collaboration with the knowledge base.

The KTP has been a catalyst in providing growth, increase in global revenue as well as delivering product innovation to a niche market. The incorporation of graphene in footwear has enabled inov-8 to excel and deliver significant performance advantages over competitors.  

IGS
James Hutton Institute / Scotland’s Rural College
Dr Elliot Erskine as the Associate

The importance of food safety and security cannot be overstated, and interest in vertical farming has increased in the last 2 years. 

IGS provides Vertical Farm solutions as well as designs, manufactures, and instals and supports their global customer base with their innovative Growth Tower product. 

 The KTP intended to incorporate James Hutton Institute’s (and later, SRUC’s) microbiological expertise into IGS’s controlled environment agriculture Growth Tower, to understand the impact of the novel vertical farming technology on food safety. 

To accomplish the above, the objectives were to identify the potential microbial hazards for single target crop species, incorporate next-generation sequencing and taxonomic identification, and develop a risk framework examining the hazards through the crop production process.

 The risk framework completed went beyond a single crop species to look at the hazards across multiple compartments of IGS’s Growth Tower and spanned the air, water, substrate, and seeds of both short- and long-term crops.

The value of a comprehensive microbial risk assessment is in the assurance that it

provides to customers – that the Growth Tower can achieve (and exceed) food safety standards in their chosen markets. This improved competitiveness over other controlled environment technology providers.

Complexities surrounding predicting bacterial contamination of leafy greens eliminate the possibility of using end-product testing to ensure food safety. Dr Erskine built a model examining the probabilities of contamination within the irrigation system causing foodborne illness in a consumer.

Using mathematical models, Dr Erkine undertook an initial prototype design and deployment of a web-based application that allows customers and IGS employees to interact with the risk register and select inputs based on their situation, giving them the ability to assess modifications to processes and procedures. 

An additional outcome was the development; of a bespoke management plan which supported the donation of perishable food to communities throughout the pandemic.

 The KTP has raised the profile of IGS in the food safety field and is helping to establish the reputation of IGS as a leader in vertical farming technology. The scientific content of the project built on James Hutton Institute’s previous work to understand the risks associated with the transmission of harmful pathogens via leafy vegetables, and provided the institute with further recognition within the scientific community.

 The Partnership brought together all 4 areas of STEM, using synergies across the partnership to build an academic and industrial understanding of food safety in vertical farming.

 

South West Water Limited
University of Exeter
Joshua Myrans as the Associate

South West Water (SWW) provides reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services to a population of roughly 2.2 million. When the water industry moved out of the public sector, SWW inherited outdated infrastructure which had been outgrown by the populations they served. Consequently, they have invested heavily in modernisation, aligning them with stringent environmental standards and regulations.

 The inspection and maintenance of SWW’s infrastructure are key to maintaining optimal services. These networks are the core of SWW’s business model as they provide vital resources to communities, safely manage effluent to prevent pollution and protect the surrounding environment.

 For the University of Exeter’s academic team, the KTP would provide an industry-focused, real-world application of machine learning and image processing techniques. Their team would be exposed to the most up-to-date engineering practices in detecting sewer faults and running wastewater systems.

 The KTP aimed to develop and apply image processing and machine learning methods to automatically detect structural and serviceability faults in sewer pipes using standard CCTV surveys, and use this to develop a novel fault detection software. This fault detection technology would increase the reliability of the sewer network, helping SWW to proactively and effectively manage blockages, collapses and related issues. 

Expected results include a reduction in pollution and negative impacts on customers, an increased business cost efficiency, avoidance of regulatory penalties and a new income stream to SWW through software commercialisation.

 The project aims were achieved by developing, testing, validating and demonstrating the new fault detection technology. The suite of tools developed utilises powerful machine learning and computer vision techniques to identify the presence, type 

and details of a sewer fault, making it possible to automate the identification of sewer defects from CCTV surveys for the first time in the UK water industry. 

The KTP played a pivotal role in increasing the company’s capability to process historical and new survey data, predicting a reduction of up to 30% in the time taken to produce a sewer survey. Myrans was awarded a prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship to fully flesh out this fledgling technology for the needs of the water industry.

