Dear Reader
Welcome to November's edition of the South West Science and Industry Council newsletter.
This month's edition highlights regional, national and European funding and business opportunities, including the Technology Strategy Board's latest calls, FP7 calls, Carbon Trust Applied Research funding and the 4iP call for submissions.
In addition, we bring you news of successful collaborations and innovative technologies being developed across the region and provide information about events taking place in the coming months.
If you wish to comment on the stories in this month's issue or have ideas, initiatives or events that you would like
to be included next month, please do write to us at editor@swsic.com.
Yours sincerely
Colin Green
Chair, South West Science and Industry Council
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Technology Strategy Board launches new collaborative competitions
The Technology Strategy Board's collaborative research competitions in Photonics, Advanced Materials and Intelligent Transport Systems and Services are now open for applications. Read the full article |
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Bristol start-up companies set to beat the economic downturn
Eight University of Bristol start-up companies, based in the SETsquared New Business Acceleration Centre in Bristol, were among twenty technology companies pitching to investors in the fifth annual SETsquared Partnership showcase. Read the full article |
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SWSIC - request for new Members
The South West RDA is seeking to appoint additional members to the South West Science and Industry Council. Read the full article |
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Carbon Trust Applied Research funding
Applied Research funding of up to £500,000 is available to business and academia. Read the full article |
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Single government 'Solution for Business' to help companies succeed
30 advice, loan and grant products and services will make up the portfolio of business support available to South West businesses. Read the full article |
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EU business R&D spending still on the up
European companies are increasing their research and development investments faster than their counterparts in the US and Japan, according to the EU's latest 'Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard'. Read the full article |
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Sector Compact
Companies of all sizes can access £65 million to train workforce and maximise business performance. Read the full article |
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Bournemouth University launches new research centre
The new international Centre for Wellbeing & Quality of Life, which will carry out vital research into improving health and wellbeing, has now been officially launched. Read the full article |
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Free European technology and business partnering service launched
A free technology and business partnering service is now available for South West-based companies and research organisations, enabling them to develop their business interests across Europe. Read the full article |
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Europeans launch Fuel Cell and Hydrogen JTI in Brussels
The EUR 1 billion Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative has been launched. Read the full article |
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FP7 - new call to open this month
The 2009 Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies (NMP) FP7 call is due to open in mid November. Read the full article |
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NESTA CEO highlights recession busting strengths of the UK
New report maps and measures innovation strengths and weaknesses across the UK region by region. Read the full article |
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2009 MacRobert Award
The UK's premier award for innovation in engineering is now open for submissions. Read the full article |
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European Cluster Policy Group - Call for applications
The European Commission has announced a call for applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals to join an expert group to advise on future policies for cluster development. Read the full article |
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Composite participation
The University of Bristol is to play a major role in a ground-breaking research and development project into turbine generators that could have significant impacts on energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions. Read the full article |
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4iP Call For Submissions
Channel 4's online public service broadcasting platform 4iP officially opened for submissions in October. Read the full article |
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G4B Project Releases Mid-term Update
Now in its second year, the regional Graduates for Business (G4B) Project has announced impressive headline figures in meeting its aims to increase the uptake and impact of graduates working with businesses. Read the full article |
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World's fastest car + UWE
The University of the West of England is taking centre stage in the development of Bloodhound SSC, a car designed to take the land speed record to over 1000mph. Read the full article |
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Duke of York briefed on marine energy
HRH The Duke of York heard first-hand how the South West aims to lead the world in the development of green energy from the sea in a visit last month. Read the full article |
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Tamar Science Park new development phase
Tamar Science Park has recently opened its new phase of development taking it one step closer to being acknowledged as the outstanding science park in the UK. Read the full article |
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SW Universities offered funding to de-mystify the work of academics.
SW Universities are being offered a share of EUR 3 million European Commission funding to help de-mystify the role of academics amongst the public. Read the full article |
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SW companies hear benefits of FP7
South West companies were able to hear first hand of the commercial benefits of participating in European funded R&D Programmes thanks to a seminar held by the Enterprise Europe Network and Business Link Technical Services Team. Read the full article |
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Shoe lace idea secures kids top invention prize
A bright-spark school kid who designed a machine to solve the age old problem of learning to tie shoe laces has secured one of the top places in a competition to find inventors of the future. Read the full article |
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Enter theBizIdea Competition 2008/2009
theBizIdea is an enterprise competition which encourages and supports entrepreneurs in making their business ideas a reality. Read the full article |
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DIARY DATES AND EVENTS
Including Innovation Live, UK@CERN, Renewable Futures,WEAF Gala Dinner and many more. Read the full article |
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TECHNOLOGY PARTNERING OPPORTUNITIES
To aid companies find business partners the Enterprise Europe Network is able to offer access to thousands of partnering opportunities from companies across Europe. Read the full article |
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| | Technology Strategy Board launches new collaborative competitions |
The Technology Strategy Board launched new collaborative research and development competitions on 7 October 2008 covering a number of technology areas. The purpose of the competitions is to stimulate innovation, with businesses working together and with academic and research institutions on new research and development that will lead to successful new products and services.
The technology areas are:
High Value Manufacturing: Step Change in Competitiveness; Value Systems
Photonics: Photonics21 - Next generation optical internet access
Materials: Sustainable materials and products
Energy Generation and Supply: Maximising recovery of UK's oil and gas resources
Energy Generation and Supply: Fuel cells and hydrogen technologies
Creative Industries: Accessing and commercialising content in a digitally networked world
Intelligent transport systems and services: Informed personal travel
Network Security: Interdependency, Risk and Complexity
The competitions in Sustainable Materials, Photonics and Informed Personal Travel opened on 10th November 2008 and the competitions in High Value Manufacturing, Oil and Gas Recovery and Low Carbon Vehicles and in March in Creative Industries, Network Security, Low Impact Buildings and Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technologies open in January 2009.
