IN
A MORE A U TO M AT E D WORLD
N E T Wo r k s
ISSUE 13 SPR
THE SCIENCE ENGINEERING & T E C H N O LO G Y MAGAZINE FOR NORTH EAST ENGLAND
G 20
PU
N
G
EAS NESS ID
R O B OT S
...BE
COM
ING
PA
RT
OF
EV
ER
YD
AY
LI
FE
??
10
??
I TT
SI T BU H G RI O B T N I CE N NA FI
N E T PA R K ISSN 1753-6677
FOREWORD NETWorks reports on the very latest science and technology news, putting discoveries and advances in the context of everyday life – showcasing the scientific excellence of County Durham and the North East. Take printable electronics for example. A natural focal point for us with the region home to the Printable Electronics Technology Centre (PETEC) located at the North East Technology Park (NETPark) at Sedgefield in County Durham. A UK flagship design, development and prototyping facility, it provides help to bring new printable electronics products to market quickly by offering facilities and expertise that are rarely available in-house. Innovative products nurtured there don’t only impact on our lifestyles, lighting and reading habits. They’re energy savers too, with the potential to bring enormous benefits to our environment. And PETEC isn’t the only centre of design, prototyping and manufacturing expertise our region has to offer. Newcastle is home to INEX, a leading contract development, manufacturing and commercialisation centre for specialist electronic devices, microsystems and nanotechnology. Across the five north east universities the range of nanotechnology projects undertaken includes sensors and electronic devices, surface coatings, data storage, polymer synthesis and biotechnology. On the trade and investment front, an event last month showed how we can all work together. With Durham County Cricket Club in Abu Dhabi playing the MCC in a game that marked the opening of the English cricket season, we partnered the club and UK Trade and Investment in a group visit to the United Arab Emirates. It proved a great way of doing business in a part of the world where there are so many opportunities in sectors such as energy and the environment, defence, construction, finance, healthcare, transport, education and skills and professional services. When we’re on trade missions promoting the north east as a place to do business our job is made a lot easier because we’re talking up a region with world-class research and innovative companies. You’ll find plenty of examples of both in the pages of this issue of NETWorks.
Stewart Watkins Managing Director, County Durham Development Company (CDDC) CDDC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Durham County Council, encourages innovation and strategic investment in the County and is driving the development of the North East Technology Park (NETPark) and the virtual innovation environment NETPark Net.
NETWorks is published by Distinctive Publishing Ltd, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE8 3HU Telephone 0191 4788300 Managing Director John Neilson Creative Director Martin Williamson For all enquiries including editorial, subscription and advertising please contact Distinctive Publishing. With thanks to all our contributors. NETWorks is supported by NETPark www.northeasttechnologypark.com
P
T
R Y D AY L I F E
0
RO 9.
B OT S . . . B E C O M
IN
G
AR
EVE OF
CONTENTS 25 TT . PU
N A N C E I N TO I N G FI BR IGH T BU
SI NE S S
ID
EVENTS & NEWS...NOT TO BE MISSED NETPARK WELCOMES ITS NEWEST TENANT ROBOTS...BECOMING PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE TINY TECHNOLOGY SHOWS HUGE POTENTIAL THE PANACEA OF REDUCED COSTS AND REDUCED TAX SCIENTISTS CAST LIGHT ON ‘CATASTROPHIC EVENT’
16. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 25. 26. 28. 30. 31. 32. 34. 36. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42.
EXCELLENCE IN ENGINEERING CANCER BREAKTHROUGH OFFERS HOPE THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE...TO FASHION SHAPING THE FUTURE WITH POWER REACHING OUT TO VULNERABLE PEOPLE CREATING THE CUTTING EDGE PUTTING FINANCE INTO BRIGHT BUSINESS IDEAS FOREIGN MARKETS OFFERING GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FINANCE FOR NORTH EAST ENTREPRENEURS BUSINESSES WITH OUTSTANDING POTENTIAL FUNDING FOR R & D TAKING A ‘SCIENTIFIC’ APPROACH DEVELOP YOUR BUSINESS IN EUROPE SSC AIMS TO GROW THE SOFTWARE INDUSTRY CAPTURING THE REGION’S FUTURE HARNESSING THE POWER OF WATER EXPANSION OF NATIONAL FLAGSHIP FACILITY AT WILTON CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE EVERYDAY GRASS COULD PROVIDE GREEN FUEL
YG RA S S CO
UL OVI DE GR D PR EE
N FU
EL
EA
S
4 2 . E V E RY DA
06. 08. 09. 12. 14. 15.
NEWS & EVENTS... NOT TO BE MISSED n Nanopool GmbH in Germany has recently announced a spray-on
inorganic glass based on silicon dioxide that is 500 times thinner than a human hair. n Titanium dioxide is used as a paint whitener, but it is also being
modified for use in Dye Sensitised Solar Cells (DSSC). n North Carolina State University is utilising gallium and indium to
produce morphable antennae. Assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at NC State, Dr. Michael Dickey, says the antennae “can be bent, stretched, cut and twisted - and will return to their original shape.”
China Market Visit May 2010 (Multi Sector) 23 May- 3 June UKTI is offering the opportunity to join a group visit led by one of its experienced International Trade Advisers to China in May 2010. Contact UKTI’s International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or email enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk
Biosensors 2010
n Nano ePrint Ltd, a spin off from the University of Manchester,
26-28 May
recently announced that it is developing an all-printed electronic greeting card in collaboration with Novalia Ltd, to a specification provided by Hallmark subsidiary Tigerprint Ltd. Nano ePrint is working mainly with metallic oxides, such as zinc oxide and derivatives, as a printable semiconductor material and PET film as a flexible substrate.