SWW hopes that the findings of this KTP will enable the automatic identification and coding of sewer faults to all UK water and sewerage companies.

Register for the KTP Awards 2022

The KTP Awards recognise the people and partnerships behind the UK’s most inspiring and successful KTP projects. Highlighting these outstanding partnerships is just the tip of the iceberg, with more than 800 inspiring collaborations currently happening across the country.

If you want to attend the awards virtually or join us in person, you can register here.

The Best Knowledge Transfer Partnership Award

This year’s KTP Awards are celebrating the outstanding work of KTP projects across the country. The Best Knowledge Transfer Partnership Award recognises teams who demonstrate exceptional achievements across all three Partners: Business; Academic; and Associate.

 Read on to see who is in contention for this award at the Innovate UK KTP Awards, happening in Liverpool on 12th October (register here).

Cirdan Imaging Ltd
Queen’s University Belfast
Jonathan Armstrong as the Associate

Globally, there is a dwindling number of pathologists and biomedical scientists. A reduced workforce, early detection testing and an ageing population are increasing pathologists’ workload, which in turn can lead to delays in patient treatment leading to poorer patient outcomes. To solve this crisis, a solution to increase productivity is required.

Cirdan designs, manufactures and supplies innovative imaging solutions that enhance and speed-up clinical diagnostic processes by streamlining operations in clinical laboratories worldwide. The company’s vision is to improve well-being through innovation, with a focus on intelligent solutions for pathology.

Collaborating with Queen’s University Belfast allowed the academic team to apply their knowledge to the medical image-based diagnosis sector to create a real-world impact.

The overall aim of the project was to enhance pathology medical device products with clinical expert intelligence derived from an embedded deep learning system. The major objectives of the project were to develop and integrate an AI model, for the detection of calcification in mammograms, and to develop an AI model for tumour detection in colon polyp whole slide images.

As the KTP progressed, and the technology advanced, an additional objective was included. The KTP wanted to maximise impact and reach by providing AI classifications and algorithm execution as Azure cloud deployment, to tie into the company’s move to the cloud.

Jonathan developed two AI products, firstly an AI algorithm for Cirdan’s CoreLite x-ray product. This allows customers worldwide to send a secure image and receive an annotated result. Secondly, in collaboration with a consultant pathologist from the Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast, a 95% accuracy cloud-based AI algorithm for detecting tumours in any polyp image.

With support from leading academics and the motivated and dynamic Associate, this project has been central in helping Cirdan define a data analytics vision, taking the original AI concept for the business and working with key stakeholders to develop machine learning solutions.

Due to the success of the KTP’s collaborations, Cirdan has evolved into the Pathology Data Analytics and AI sphere. The knowledge transferred in this partnership embedded invaluable expertise in deep learning and cloud base AI solutions, allowing Cirdan to offer AI-enabled products and software to their global healthcare partners.

 

Partnership Medical Ltd
Aston University
Thien Duong as the Associate

Endoscopes are multi-use medical devices that can’t be sterilised in an autoclave because of sensitive materials and electronics. The potential for cross-infection occurring due to inadequate/improper cleaning and disinfection procedures is high.

Contaminated scopes represent a significant risk to patients who often have compromised immune systems. In the US, deaths have been reported due to endoscopy-acquired
infection which led to a tightening of legislation, increasing costs and decreasing the availability of endoscopy-related provisions.

Partnership Medical is a medical device manufacturer which distributes low-cost consumable products. The primary KTP objective was to replace inconsistent manual cleaning with an automated, consistent, controllable process to improve cleanliness and deliver high-level disinfection to minimise/eradicate cross-infection. By collaborating with Aston University, Aston benefited from a new avenue of research into biologically-active nanoparticles

The formulation created by Thien along with the newly created automated endoscope-washing machine transpired into the ability to completely clean an endoscope, direct from the clinic, in just five minutes. The hygiene levels achieved far surpassed those currently possible using conventional manual procedures employed worldwide today.