There are briefing events in Sustainable Materials and Photonics on November 19th and in Informed Personal Travel on November 26th. To register or find out more about these events please visit the Technology Strategy Board website.
For more information about the competitions visit the Technology Strategy Board website.
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| Bristol start-up companies set to beat the economic downturn |
Eight University of Bristol start-up companies, based in the SETsquared New Business Acceleration Centre in Bristol, were among twenty technology companies pitching to investors in the fifth annual SETsquared Partnership showcase.
The event, aimed at raising investment for early-stage companies, was held in London last week and attracted an audience of 120 venture capitalists, angel investors and wealthy individuals.
Peter Davies, managing director of YFM Group, said: "SETsquared does a fantastic job in preparing early-stage businesses. We’ve already invested in five of them and, after today’s presentations, we’re looking seriously at another one."
Abdul Guefor, Managing Director (EMEA) of Intel Capital, added: "These were very good quality presentations. Four of the companies that presented are relevant to our investment strategy and we will be following up with two of them immediately."
Xintronix, one of the companies, produces semiconductor chip technology that will make computer USB connections run at 5 gigabits per second, more than 10 times faster than they do today. Its technology will provide the lowest cost and lowest power consumption for devices in this multi-billion-pound market.
Seeking investment for the online Journal of Unlikely Science, Null Hypothesis revealed how its website, recently described by the Daily Telegraph as ‘the Private Eye of the science community’, has become one of the top five science portals on the internet. Null Hypothesis was developed by three postgraduates (Mark Steer, Andrew Impey and David Hall) from the School of Biological Sciences at the University. It negotiated a national contract with Borders Bookshops and built up a subscription base all over the world. Then, in 2006, it moved to an online-only format to maximize revenue potential and to reach a global audience.
Gnodal Ltd, the third of the Bristol companies taking part, looks set significantly to improve high-speed network performance for data centres. The company was set up by Fred Homewood, a Visiting Fellow at the University, local entrepreneurs, and Matt Hatch, a graduate of the University, who came to the Centre as a mentor but, after spotting Gnodal’s business potential, joined it is as co-founder.
Other Bristol companies exhibiting at the event included Bioinduction, DocCom Solutions, Silicon Basis, Eclat Ltd, Mybuilder.com and Immentrum.
Silicon Basis, Xintronics and Gnodal are all successful applicants to the South West RDA’s Grant for R&D. Firms can apply for between £5,000 and £20,000 to develop small prototypes or new products or processes, between £20,000 and £100,000 to conduct research into new scientific or technical knowledge which could be commercially exploited, or between £20,000 and £250,000 for industrial research to create pre-production prototypes or develop an innovative new product or process. Grants of between £250,000 and £500,000 are also available for projects which are exceptional and therefore would have a major national impact on industry.
The next round of Grant for R&D funding will be released on April 1, 2009 but businesses are strongly recommended to apply now to leave time for their applications to be appraised and for queries to be dealt with.
For more information about the South West RDA Grant for R&D, visit the website.
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| SWSIC - request for new Members |
The South West Science & Industry Council (SWSIC) is an industry led body, established to ensure that the strength of the scientific, technical and commercial sectors of the South West come together to drive the economy of the region.
Its purpose is “To raise the gross value added of industry & business in the region through more effective use of science and technology”.
The Council comprises science, business and academic leaders who understand that science, technology and innovation are critical to the future growth of the region's economy; and are committed to using their personal knowledge and experience to assist the South West Regional Development Agency, and the region as a whole, in maximising the contribution of science and innovation to regional competitiveness.
The SWSIC advises the South West RDA on its strategy for science and innovation; and on its major investments in this area; as well as informing and influencing the work of the national Technology Strategy Board.
The South West RDA is seeking to appoint additional members to the Council. To ensure that its membership reflects the regional economy, we are particularly seeking applications from people in the following industries; Aerospace & Defence, Creative Industries, Business Services and Environmental and Sustainable Technologies. The Council can have up to five members from the Higher Education community. It currently has 4 HE based members; and there is therefore an opportunity for one further member from this sector.
Potential members will have played a senior major role in developing a business/organisation which has deployed science and technology effectively to achieve growth; be able to champion the role of science and technology in economic growth; and be widely recognised in their field of operation.
Members of the Council are not remunerated. They are expected to operate according to the Seven Principles of Public Life set out by the Nolan Committee
Closing date for applications is 1st December 2008
For more information on the Council please visit the SWSIC website and for an application pack please contact Richard Male on 0117 9330263 or email.
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| Carbon Trust Applied Research funding |
Applied Research funding of up to £500,000 for business and academia.
Applied Research Grant funding is available to businesses, research institutions and other organisations and aims to support the development and commercialisation of technologies which have the potential to reduce UK carbon emissions. The aim is to encourage and support the progress of low carbon technologies towards large-scale deployment.
To be successful a project must demonstrate:
• Genuine innovation and the potential to contribute to substantial reductions in UK greenhouse gas emissions
• That the work is well planned and builds on previous work in the area
• That the results of the work will allow a clear step forward on the path towards commercialisation
• That it represents good value for money
• Provides demonstrative benefit to the UK.
The call for applications is now open until 4th December 2008.
For more information visit the Carbon Trust website.
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| Single government 'Solution for Business' to help companies succeed |
30 advice, loan and grant products and services will make up the portfolio of business support available to South West businesses.
The South West RDA and GOSW will work with local authorities and other partners and stakeholders to make sure businesses in the South West have access to good quality business support, help and advice in line with the new "Solutions for Business" products.
Business Link will act as the main route to support, offering impartial assessment and advice to bespoke packages of suitable support. 'Solutions for Business' works hand-in-hand with Business Link, the former as the government's guarantee of quality support, the latter as the main route to access this support.
All the 'Solutions for Business' products will be in place by March 09 and are a result of a streamlining exercise whereby the government committed to reduce over 3,000 products to less than 100. Monitoring will ensure the number of schemes stays low.
