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Congratulations to Juliette Farrell, KTP Associate from University of Strathclyde, who won the 2022 Innovators of the Future Award at Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards on Thursday 17 March. 

Juliette Farrell is a KTP Associate from the University of Strathclyde, who collaborated with Elite Contract Furniture came away with the award for her work embedding new tools and methodologies into the business, including rebranding and developing an e-commerce site for a new product, allowing them to sell online for the first time in 68 years.

Now in its seventh year, the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards celebrate the exceptional work achieved through academics and businesses, third sector or other end users.

The awards cover eight categories – from businesses, social enterprises, public sector organisations, third sector, universities, research institutes, innovation centres and colleges that, through knowledge exchange, are leading the way towards economic growth, societal improvements and environmental advances in Scotland and beyond.

KTP Associates reflect the exceptional role that the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme has in developing leadership and talent in innovation. KTPs are an integral part of that ecosystem within Scotland, with an average of 100 projects live at any one time. We’re delighted that this has been reflected in the recent success of KTP Associates in the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards.

In attendance at the Awards, Ivan McKee, Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, commented: 

“I would like to congratulate the winners today for showing the ingenuity, industry and creativity that is essential in achieving success.

“Scotland has world-class universities, with businesses looking to draw on that knowledge to develop, test and research new products, processes and services. By bringing the two partners together, we can solve some of our biggest challenges, such as driving recovery from COVID-19, supporting the transition to net zero and delivering inclusive growth.”

Laura Goodfellow, Interim Director, Interface, added: 

“I am delighted that the appetite for businesses to partner with academics shows no signs of decreasing; if anything, the last two years have brought more ideas to the fore and driven an upturn in the number of companies and organisations Interface has supported.”

I was really thrilled to win the award. It is always so fascinating attending these events and seeing the diversity of knowledge exchange work taking place across Scotland, so to have my work selected was excellent.

 My time in the KTP programme has given me opportunities for further training and professional development that I couldn’t have dreamed of. The KTP structure has also helped me develop so much as a leader and project manager, pushing me out of my comfort zone and helping me take risks all within the supportive partnership environment.”

Gerry Black, who is the KTP Adviser for the Innovator of the Future Winner, commented: 

“Juliette has done a great job in helping the company diversify into a new product range with new design processes, new materials and new sales channels.  The quality of her leadership and the enhancement in her own skills make her a worthy winner.

Juliette has done a great job in helping the company diversify into a new product range with new design processes, new materials and new sales channels.  The quality of her leadership and the enhancement in her own skills make her a worthy winner.”

About KTPs

KTPs are funded by UKRI through Innovate UK with the support of co-funders, including the Scottish Funding Council, Welsh Government, Invest Northern Ireland, Defra and BEIS. Innovate UK manages the KTP programme and facilitates its delivery through a range of partners including Innovate KTN, Knowledge Bases and Businesses. Each partner plays a specific role in the support and delivery of the programme.

If you have an innovative business idea and would like to see if a KTP could help take it forward,  get in touch.

A KTP project with partners Sterling Pharma Solutions and Northumbria University has been awarded the top grade of ‘Outstanding’ by Innovate UK’s independent assessors. The KTP provided an ideal approach for the application of Northumbria’s knowledge in biocatalysis research to create new commercial opportunities, building on Sterling’s existing expertise in development chemistry.

About Sterling Pharma Solutions

With over 850 employees based across the UK and the US, Sterling Pharma Solutions is a Partnership Development and Manufacturing Organisation producing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in a business model which develops customer-driven solutions, integrated into customers’ supply chains. KTP is directly aligned to the company’s distinctive approach which sets a new standard of transparency and collaboration with scientific partnership at the core.

The KTP Associate

KTP Associate Greg Holgate was recruited to join the KTP shortly after graduating with a first-class MChem degree in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry. Greg joined the R&D team at Sterling Pharma Solutions and quickly got to grips with delivering the project plan, undertaking experimental work in the lab and desk-based research to investigate and select new manufacturing routes using biocatalysis. 