This KTP played a pivotal role in the way endoscopes will be cleaned in hospitals and clinics in future. The process is quick, cheap, and easy to perform with automation ensuring complete and reproducible cleaning. The outcomes of this KTP will enable more scope-based procedures to be completed each day, and at the same time, prevent people from dying from infections caused by contaminated scopes.

 

Techbuyer
University of East London
Nour Rteil as the Associate

The digital sector appears as part of the solution in each of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, resulting in data centre expansion predicted to increase 500% globally by 2030. Finding solutions that reuse and reconfigure servers is essential to achieve development goals.

Techbuyer is a sustainable IT hardware solutions provider that specialises in product life extension for servers, storage and networking. It has an IT Asset Disposition division, which provides secure, environmentally friendly services for the removal and treatment of redundant ICT.

In collaboration with the University of East London and programming and research expert, Nour, this KTP aimed to create and embed sophisticated data centre modelling capabilities focused on driving the circular economy and the green environment agenda.

The focus was to quantifiably demonstrate where data centre IT systems could save money without compromising on quality or service in terms of computing power, by deploying optimally refurbished computer systems rather than buying new and scrapping the old.

The KTP changed the understanding of how servers work and the decision-making processes data centre managers go through when refreshing hardware. Its results have informed other research projects, and government policy and created a first-to-market tool for businesses to use in their carbon and energy reporting.

This benchmark testing was the first worldwide to prove that there is no performance degradation in refurbished servers compared to the same make and model of new. It was also the first to compare performance and energy efficiency on different generations of machines with appropriate component-level upgrades.

The KTP demonstrated clearly that central processing units no longer double in performance every two years, that many performance increases can be achieved by upgrading other components such as storage and RAM, and that there is now a very real case for upgrading older machines with immediate past generations rather than new ones.

Register for the KTP Awards 2022

The KTP Awards recognise the people and partnerships behind the UK’s most inspiring and successful KTP projects. Highlighting these outstanding partnerships is just the tip of the iceberg, with more than 800 inspiring collaborations currently happening across the country.

If you want to attend the awards virtually or join us in person, you can register here.

The Changing The World Award

This year’s KTP Awards are celebrating the hard work of KTP teams across the country. The Changing The World Award recognises teams who have delivered a societal, social, or environmental impact.

 Read on to see who is in contention for this award at the Innovate UK KTP Awards, happening in Liverpool on 12th October (register here).

Network 2 Supplies
Coventry University
Mahsa Baniasadi as the Associate

 Over 50 million tons of electronic waste are generated globally each year. With only 20% formerly recycled, e-waste is routinely shipped overseas for disposal where it is burned through inefficient extraction processes, exposing workers and ecosystems to toxic by-products. 

Worldwide, rare metals including gold, silver, copper and platinum worth an estimated €55bn, are lost annually. Not only is this a major issue for the planet, but also for society who is running out of critical materials.

This KTP, in collaboration with Coventry University, aimed to develop an in-house bioleaching-based capability using bacteria for the recovery of precious metals from e-waste, allowing the company to recover precious metals in-house, whilst preserving the environment and preventing health-related issues.

Mahsa played a key role in the delivery and evolution of this project as the Senior Biotechnologist/Laboratory Manager. 

The development of a sustainable solution for the recovery of precious metals from Printed Circuit Boards has allowed Network 2 Supplies to become one of the first companies in the UK to use processes that don’t include incineration, large quantities of chemicals and acids to recover these metallic elements. 

As a result of this KTP, their staff are now able to test printed circuit boards recovered from e-waste and assess composition and value. This has allowed them to pave the way for sustainable processes for the recycling and recovery of valuable metals and elements, using methods and techniques acquired as part of the KTP.

 

Royal Horticultural Society
Cranfield University
Janet Manning as the Associate

A changing climate, population growth, urbanisation and rising competition for water supplies are all concerns of the climate crisis. The Royal Horticultural Society collaborated with Cranfield University and water management specialist, Janet, to try and tackle the water challenges facing horticulture and gardeners today in which water demand is greatest at times of least water supply.