The aim is to make it easier for companies, starting and growing, small and large, new and existing, to find the right products to help them with common business issues such as finance, export, skills, environment, innovation and growth.
Businesses had complained they found government support complex and confusing. 'Solutions for Business' responds to their concerns and the business community has been involved in developing the package.
It is estimated tighter targeting of schemes will collectively add up to £1.4bn per year of value for businesses while easier access will save them up to £1.5m in saved search costs.
Rationalisation will ensure effective use of tax payers' money through more efficient delivery as all levels of government - national, regional and local - will, for the first time, share the same products.
Economic, social and environmental goals will be met where the Government needs to intervene.
Stephen Peacock, the South West RDA's Executive Director of Enterprise and Innovation, said: "In these difficult economic times it is vital that businesses can get the help they need. Companies in the South West have told us that there are too many government-funded business support products and that the system is too complicated. We are responding to their concerns by working with Government and regional partners to reduce the confusion and welcome today's announcement. Business Link remains the main access route for business support."
John Wilkinson of the CBI said: "The CBI supports the Government's determination to simply publicly funded business support. We welcome the launch of a simplified portfolio of business support products with the aim of improving quality and value for money for the taxpayer and ease of access through Business Link."
David Parlby, CEO of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, said: "The Plymouth Chamber of Commerce welcomes the initiative to reduce the number of business support products as this will help considerably in streamlining and simplifying the access to support that SMEs require. We believe that simple and effective communication of the new arrangements will be key in maximising the benefits of the initiative. We also look forward to a robust process being put in place to ensure that the number of support products does not gradually increase over time.
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| EU business R&D spending still on the up |
European companies are increasing their research and development (R&D) investments faster than their counterparts in the US and Japan, according to the EU's latest 'Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard', which has just been published.
Released annually, the scoreboard draws on R&D investment data from the 1,000 EU companies that invest the most in R&D and the 1,000 leading R&D spenders from outside the EU. The latest scoreboard reveals that during the 2007-2008 financial year, all 2,000 companies increased their R&D investments by 9%, down from a 10% increase the previous year.
EU companies have been steadily increasing their R&D investments for five years in a row now: in 2004-2005, EU companies increased their investments in R&D by less than 1% but in 2007-2008 EU investment shot up by 8.8%. For the first time, the rise in R&D investments by EU companies was higher than the 8.6% increase in investments by American businesses. Meanwhile, the growth in investments by EU companies outstripped that of Japanese industry for the third year running.
'We are pleased that R&D investment growth in EU companies has increased against the background of a slight fall in the growth rate worldwide,' commented EU Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik.
The top three companies in the ranking are all American. Microsoft, which spent EUR 5.58 billion on research last year, topped the list, knocking Pfizer (EUR 5.53 billion) into third place behind General Motors (EUR 5.54 billion). The highest-ranking EU company is Finnish mobile phone company Nokia, which claimed fifth place with an R&D investment of EUR 5.28 billion. Two German vehicle manufacturers, Volkswagen and Daimler, were the only other EU-based companies in the top ten.
In total, 18 EU companies made it into the top 50, compared to 20 US companies and 9 Japanese companies. The pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sector is still the top R&D investor worldwide, accounting for 19% of all R&D investments by the companies on the scoreboard. The EU and Switzerland are particularly well represented in this sector, with companies such as Roche, Novartis and AstraZeneca increasing their R&D investments by over 20%.
Another strong performer was the energy sector, where some leading players have dramatically increased their R&D spending over recent years. Within this sector, companies working on alternative energies such as wind and solar power show the strongest growth rates.
Nevertheless, Commissioner Potocnik warns against complacency. 'Private sector R&D in Europe remains at 1% of GDP, amidst signs that EU companies are making an increasing share of their R&D investments outside Europe,' he noted. 'Therefore, we must continue our efforts to make Europe a more attractive place for business R&D, notably by creating a truly European Research Area, in order to reach the Lisbon objectives.'
To find out more, visit the EC website.
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| Sector Compact |
Employers in the science, engineering and manufacturing technologies sector based in England can access £65 million of Train to Gain funding to invest in skills with the help of Semta sector experts.
The new Semta Train to Gain Sector Compact offer gives employers the opportunity to identify areas for improvement and help to access funding to support the training needs of their workforce.
This is available for companies in ENGLAND in the following sectors: Aerospace, Automotive, Bioscience, Electrical and Electronics, Marine, Mechanical, Metals
Funding will be available to support the following qualifications;
-All first NVQ Level 2 qualifications
-Second NVQ Level 2s in identified priority qualifications
-All first NVQ Level 3 qualifications
-Second NVQ Level 3s in identified priority qualifications
-Apprenticeships for people of all ages
-Skills for Life qualifications to improve for example, numeracy and literacy skills
Support for Level 4 qualifications will be available in 2009.
For more information on the new sector funding offer, please call Semta on 0845 643 9001, email or visit the Semta website.
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| Bournemouth University launches new research centre |
The new international Centre for Wellbeing & Quality of Life, which will carry out vital research into improving health and wellbeing, has now been officially launched.
The cross-University Centre, based in the School of Health & Social Care, will examine and develop methods to promote healthy living, such as nutrition and exercise, but will concentrate on vulnerable groups, such as those with long-term conditions or chronic illness, to develop ways to self-manage conditions and improve their quality of life.
As outlined in the recent report ‘Mental Capital and Wellbeing’ sponsored by the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills (DIUS), up to £77 billion a year is spent on mental-ill-health in England alone. A key direction for the Centre’s work will be to undertake research and develop educational opportunities and consultancy in promoting health and quality of life in the community.
Professor Steven Ersser, Director of the new Centre said: “Health and wellbeing has moved up the government’s agenda over the past few years, with an emphasis on prevention, rather than cure, to ensure the long-term viability of the NHS.
“Individuals’ actions greatly affect their own health and it is recognised that further work is needed to ensure people develop happier and healthier lifestyles. Our work will see us develop programmes to address those gaps in current health and wellbeing research, and work with academics, students and other health organisations to develop ways to address those identified gaps.”