Greg participated in Northumbria’s pilot of a bespoke Action Learning programme for the university’s cohort of Associates. This powerful problem-solving activity was vital to support Northumbria Associates during the pandemic, which was showcased in the 2021 KTP Awards.    

The Challenge

The use of biocatalysts in the pharmaceutical industry is rapidly expanding, as it offers compelling advantages like improved efficiency, reduced costs, customisation capabilities, and enhanced sustainability.

In order to win business on customer development projects, Sterling Pharma Solutions’ aim was to further its knowledge, particularly at an industrial scale and demonstrate credibility in deploying the relevant technology. 

Partnering with Northumbria University on the KTP provided an ideal mechanism to address this challenge for biocatalysis. The KTP created new knowledge and expertise in biocatalysis to enable the company to identify and apply natural and engineered enzymes to accelerate customers’ syntheses, enabling them to realise enhanced efficiency in a sustainable and scalable way. 

The Project 

To meet this challenge, the KTP created a new commercially driven enzyme discovery workflow developed through practical application of biocatalytic methodology in lab experiments and analyses, directed by research insights from the Academic team. 

Throughout, the lab work was closely aligned to the market potential and the company’s production processes. Decisions on candidate compounds and routes to manufacture considered the needs of customers, regulatory requirements, alongside the scientific parameters of improved yield, efficacy, and recycling of raw materials.

Dr Mark Muldowney is Head of Technology and Innovation explains the KTP’s impact: 

“The KTP with Northumbria was envisaged initially to address a specific business opportunity but our experience of the KTP and what has been possible through it has led to a broader appreciation of how the technology can be deployed and developed to innovate further and create value in the business. The close collaboration with the Academic Team has led to other collaborations and an ongoing relationship where ideas are regularly shared and issues discussed.”

During the KTP, new modules have been developed at Northumbria University for the teaching of ‘Industrial Biochemistry and Biocatalysis’. Dr Graeme Turnbull, Senior Lecturer at Northumbria University, who is a synthetic chemist with a focus on the application of biocatalysis to improve routes to synthesis, designed this module directly informed by his work on the KTP, with research-rich examples at the core. 

Students will receive case study lectures from guest speakers from industry including Mark who will explain the KTP process. Several undergraduate research projects were carried out during the KTP as a result of the collaboration. 

Graeme comments: 

“This KTP has given me the opportunity to explore the processes and practices of the pharmaceutical industry while contributing to my own research group. As an Early Career Researcher, being able to work with a talented team of academics and industrialists to train our Associate and transfer knowledge into the company has been a rewarding experience.”

The broader than anticipated benefits of Sterling Pharma Solutions’ new knowledge in biocatalysis resulted in new business being won during the KTP, and several new contracts and projects are in development and ongoing. These include new customers who have not previously partnered with Sterling Pharma Solutions and a healthy pipeline of enquiries. 

Sterling Pharma Solutions can now quote customers for an ‘end-to-end’ service, from the initial development of appropriate biocatalytic technology through to scaled-up manufacture as they have the knowledge, processes, and facilities to confidently deliver. This is being expanded to incorporate in silico design in a second KTP with Northumbria, to develop new capabilities in biotechnology and computational biology.

John Clayton, Innovate UK KTN’s Knowledge Transfer Adviser, to the project, summed up the value to the partners as being:

“Outstanding across the three agendas delivering a new, market- and sector-leading, capability in biocatalysis for the business, a blue-chip relationship with a global business for the University which has developed into a recently awarded second KTP, and a prestige career opportunity for the Associate.”

About KTP’s

KTPs are funded by UKRI through Innovate UK with the support of co-funders, including the Scottish Funding Council, Welsh Government, Invest Northern Ireland, Defra and BEIS. Innovate UK manages the KTP programme and facilitates its delivery through a range of partners including Innovate KTN, Knowledge Bases and Businesses. Each partner plays a specific role in the support and delivery of the programme.