RHS is the UK’s leading gardening charity that provides advice and services to its 620,000+ members. They receive 2.9 million visitors to their gardens and over half a million visitors to their high profile RHS Shows each year. 

This KTP addressed the risks associated with the dependence of ornamental horticulture, including gardening, on water, while promoting the role of improved water management in sustainable gardening, and in protecting the environment and building resilience to climatic changes and extremes.

Their interactive Mains2Rains website has encouraged gardeners, new and old, from those with only a balcony to allotments and gardens, to pledge to adopt simple measures to save water.

By the end of the project, gardeners had committed to an average annual saving of over 10.6 million litres of mains water, a saving that has continued to increase since the KTP with pledges to save a total of 34.73 million litres of mains water in an average year made on the Mains2Rains site. This had multiple benefits for people, the environment and society including improved well-being, reduced flood risk, biodiversity benefits, deferred investment and climate change mitigation.

The project appealed to a diverse audience and proved to be inclusive as over 25% of Mains2Rains users were “novice gardeners”, and almost 50% were aged between 18-44. The results of the KTP increased attractiveness to the new generation of gardeners who are increasingly looking to adopt sustainable practices as they recognise the mental health and well-being benefits of gardening.

This could in hand be down to the phenomenal reach at scale demonstrated through the KTP promoting its findings across 7 national/regional TV programmes, 27 radio broadcasts and 12 national newspaper articles in addition to a water management garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021 and other high profile gardening exhibitions.

Cranfield University and the RHS continue to collaborate to promote improved water management in gardening and wider horticulture, including on the ongoing Mains2Rains campaign (www.mains2rains.uk), researching rainwater harvesting opportunities within both the RHS and nationally to help deliver improved drought resilience and reduced mains water consumption; and in seeking further research and funding opportunities.

 

W & J Knox Ltd
Abertay University
Ryan Ganfield as the Associate

W & J Knox has a 240-year history as a manufacturer of netting products. They provide customised nets for sports, aquaculture, and bespoke situations. They are both a leading supplier of nets and a provider of a range of net products and services for the UK aquaculture industry.

They aimed to develop processes to extract high-value commercial products from aquatic waste materials which are retrieved during net servicing to align with Zero Waste Scotland’s pledge to reduce waste sent to landfill while generating innovative new business opportunities.

Providing sustainable growth to Scottish aquaculture is the primary focus of W & J Knox. Over the last decade, they have been the leader in innovative predator-resistant netting to reduce breaches and escapes. 

 The purpose of the partnership with Abertay University was to assess the commercial viability of potential by-products from the aquatic waste materials which are retrieved during aquaculture net servicing. The KTP aimed to valorise the organic fraction of net service waste generated by the net washing process. 

 Their service site is the largest in the UK typically handling 1000 nets per year. When operational, the processes developed during the KTP resulted in the diversion of roughly 30% of net service waste and provided an income stream to the company. 

This KTP has been the turning point for the academics involved, as it showed proof of concept, increased the scalability of the process and provided a niche for the academic team to exploit within the sector.

W & J Knox was purchased by Selstad in 2021 as they saw innovation embedded into the business through this KTP. This acquisition means that the redirection of waste (organic, inorganic and plastic) is now being embedded throughout the aquaculture sector from Scotland to Iceland, Norway, and South Africa. But more importantly, it is now being applied to other sectors as well, such as fisheries and offshore oil rigs/gas and is sustainable within our oceans through their parent company.

This KTP has led to a change in prioritising the reduction in, and reuse of, waste. With thanks to Ryan, recycling of waste has driven a reduction in dependency on landfill as it’s redirected into several different streams, organic waste that can be utilised as fertiliser and plastic waste which can be further reused.

Register for the KTP Awards 2022

The KTP Awards recognise the people and partnerships behind the UK’s most inspiring and successful KTP projects. Highlighting these outstanding partnerships is just the tip of the iceberg, with more than 800 inspiring collaborations currently happening across the country.

If you want to attend the awards virtually or to join us in person, you can register here.