The Centre is already conducting research into psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that affects seven per cent of the population, eczema and the management of back pain. It has recently formed a collaboration with the Royal Society for Public Health to promote education and development in this area.
For more information visit the website.
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| Free European technology and business partnering service launched |
A free technology and business partnering service is now available for South West-based companies and research organisations, enabling them to develop their business interests across Europe.
Enterprise Europe Network South West (EEN SW) has launched a quick and easy way for small- and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs across the South West to identify suitable EU-based partners for commercial agreements, technology partnerships and European research-funded projects.
This email-based service is updated daily and provides access to potentially lucrative partnerships with hundreds of companies, organisations, universities and research institutions located across Europe.
Subscribers to the EEN SW Partner Search Database will receive emails detailing all of the latest opportunities and joint venture initiatives related to their field of work or area of expertise. It will also enable them to search Europe for potential business partners to develop their own projects or to exploit new technology. Companies from across Wiltshire can also use the database to publish their own profile and begin the search for new business opportunities.
Kenny Legg, EEN SW’s Partnership Adviser, says: “This is one of our most exciting and relevant services. The database is full of viable and profitable technology business opportunities just waiting to be developed.
“For instance, we currently have such wide-ranging profiles as a Swedish company looking for expertise on soldering electronic circuit boards, an Italian university offering a new type of fluid machine/internal combustion engine and a Greek medical company looking for new medical products for the Greek market. There are thousands of such opportunities in the database, covering all business sectors.
“This free service is an immensely valuable tool for the small- and medium-sized companies and entrepreneurs that are driving the economy of the South West and I really urge all such businesses to contact us and try it out.”
EEN SW advisers will also guide local businesses through the matching process, ensuring that the right partner organisation is identified and that the most appropriate international trading mechanisms and networks are in place, including contact with agents, distributors or suppliers.
If you wish to receive alerts, publish your own partner search profile, or undertake your own search please contact Kenny Legg on 01275 370808 or visit the EEN SW website.
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| Europeans launch Fuel Cell and Hydrogen JTI in Brussels |
Representatives of industry, the research community and the European institutions launched the EUR 1 billion Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) at an event in Brussels, Belgium on 14 October.
Over the next six years, the Commission and industry will plough almost EUR 500 million each into the initiative, with the aim of accelerating the development of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and bringing them to the market by 2020. It is estimated that the JTI's activities will reduce the time to market for these technologies by two to five years.
The new JTI brings together over 60 private companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large multinationals, together with leading energy research groups from across Europe.
'The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative is the best possible vehicle to accelerate the development of technologies and bring the commercialisation of hydrogen and fuel cells forward,' said Gijs van Breda Vriesman, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Joint Undertaking. 'To prepare the market for these strategic technologies it is necessary to ensure the cooperation of all stakeholders: it is not only needed for the relevant industrial sectors to develop the supply chain, but it is also critical to ensure the cooperation between research, industry and government, at regional, national and European level.'
The JTI will focus its efforts on four main areas: transportation and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure; hydrogen production and distribution; stationary power generation and combined heat and power (CHP); and early markets (fuel cell products that are almost ready for commercialisation).
The JTI's first call for proposals, which has a budget of EUR 28.1 million, has already been launched with a deadline of 15th January 2009
Other JTIs to have been established so far focus on innovative medicines (IMI), embedded computer systems (ARTEMIS), nanoelectronics (ENIAC) and aeronautics and air transport (Clean Sky).
For more information about the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen JTI, please visit the FP7 website.
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| FP7 - new call to open this month |
The 2009 'Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies – NMP' FP7 call is due to open in mid November.
The core objective of Theme 4 'Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies – NMP' is to fund research, development, demonstration, and coordination projects that will contribute, either on their own or by enabling further development, to the transformation of European industry from a resource-intensive to a knowledge-intensive industry, thus meeting the challenge imposed by the new industrial revolution and competition at global level, as well as environmental challenges.
NMP - Example of Collaborative Projects
• Small or medium-scale focused research projects
• <4m€ Funding (Typically €2-3m, ~6 organisations)
• Generally research focused with some end markets & applications
• Large scale integrating collaborative projects,
• >4m€ Funding (typically €6-8m, ~12 organisations)
• Still pre-competitive research, but tying closer into end markets and applications.
• Higher dissemination & training element
• SME collaborative projects
• Aimed at making SMEs research and knowledge-driven
• >35% SME participation (no prescribed No. of participants)
• SME drive but don’t have to be the coordinator
Call Publication: 19th November 2008
1st Stage Deadline: 17th February 2009
2nd Stage Deadline: 22nd July 2009
Total budget: ~€250m
For more information visit the FP7 website later this month. |
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| NESTA CEO highlights recession busting strengths of the UK |
Innovation is the key weapon for the UK to beat the economic downturn according to Jonathan Kestenbaum, Chief Executive of the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA). New research published by NESTA today shows that connecting with new markets and exploiting international opportunities will be the key ingredients for UK regions to remain competitive in recessionary times.
The NESTA analysis maps the UK’s innovation strengths region by region. It demonstrates that regions most likely to thrive are those with strong international networks to other innovative nations and the ability to share that knowledge across the region.
Jonathan Kestenbaum, Chief Executive of NESTA, said,
“This research is important because it demonstrates that no region, with the possible exception of London, will be able to withstand the economic crisis in isolation. The ingredients for survival in a downturn hinges on the ability to connect with markets that focus on new science, technology and innovation within and beyond the UK.
“Traditionally, the keys to successful innovation were considered to be the ability to create knowledge and exploit it. However, the dynamics are changing. Those who can access knowledge, bring it home and share it around are more likely to build a healthier economy.”
To view the full report visit the NESTA website.