If you have an innovative business idea and would like to see if a KTP could help take it forward,  get in touch.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and raise awareness against gender bias. To mark International Women’s Day we shine a light on three KTP Associates who have made a remarkable impact on the programme and accelerated their careers through challenging projects. 

Kate Platts, KTP Associate 

Sheffield Hallam University and Westfield Health

Hi Kate, can you tell us about your project? 

My KTP involved working with Westfield Health, which is a wellbeing services provider focused on improving the health and wellbeing of people at work. 

The aim of the project was to develop an effective evaluation protocol for workplace wellness interventions and to implement a commercially viable Research & Consultancy service for Westfield clients.

 What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

For me, I think that International Women’s Day means recognising and celebrating women who have helped others achieve success.

 How would you describe your experience as a woman working in innovation?

I have been very lucky. I haven’t considered my gender a limiting factor in the world of innovation and I have never felt overlooked because of it.

 Why did you choose to become a KTP Associate?

As a KTP Associate, I get to enjoy the best of both worlds; exploring pioneering research and innovation with brilliant scholars and scientists, as well as the excitement and pace of the commercial world. As a KTP Associate, you really feel empowered to make positive changes in your environment.  

 What advice would you give to young women entering the KTP programme? 

Doors will open for you if you take part in the KTP programme, so go for it! Make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

 

Emily Mason, KTP Associate 

University of Sunderland and Fontus Health

Hi Emily, can you tell us what your project covered? 

Sure, I worked on a KTP with Fontus Health and the University of Sunderland. The objectives of the project were to create a paraffin-free emollient for the prescription market to combat the patient safety issues caused by the flammability of paraffin. 

 What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

For me, I think that it is about celebrating the achievements and success of women, especially in areas that have a tendency to be more male-dominated (STEM).

How would you describe your experience as a woman working in innovation?

The experience I have had has given me a solid foundation to further my career. This has also broadened my understanding and knowledge of the subject.

Why did you choose to become a KTP Associate?

I wanted to become a KTP Associate after I finished university. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but this role was brought to my attention and it was exactly the kind of thing I was looking for. It was the perfect link into the industry that I wanted to be in, with the support from the university I attended as an undergraduate. 

What advice would you give to young women entering the KTP programme? 

Don’t hesitate and do it! I wouldn’t be where I am today without the KTP programme.

 

Dr. Parastoo Jamshidi, KTP Associate 

University of Birmingham and Cookson Precious Metals Ltd

Hey Parastoo, can you tell us about your KTP project? 

The KTP project I worked on was on additive manufacturing of precious metals for industrial application between the University of Birmingham & Cooksongold with an aim of expanding and diversifying Cookson Gold’s business model into new, emerging industrial sectors.

This KTP project has enabled a business to bring in new skills and the latest academic thinking to deliver a specific, strategic innovation project through a knowledge-based partnership.

 What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 

International Women’s Day is for recognizing and celebrating the strength of the women who are multitasking homemakers that can bring and provide care and knowledge simultaneously with their feminine energy into today’s society.

How would you describe your experience as a woman working in innovation?

Being involved in a KTP project gave me a great opportunity to experience working in both an industrial environment and academia.

Why did you choose to become a KTP Associate?

A KTP project gave me a great opportunity of working in both an industrial environment and academia. During my project, I also had the chance of enhancing my professional skills for project management as well as other professional training from both company and academic sides from the provided KTP support.

What advice would you give to young women entering the KTP programme? 

I would highly recommend the KTP programme to university graduates especially women who want to decide about the type of jobs they want to choose for their future to be able to have a fair work/life balance.

 

About KTP’s

KTPs are funded by UKRI through Innovate UK with the support of co-funders, including the Scottish Funding Council, Welsh Government, Invest Northern Ireland, Defra and BEIS. Innovate UK manages the KTP programme and facilitates its delivery through a range of partners including Innovate KTN, Knowledge Bases and Businesses. Each partner plays a specific role in the support and delivery of the programme.

If you have an innovative business idea and would like to see if a KTP could help take it forward,  get in touch.

Mackenzie Construction appoints Smart Surface Research KTP Associate to further develop a groundbreaking project to cut down on excavation waste from roadworks.

Having been awarded funding from Innovate UK for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Strathclyde to develop its sustainable surfacing offering, Smart Surface, Mackenzie Construction has appointed Smart Surface research associate, Bruna Lopes in support of the project.

Mackenzie launched Smart Surface in 2018. It is described as an ‘innovative’ binding solution that delivers an ‘efficient and sustainable’ option for surfacing by stabilising existing ground conditions to create or repair paths, roads, and hard standings.

Working with Conor Boyle, Mackenzie Construction’s Smart Surface manager, and the Strathclyde University team of Dr Matteo Pedrotti and Professor Alessandro Tarantino, Bruna will investigate the interaction between the binder and the soil.

Bruna said,

“My current role is to understand and improve the existing processes and practices which have been developed by Mackenzie Construction over the last six years. Once I have a clear understanding of the step-by-step procedures that are in place, I’ll be doing laboratory testing to establish a comprehensive set of guidelines for a range of soils and situations. This will facilitate comprehensive and adaptative procedures which will allow the Smart Surface service to be delivered consistently, no matter the environment.”

Mackenzie Construction has trialled its Smart Surface service with clients across a range of sectors. However, to further test and grow the offering, the business identified a need to enhance its capabilities in geomechanics and characterise and validate the performance of its binder product across a range of environmental profiles, to support the development of a versatile, sustainable, road surfacing solution.

Bruna added,

“One of the things that got me interested in applying for the position was a chance for me, as a researcher, to get some applied research in a real-world application which would be used immediately. The other big attraction was the focus on sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of projects across the industry.

“Given the recent context of COP26 in Glasgow and the growing global focus on sustainable practice, I believe we will see more and more of this kind of project over the next few years. It is abundantly clear that Smart Surface is a solution for the future – and I wanted to be involved from the very beginning. I’m thrilled to be applying my knowledge and expertise as part of the Mackenzie Construction team on this ground-breaking project.”

 

Andy Dalrymple, MD at Mackenzie Construction, commented,

“We’re delighted to have Bruna on board with this project and are extremely proud to be moving this project forward so that we can support our clients to reach their ambitious net zero targets. Ultimately, the KTP project will enable us to offer our clients a more sustainable and circular surfacing solution and a progressive service resulting in a greater reduction in costs, project timings, carbon outputs and environmental impact. We’re very proud of the work done on Smart Surface so far, and welcoming Bruna to the team allows us to take another step towards our goal.”

 

Gerry Black, Knowledge Transfer Adviser, commented,

“I am delighted to support this project which combines world-class geomechanics expertise from the University of Strathclyde with high-level skills and a determination to innovate from Mackenzie Construction Limited.  It will deliver significant advances and lower carbon in road surfacing solutions with the ability to deliver at scale.”

About KTP’s

KTPs are funded by UKRI through Innovate UK with the support of co-funders, including the Scottish Funding Council, Welsh Government, Invest Northern Ireland, Defra and BEIS. Innovate UK manages the KTP programme and facilitates its delivery through a range of partners including Innovate KTN, Knowledge Bases and Businesses. Each partner plays a specific role in the support and delivery of the programme.

If you have an innovative business idea and would like to see if a KTP could help take it forward,  get in touch.

 

 

Innovate UK KTN is pleased to share the news that  15 design exchange partnerships have been funded as a result of an innovative new pilot  The pilot is supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and Design Museum’s newly established Future Observatory, a new national programme of research, debate, and training to show how design research can drive Britain’s future prosperity.

This pilot offers the opportunity for early career researchers and research organisations to collaborate with UK non-academic partners including SME, micro, public, and third sector organisations, embedding highly qualified arts and humanities-led design researchers on short-term, intensive placements.