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| 2009 MacRobert Award |
The Award, first presented in 1969, honours the winning organisation with a gold medal, and each of the individual nominees with a bronze medal. There is, in addition, a cash prize of £50,000. This is normally shared equally between the individual nominees; however, the Academy will in exceptional cases consider alternative proposals for how the cash prize should be allocated. The presentation of the Award recognises the successful development of innovative ideas in engineering. It seeks to demonstrate the importance of engineering and the role of engineers and scientists in contributing to national prosperity and international prestige.
Originally founded by the MacRobert Trusts the Award is now presented by The Royal Academy of Engineering, a prize fund having been established with donations from the MacRobert Trusts, The Royal Academy of Engineering and British industry.
The deadline for entries is 30th January 2009 and submissions can now be made via the Royal Academy of Engineering website.
For more information, please contact Sylvia Hampartumian on 020 7766 0648 or by email.
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| European Cluster Policy Group - Call for applications |
By decision of 22 October 2008, the Commission has set up the European Cluster Policy Group (ECPG).
The scope and objective of the European Cluster Policy Group is to share intelligence about cluster policies in view to further explore how to better assist Member States in supporting the emergence of world-class clusters in the EU.
The Commission is therefore calling for applications with a view to listing candidates to make up the European Cluster Policy Group.
ECPG shall consist of members representing high level policy makers, businesses and research and higher education institutions.
The Commission will assess applications and eligibility of individual candidates against the following criteria:
— members should have outstanding expertise and experience in the field of competitiveness and innovation policies at regional, national and community levels and should have a very good understanding about the role of clusters in economic development in order to ensure that the analysis and recommendations produced are feasible and respect the institutional and legal framework of the EU,
— members should have strong experience in European affairs and working in an international environment,
— members should be fluent in English both oral and written at a level which allows them to contribute to discussions and preparation of reports.
The Commission aims at ensuring a broad geographical coverage, a balanced gender composition and a good representation of different stakeholders on the basis of proposals received.
The deadline for the arrival of applications is 30 November 2008.
For more information visit the EC website.
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| Composite participation |
The University of Bristol is to play a major role in a ground-breaking research and development project into turbine generators that could have significant impacts on energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions.
The project, which has received over £2m funding for the Technology Strategy Board and the EPSRC, is centred on improving the processes used to manufacture components for tidal turbine generators and improving overall operating efficiencies.
In ‘New Materials and Methods for Energy Efficient Tidal Turbines’ (NEW-MMEETT), Bristol University and its partners will investigate optimising energy efficiency and return on investment. This will be achieved through the development of new carbon and glass fibre reinforced resin systems optimised to counter fatigue effects, which will then allow for reductions in the design allowables and, with the application of state-of-the-art aerospace technologies, to the design of more efficient tidal turbines. Advanced Composites Group (ACG), a subsidiary of Umeco Composites, Aviation Enterprises Ltd, Materials Engineering Research Laboratory Ltd, all prominent industrial leaders in their own right, are partnering Bristol University in this venture.
The project is one of a total of sixteen that are to receive investment of over £10 million from the Technology Strategy Board and Engineering and the Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to help meet energy challenges.
For more information please visit the Technology Strategy Board website.
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| 4iP Call For Submissions |
Channel 4's online public service broadcasting (PSB) platform 4iP officially opened for submissions in October.
4iP is an innovation fund to stimulate public service digital media (beyond television) across the UK. In plain English, that means supporting great ideas for websites, games and mobile services which help people improve their lives. The broadcaster is inviting ideas for primarily web-based projects with a strong PSB element.
In the first stage, the ideas are reviewed by C4's team of digital managers, who will suggest ways in which the ideas could be improved upon.
The second stage will take some of the stronger ideas further, and use the knowledge base of C4 to help build a financial and business plan around the ideas.
The ideas then pass through 4iP's network, with the strongest projects coming out the other end with support from C4.
4iP is a collaboration between C4 and a series of regional development agencies and funding partners.
Over the next two years C4 and its 4iP partners will be investing up to £50m in content and services to deliver public purposes on digital platforms.
C4's technology partner is social media platform provider NinetyTen.
For more information visit the website.
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| G4B Project Releases Mid-term Update |
Now in its second year, the regional Graduates for Business (G4B) Project has announced impressive headline figures in meeting its aims to increase the uptake and impact of graduates working with businesses.
The project has helped 1,300 students and graduates to secure employment, as well as allowing 170 students and graduates to take part in placements. Some of the initiatives introduced to meet these targets include careers interviews and workshops, CV clinics, support for interview preparation, advice for graduates wishing to set up their own companies and mentoring schemes.
As part of G4B, the regional online recruitment service, gradsouthwest.com has been relaunched. Since then 17,000 people have registered on the website and over 5,000 job vacancies have been posted. The site now receives an average of 45,000 hits per month and it is constantly evolving, with the recent addition of a toolkit for employers and a CV database function currently under development.
A range of innovative and exciting events based around employability and entrepreneurship have taken place thanks to G4B funding. The Get that Job and Creative Media Fair events, held in Bournemouth, brought employers on site to deliver a number of workshops designed to improve the career prospects of students and graduates. The events also provided invaluable networking opportunities.
The Higher Education Institutions of Devon and Cornwall have worked together to develop and extend graduate training provision in the area, with the aim of improving graduate skills and employability. A comprehensive Continued Professional Development programme for graduates has been initiated with training covering a wide range of topics such as project management, finance, human resources and business marketing.
Four regional Flying Start Rallies have been organised in conjunction with the South West Regional Development Agency to target students with original business ideas and those wishing to start up new companies. Participants had the chance to pitch their business ideas to entrepreneurs and to put questions to legal, financial and marketing experts. Interactive sessions were also held covering areas ranging from generating ideas to applying for funding, to provide participants with the necessary information to take the next step in realising their business dreams.
“The G4B project has had a huge number of successful outcomes and our mid-term update has allowed us to assess what has been achieved so far and share best practice to ensure that the good work continues into the final 12 months of the project.” says Rebecca Barnett, G4B Project Manager.
For more information on the project contact Rebecca Barnett.
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| World's fastest car + UWE |
The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) is taking centre stage in the development of Bloodhound SSC (Project Bloodhound), a car designed to take the land speed record to over 1000mph.
UWE is a founder partner supporting the Bloodhound project which is led by Richard Noble, a previous world land speed record holder.
Engineers from UWE have produced the scale model for BLOODHOUND SSC, a car that aims not just to break the current land speed record but to achieve an astounding land speed of 1000 mph.
The Bloodhound Design team, led by John Piper (JCB Dieselmax Chief Designer), has been working with UWE engineers and technicians in secret since January 2008, using the specialist facilities at UWE to help realise the formative stages of the project.
John Lanham, Head of Design and Engineering at UWE's Faculty of Environment and Technology, said, “UWE will also lead the Bloodhound Project Higher Education engagement opportunities nationwide. We will be integrating the Bloodhound Project into the Engineering curriculum and provide research opportunities, run design competitions and organise public engagement events.
“The Bloodhound Project has been an inspiration to all of the technicians and staff involved so far and we're thrilled to be an integral part of one of the biggest and most exciting engineering projects happening in the world today. Our students will benefit enormously from having such an iconic project happening on their doorstep.
“The beauty of Bloodhound is the openness of the project. So many engineering projects in the real world are subject to extreme confidentiality for obvious commercial reasons but Bloodhound's development will be seen by millions as it evolves with live coverage on the web. This very openness of Bloodhound's development presents unprecedented opportunities for us to prepare students for the real world.”
The early construction of the initial full scale mock-up of Bloodhound SSC, measuring over 12.8 metres, will also take place on UWE's Frenchay Campus. The actual Bloodhound SSC car will be constructed at a specially designed visitors centre.
The design for the building adaptation has been led by UWE architect James Burch and funding is under discussion with the South West Regional Development Agency. James has worked on many iconic design projects including the Gorilla Kingdom at London Zoo. He describes the design, “We will be working with an existing building measuring around 1,500 square metres and creating a suitable space that will include a workshop, design rooms, a viewing gallery and exhibition space. The majority of the space will be given over to the actual workshop as the car will need to take centre stage. The Visitors Centre will provide a space for schoolchildren and enthusiasts to explore engineering and will make almost theatrical the experience of seeing the vehicle grow into being.”
The full scale mock-up will be a breathtaking experience planned to be integrated in a schools outreach programme involving schools all over the UK. The full size model will mirror the actual car and is integral to project success.
Bloodhound will be 12.8 metres in length, 6.4 metres wide, weighing in at 6.4 tonnes. The wheels will need to survive a 10500 rpm proof test and the car will be powered by a Eurojet EJ200 delivering 20,000lbs thrust and a Falcon hybrid rocket delivering 27,000lbs thrust. The design speed is 1050 mph.
UWE Vice Chancellor, Steve West, explains why the University has decided to support this project, he said, “We share the vision for advancing Engineering in the UK and by welcoming the Bloodhound team onto our campus we aim to inspire our students and school pupils to get involved. We are proud that UWE is leading the Higher Education programme that will be developed alongside Bloodhound. There are huge engineering challenges that face us globally as we all strive towards a conversion to low carbon living.
“We are going to need a surge of interest to the STEM subjects in universities nationwide to help us meet a growing demand for engineering and technological expertise. A project like Bloodhound, will, we believe, inspire a new generation to visualise the potential of engineering and we want to invite this generation to take part in this exciting adventure to help shore up a sustainable future for us all.”
Richard Noble describes the rationale for the project, he said, “We have held the World Land Speed Record for the last 25 years and we still hold it. There is early competition developing and we have to defend our record. But our number one objective in this project is to create a national surge in interest in Engineering and STEM subjects. We have discovered during the Bloodhound SSC research programme that the education objective generates huge interest. During the early days of the ThrustSSC project the website ran 59 million accesses – even today the site runs 2,000 pages per day. We can share the Bloodhound SSC technology openly because there are minimal design restrictions for the Land Speed Record vehicles and therefore competitive cars tend to be completely different. Thus an advantage for one competitor is not necessarily of value to another. Besides, in this sport because the challenge is simply so tough, that we all try to help each other.
In short, we are responding to a national need for a high technology programme to advance engineering capability in Britain. The project is wholly dependent on innovative application of very advanced research and technology. We are confident that Bloodhound SSC will stimulate a national interest in engineering technology in schools.”
For more information visit the Bloodhound SSC website.
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| Duke of York briefed on marine energy |
HRH The Duke of York heard first-hand how the South West aims to lead the world in the development of green energy from the sea in a visit last month.
The Duke, who is the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment visited the Tremough Campus of the Combined Universities in Cornwall at Penryn on October 14th for a seminar and round-table discussion about marine renewable energy in the region.
He met with representatives of the South West RDA, which is spearheading the Wave Hub project off the North Cornwall coast, and the University of Exeter which launched the UK's first ever renewable energy degree in 2003.
Staff from University College Falmouth and members of Mabe and Penryn councils also attended.
Kelvyn Derrick, deputy chairman of the South West RDA and chairman of Regen SW, the renewable energy agency for the region, hosted the seminar.
He said: "This was an excellent opportunity to showcase the groundbreaking work that is being done in our region to develop marine renewables and other forms of green energy, and to explore how that work can be used to develop exports and attract inward investment.
"We were able to update the Duke on progress on Wave Hub and the Peninsula Research Institute for Marine Energy, through which we aim to be world leaders in harnessing the power of the sea by leading the development of a low carbon economy in the South West."
Professor Matthew Evans, Provost for the University of Exeter's Cornwall Campus (Tremough), said: "It was a great honour to welcome His Royal Highness the Duke of York to the Tremough Campus. It was also an excellent opportunity for us to share with the Duke some of the work we are doing to develop expertise on renewable energy in the region.