The programme’s mission is to harness design research to accelerate solutions for the most pressing societal issues, from achieving net-zero to tackling the housing crisis.  The programme was launched in November 2021 in Glasgow to coincide with COP26.

Across the UK, these 15 design exchange partnerships pair academic researchers with non-academic design partners, including small and medium enterprises (SME), and micro, public and third sector organisations.

This is to address challenges, including decarbonisation, waste reduction, and circular economies.

The research developed as a result of these 15 design exchange partnerships will be showcased as part of the Design Museum’s Future Observatory programme.

 

About the 15 Design Exchange Partnerships

Design exchange partnerships are innovation partnerships that pair academic researchers with non-academic design partners. Further project information on each partnership project is outlined below.

 

Sustainability Visualised: Net Zero at a District Council Level

University of Hertfordshire and Community Services, St Albans City and District Council.

St Albans City and District Council are implementing sustainability targets where a bewildering array of actions need to successfully interface with the diverse requirements of; council departments, local businesses and residents.

How can design thinking and data visualization aid this process, helping the council realise its net-zero ambitions?

 

ZeroCity+ An urban game

The University of Reading and Urban Transcripts.

A digital urban game that embeds Design Council’s beyond net-zero report findings in relation to the societal, behavioural and organisational culture change. It promotes values and impact-led net zero+ goals across stakeholders in public participation for decision-making with co-design workshop approaches.

 

Interaction and Service Design of a Virtual Health Hub for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

Ulster University and Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT): The Cardiac Assessment Unit (CAU).

Embedding design research within healthcare to synthesise complexity and strategically develop a virtual health hub for patients with cardiovascular disease. Specifically, the conceptualisation of; a real-time app to manage the flow of patients and service design for a cardiology virtual assistant enabling remote patient engagement across hospital sites and diagnostic equipment.

 

Digital Timber for Affordable Housing

The University of Cambridge and PLP Architecture.

This research explores how engineered timber, already the most sustainable way of building, and natural material that stores carbon in its cells as it grows, can improve the way we live. This is through the design of sustainable, adaptable and flexible interiors for future living.

 

A Double Diamond Approach Towards Sustainable Manufacturing for Repair and Reduction of Waste

Brunel University and Geo Kingsbury Machine Tools.

This project aims to utilise the double diamond design Method to adopt more sustainable production practices for high value components using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM).

 

Going circular: Harris Tweed Hebrides repurposing British waste textiles

The University of Hertfordshire and Harris Tweed Hebrides.

The project will embed sustainable and circular economy practices amongst Harris Tweed Hebrides’ network of weavers to; deliver Net Zero wins and create new revenue streams through the design and manufacture of unique woven products.

There is an emphasis on upskilling, empowering and the rehabilitation of women prisoners.

 

Accelerating Net Zero housing at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council

University of Hertfordshire and Welwyn and Hatfield Borough Council.

A project to transfer specific design methodology to housing schemes to maximise Net Zero outcomes. In addition to reducing carbon emissions and costs, the project will ensure better thermal comfort and quality of life for housing occupants and irradiation of fuel poverty.

 

Digital Equity Through e-Waste Reduction

University of the Arts London (Creative Computing Institute) and Power to Connect.

This is a collaboration between Power to Connect, a not-for-profit addressing the lack of access to online learning within deprived communities, and UAL’s Creative Computing Institute. The aim is to develop a data wiping solution, ensuring that second-hand devices can be repurposed and given to young people, thereby reducing e-waste and addressing digital inequity.

 

Sustainability by Design: Developing a Model for Design-led Local Government to Achieve Net Zero by 2030

University of the Arts London (London College of Communication) and Southwark Council.

In order to help councils to tackle the climate emergency in communities and become carbon neutral, we will operate as a ‘designer in government’ in Southwark, London. The aim is to help co-create and co-deliver local policies and services that empower local stakeholders to play their part in achieving Net Zero by 2030.