"We were keen to share not only the achievements of our research staff, students and graduates, but also to show how we are working with businesses across the region to help Cornwall lead the way in this fast-growing industry. This is an activity that we see as increasingly important and will be developing significantly in our future plans for the Campus."
During his visit the Duke also met two wave device companies, one of which already intends to use Wave Hub. Wave Hub is a proposal from the South West RDA to develop a wave farm 10 miles off the north Cornwall coast by building a giant electrical 'socket' on the seabed, connected to the National Grid by an underwater cable.
The project is expected to be up and running in 2010 and will allow wave device developers to test their renewable energy technology on a scale not seen before.
The Duke was also briefed on the Peninsula Research Institute for Marine Energy (PRIMaRE), a £15 million project to support the development of marine energy in the region, particularly the Wave Hub project.
PRIMaRE is a partnership between the University of Exeter and University of Plymouth to carry out marine renewable energy research and development, and has been supported with an initial investment of £7.3 million from the South West RDA.
Following the round-table discussion about marine renewable energy, the Duke visited the University of Exeter's renewable energy laboratory at Tremough where he met some of its students and graduates who are now working in the sector.
The Duke's one-day tour of Cornwall also included visits to superyacht manufacturer Pendennis Shipyard and pump manufacturer Watson-Marlow, both in Falmouth. At Watson-Marlow the Duke cut the first turf on a new £7.3 million expansion which has been funded with a £1 million investment from the South West RDA and the ERDF Convergence programme.
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| Tamar Science Park new development phase |
Tamar Science Park has recently opened its new phase of development. The Science Park, which is located in Plymouth, continues to play a pivotal role in the economic development of both the city and the South West region as a whole. It takes one step closter to its aim of being acknowledged as the outstanding science park in the UK.
Tamar Science Park has been funded by grants from the South West of England Regional Development Agency, as well as Objective 2 funds. The development incorporates a state-of-the-art Data Centre, pre-incubation space, Bistro, Travel Hub and further space to let. Its building has incorporated green technologies, including rainwater harvesting and a sustainable drainage system.
The new clients of the science park will benefit from extra space, new businesses, business support, technology transfer, design, rapid prototyping, laboratories and research areas.
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| SW Universities offered funding to de-mystify the work of academics. |
SW Universities are being offered a share of EUR 3 million European Commission funding to help de-mystify the role of academics amongst the public and in particular young people, providing the opportunity to meet researchers within the context of ‘fun’ activities to highlight the appeal of pursuing a research career.
‘European Researchers’ Night’ is a pan-European event, running since 2005, involving a wide range of scientific and research organisations – including museums, laboratories and academic institutions – hosting a variety of entertaining and fun events running late into the evening.
This action, funded through Framework Programme Seven (FP7) , aims to bring the researchers closer to the public at large, so enhancing their role in the mainstream of society. The expected impact of this action consists of continuing to tackle the existing stereotypes about researchers and the profession, and to have the public at large better understand the central role of scientists and the key benefits they bring to society.
Universities have to submit their proposals by the 14 January 2009.
The full details on the call can be found on the FP7 website.
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| SW companies hear benefits of FP7 |
South West companies were able to hear first hand of the commercial benefits of participating in European funded R&D Programmes thanks to a seminar held by the Enterprise Europe Network and Business Link Technical Services Team, led by John Tregaskes.
Over 20 companies attended the event, held at Tamar Science Park on the 27th October, and heard a series of very practical presentations on the numerous benefits of being involved in collaborative pan-European research schemes.
Enterprise Europe Network Adviser Gerry Shattock said “The event had a dynamism about it reflecting the quality of the presentations and the profile of attendess and really brought across the opportunities, not just financial, that this scheme can offer. We look forward to supporting these companies in any future R&D Programmes they may participate in.”
For more information on FP7 and to download the presentations from the event please visit the EEN website.
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| Shoe lace idea secures kids top invention prize |
A bright-spark school kid who designed a machine to solve the age old problem of learning to tie shoe laces has secured one of the top places in a competition to find inventors of the future.
The device named the ‘Tyer-Upper’ was designed by a Year Five pupil at Sunninghill Preparatory School in Dorset and has been chosen as the South West winner of the 2008 Cracking Ideas competition.
Cracking Ideas is the biggest Government backed project of its kind and uses a combination of specific lesson plans, teaching resources and a dedicated website -www.crackingideas.com - to encourage innovation among Key Stage Two pupils as part of the National Curriculum.
The competition has been judged by the UK Intellectual Property Office which rated the 'Tyer-Upper' among the best inventions nationwide, and it will now battle it out with six other schools from around the country for the national title judged by Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park.
Lucy Buckwell, from Sunninghill Preparatory School came up with a design which takes the stress out of shoe lace tying. A cushioned heel support provides comfort and holds the device in place, while the machine’s fingers tie the laces.
The Cracking Ideas project was developed by the UK Intellectual Property Office which encourages innovation and is responsible for intellectual property rights.
Among Sunninghill Preparatory School’s prizes is a laptop, board games signed by Nick Park and a selection of DVDs and other goodies. If they are successful in the national competition they will be presented with an original bespoke trophy made by the model making department at Aardman Animations and a preview screening of the new Wallace and Gromit short film 'A Matter of Loaf and Death'.
Minister of State for Higher Education and Intellectual Property David Lammy said:
"This competition is all about encouraging young people to translate their imagination into reality. Britain has a wonderful tradition of creativity - and we want to nurture the next generation of inventors. This is a fine example of what youngsters can do when they get their chance."
More information on Cracking Ideas can be found at the website.
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| Enter theBizIdea Competition 2008/2009 |
theBizIdea is an enterprise competition which encourages and supports entrepreneurs in making their business ideas a reality. From the development of an initial idea you will be taken through to the submission of a full business plan.
Finalists are then selected to pitch their idea to a panel of experts. With three different categories in Business, Social Enterprise and Creative Design there is something for everyone.
theBizIdea is open to all UWE students, staff and alumni who have graduated in the last 5 years, or to teams including external people but led by a UWE student, alumni or staff member. Note: excludes RBI staff.