 

Beyond Net Zero Goals: Regenerative Fashion

University of the Arts London and Elvis & Kresse.

Elvis & Kresse create high-quality fashion accessories from rescued waste materials, operating with the highest social and environmental standards. This project documents and supports the company’s climate ambition to become net regenerative by 2030, diversifying its products through regenerative agriculture and regenerative fashion practices within a rural ecosystem.

 

Making Better by Design: Translating Net Zero+ in a Craft SME Context

The University of Brighton and Posh Totty Designs.

Net zero+ and UN sustainable goals are excellent global vehicles to promote and deliver sustainability. However, translating them down into practical approaches that SMEs can take is a design challenge. Making better by design will apply university developed community co-design research approaches to translate net zero+ ambitions into a making SME context.

 

Circular Bio-Economy and Food Waste: Designing a Blueprint for Social Housing Estates

University of Kent and LEAP.

Food waste can become renewable energy and fertiliser. This partnership will exchange technological knowledge and design skills to co-design; a circular bio-economy waste food system (anaerobic digestion, composting and food growing) and a blueprint allowing repeatability of this process for a London social housing estate, together with the residents.

 

Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre (LOPC)

De Montfort University and Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre.

This project explores concept designs for redeveloping Leicester’s 150-years old LOPC, located on a 15-acre flood plain in the city. Designs will evaluate flood resilient buildings and their activities facilities to achieve LOPC’s ambition for a state-of-the-art site that embeds Net Zero into all aspects of its operation.

 

The Value of Nature Based Enterprise

Glasgow School of Art and Glasgow City Council.

The Value of Nature-Based Enterprise partners with Glasgow City Council’s Centre for Civic Innovation to co-evaluate and strategically develop nature-based businesses and social enterprises launched following a pilot nature-based accelerator. This aims to establish developmental evaluation processes using design-based relational mapping methods to connect and grow Glasgow’s sustainable enterprise eco-system.

 

Reducing the Environmental Impact of Hospital Curtains

Brunel University and Sustainability Division, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

By applying a design thinking approach, the project delivers an innovative solution that reduces CO2 emissions and landfill waste caused by the making and disposal of single-use hospitals’ curtains. The partnership enables the trust sustainability team to gain competencies on how design can drive innovation for sustainable healthcare.

For more information about Future Observatory at the Design Museum, and to sign up for the newsletter for programme updates, click here.

 

The Innovate UK KTP Awards 2021, Winners Video outlines multiple positive impacts of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

How have UK businesses benefitted from accessing academic expertise and resources – and fresh thinking?

We sat down with the four winning partnerships from this year’s 2021 Innovate UK KTP Awards post-ceremony and captured their thoughts on what winning their respective award categories meant to them and reflect on the depth and breadth of impacts that KTP has had.  The Winners highlight the diversity of projects that can benefit from this special collaborative framework.

You will hear from the KTP Awards winners from the following Categories:

• The Best Knowledge Transfer Partnership Award, Martin Haley, CEO – Red Whale
• Engineering Excellence Award, Callum Crawford, Head of Innovation – JFD Global
• Business Impact Award – Alan Larkin, Head of Innovation & Technology – Family Law Partners
• Societal Impact Award – Singeta Kalhan Gregory – Service Manager – St. David’s Children Society 

Winners also include talented graduates who lead each KTP project, working as KTP Associates. Hear from the winners here (insert a link to KTP Associate VTs).  And see the latest job vacancies for KTP Associates here. 

Watch the event again via this YouTube recording here

We hope that KTP Partnerships will be inspired by this year’s winners and encouraged to apply for the awards in 2022! Watch this space for an announcement when next years Awards nominations will open!

KTPs are funded by UKRI through Innovate UK with supporters including the Scottish Funding Council, Welsh Government, Invest Northern Ireland, Defra and BEIS. Innovate UK manages the KTP programme and facilitates its delivery through a range of partners.

Innovate UK KTN is a delivery partner for both programmes.