The competition is not just open to those who already have a fully developed idea. You might not yet have a business idea but are looking for inspiration, or you may simply be interested in learning more about business enterprise.
As well as being a fantastic development activity there is a fabulous range of prizes up for grabs to help you develop your business. Last year's top prize winners were awarded £5000 cash each, a free seat for a year in a UWE business incubator and a range of in-kind benefits from our generous sponsors.
theBizIdea registration deadline is 2 February and the deadline for submission of business plans is 3 April 2009.
To find out more, visit the UWE website.
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| DIARY DATES AND EVENTS |
Innovation Live
12 November, London
NESTA is organising a joint conference with the NHS Institute for Innovation & Improvement and NHS Live exploring what’s new in the field of health innovation. Innovation Live is for anyone with an interest in transforming healthcare through the development of new services and innovative ways of working.
The day will combine practical examples of where innovation has made a real difference, with the latest thinking on how to develop and encourage innovation at all levels.
For more information visit the NESTA website.
UK-IPO Licensing Handbook
13 November, Exeter
Organised in partnership with Enterprise Europe South West, UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) and Business Link the events will launch the recently published UK-IPO Licensing Handbook.
For more information visit the EEN website.
HERDA-SW Annual Conference 2008
13-14 November, Torquay
This year's event will focus on the future role of HE and will be addressing key issues for the South West in its development, and the role HE plays in society, the region and the wider environment. Topics will encompass enhancing regional partnership through connecting people, and engaging employers in the range of activity undertaken by Higher Education, for example, in research & development, knowledge exchange and innovation, workforce development and lifelong learning, links with the community and corporate social responsibility.
For more information visit the HERDA website.
UK@CERN 2008
16-20th November
UK Trade & Investment in collaboration with Science and Technology Facilities Council is pleased to announce the dates for the UK industry mission to CERN, ESRF and ILL
For more information contact Sarah Webb by email or on 01793 413197
ICT 2008 Event - Invention, Innovation and Impact
25-27 November, Lyon
This conference is Europe's largest ICT research event in 2008. It is organised by the European Commission in cooperation with the French Presidency of the European Union and will examine European Union priorities in ICT research for over €2 billion of funding available in 2009-2010.
For more information, please visit the EC website.
Shaping Supertoys
25 November, Bristol
This practical workshop, invites you to join a team of technologists, creatives, product designers and young experts to consider ‘if silicon chips were super cheap and super powerful, what toy would you design?’
A prize will be awarded to the winning pitch, as voted for by a panel of young experts.
For more information, please visit the website.
Renewable Futures
26 November, Bristol
Among the high profile speakers at this event will be Kevin McCullough, chief operating officer at RWE Innogy, the RWE management company for renewables, and Colin Hood, chief operating officer at Scottish and Southern Energy. There will be individual workshops on subjects including offshore wind, district heating, the microgeneration market, and biomass power.
for more information, visit the RegenSW website.
WEAF Gala Dinner
26 November, Bristol
The event is organised to celebrate the success of the Aerospace and Defence Industry in the South West of England and it will provide an opportunity to network with other industry professionals.
For more information visit the WEAF website.
bioProcessUK Conference
26 - 27 November, Brighton
The conference will comprise of several keynote presentations, a focussed session on funding, an SME showcase, updates on the work bioProcessUK has been doing and of course lots of opportunities to network with industry leading organisations and institutions.
For more information visit the website.
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| TECHNOLOGY PARTNERING OPPORTUNITIES |
To aid companies find business partners the Enterprise Europe Network is able to offer access to thousands of partnering opportunities from companies across Europe. A small selection of the current exciting opportunities available is shown below.
If you are interested in finding out more details on any of these technologies, or promoting your own technologies please contact Kenny Legg on 0845 60 60 969 or email Kenny.
To perform your own search on the technology partnering database please click here.
GPS based datalogging and monitoring system
A UK SME is looking for partners to assist, financially and materially, with the development and commercial application of 'next generation' location based data-monitoring system. This technology addresses the rapid development of interest in environmental monitoring. Commercial collaboration and/or a licensing agreement is sought. (Ref: 08 GB 77dz 0IWM)
An Italian SME has developed and patented a modular heat exchanger, particularly useful for civil systems of heating. The company is looking for industrial partners, radiators producers, importers and distributors interested in commercial agreement, licence agreement with know-how transfer. (Ref. 20080916003)
German company specializing in software systems offers to be a subcontractor and reciprocal production agreements.
The company is an IT system vendor providing services in the areas of Consulting, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering and Education. Their intention is to develop innovative, scalable and reliable systems according to customer needs (in the fields of aerospace, automotive, media, telecommunications and medical technology). Leading manufacturers like the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), Airbus or BMW are their customers. (Ref. 20080717012)
Micro Recessed Air Bearing
A UK company, with considerable experience in aerostatic bearings, has developed radial and axial micro-recessed aerostatic bearings which will offer improved performance over existing products by providing increased static stiffness and reduced friction compared to conventional designs. A partner is sought to develop this technology with a number of collaboration types offered. (Ref: 08 GB 77dz 0J3L)
Medical device for repair of nerve injuries
A small company in north Sweden has together with a university hospital developed a medical device intended for repair of nerve injuries. It is a device that supports during the healing of broken nerves. The product consists of sterile non-woven fabric made from Poly- (R)-3-HydroxyButyrate (PHB). The company is now looking for a manufacturer of the device. (Ref: 08 SE 67CM 0IXP)
Smart Camera for visual traffic surveillance
A Greek SME active in the field of transport services is looking for a camera for visual traffic surveillance. The camera should be able to combine video sensing, video processing and communication within a single device. The SME wants to use the camera in order to capture video streams, compute traffic information and transfer them to a network node. Commercial agreement with technical assistance is required by the Greek SME with the technology provider. (Ref: 08 GR 49R2 0J1E)
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