Glasgow hosts the three-day 20th Anniversary World Congress on Biosensors. www.biosensors-congress.elsevier.com
NanoMaterials 2010 Dim the lights
8-10 June
Following successful trials of dimmable street lights in Cornwall, Coventry City Council is spending £250million on experimental lamps that can be dimmed or switched to full brightness depending on the time of night.
Hotel Russell, London. Acquire the knowledge and contacts required to tap into this emerging and profitable market.
Although councils have tried turning all street lights off after midnight, the move met with opposition from police, motoring organisations and residents. Much nearer to home, Durham County Council has introduced technology on a stretch of the A167 which allows engineers to dim lights on streets and highways at off-peak times. This has the potential to save up to £46 and 100 kg of carbon emissions per light.
www.nanomaterials2010.com
NanoBio Europe 15-17 June Münster hosts the international congress and exhibition looking at recent international developments in the field of nanobiotechnology. www.nanobio-europe.com
T H E S C I E N C E E N G I N E E R I N G & T E C H N O LO G Y M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E A S T E N G L A N D
CEN2010
Brainwave 10
15-18 June
15-17 July
Segovia, Spain, plays host to the 2nd conference on Nanophotonics.
Science and technology has an impact on just about every aspect of our lives – our work, our homes, our health, our safety. Bright ideas can become life savers, energy savers and fascinating gadgets but we need to keep the brainwaves coming.
www.phantomsnet.net/cen2010
Nanotech Conference & Expo 21-25 June Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA. The world’s largest annual nanotechnology conference, designed to bring nanotechnology from the laboratory to the marketplace. www.techconnectworld.com/Nanotech2010/
Microscience 2010 International Conference & Exhibition
Brainwave 10 is just one part of a much wider programme of events designed to keep the community aware of the fascinating innovation taking place at the North East Technology Park (NETPark) and the career paths science and technology can offer tomorrow’s workforce. Groups of Key Stage 3 students from schools across the region will visit NETPark over two days and there will be an open day for children and adults. Activities will be fun, interactive and engaging and the aim is to inspire a whole new generation of bright sparks. For further details email catherine.johns@durham.gov.uk or lucy@ shesgottit.com
28 June-1 July ExCeL in London is the venue for the Royal Microscopical Society organised event focusing on the latest in microscopy and imaging. www.rms.org.uk/events/Forthcoming_Events/microscience
Nanofair 2010 6-7 July Dresden, Germany. The 8th International Nanotechnology Symposium. www.nanofair.com
07
NETPARK WELCOMES ITS NEWEST TENANT NETPark welcomed its newest tenant last month: a company called 3C which has developed a unique software platform for communicating visual location and directional information for industrial and commercial sites. NETWorks went along to find out more. Andrew Turner, the inventor of the platform and Senior Manufacturing Engineer, explained further: “This tool can be used in visual mapping and asset location so you can see that the technology has potentially many applications including site management and administration, provision of visitor information, health and safety monitoring and reporting and logistics. “The system is developed around the Universal Language 3C concept of Colour, Coordinate and Communicate. Hence the name of the company. “ This simple 3C ‘lean communication tool’ was developed because Andrew recognised the need for a unique, lean, universal language using a colour-coded alpha numeric system. The team, including North East entrepreneur Neil Herron, has produced a unique software application intended to produce benefits and savings for any company regardless of size. The uniqueness of 3C is in its simplicity and universality - the software can be easily installed on any system. Its key features are:
These features mean that communication of data is much simpler, more intuitive and therefore much more likely to be used. Andrew gives an example: “3C offers a unique Health and Safety function which offers a very clear and direct, immediate response, alerting all users, giving accurate locations, progress reports, full data trail, alert completion, reports. The benefits from an insurance and corporate manslaughter perspective are invaluable for any company small or large.” Marketing Director Neil Herron commented further: “3C offers an infinite number of accurate, unique asset locations in an easily understood, universal language. The savings for any company will be enormous and billions of file locations are just a few clicks away. A, three click ‘drill-down’ into a 52 X 52 3C grid will give a unique 9 digit reference code for each of the 19,770,609,664 cells.” The Key benefits of 3C include: n Saves time and money n Full traceability trail n Compliance assurance n Helps prevent corporate manslaughter and compensation claims n Improved health and safety
n A simple colour coded grid which can be overlaid over a CAD /
n Improves asset management and site maintenance
n Quick and easy retrieval of files with visual cues
schematic site map.
n The user can easily determine and set the size of the top grid.
n Single point of storage for all relevant files
n Assets can be assigned to grids and to cells and allocated their own
n Integrates with other asset management software
unique location.
n Documents and images can be attached to grids and assets. n Different access levels e.g. administrators can add / remove assets,
change the scale, add new layers i.e. view the whole site and then drill down into as much detail as required.
n Views can be by site, department, room, assets, asset parts etc. n Alerts can be set to flag up reviews of assets. n Activities as well as assets can be monitored.
n Breaks down universal language barriers
3C has already secured funding from North Star Equity Investors, and has received assistance from Business Link, and South Tyneside Council. County Durham Development Company, which manages the NETPark site, helped the company to open its first office at NETPark.
www.2d3c.co.uk
n Emergency alerts can be sent to all employee screens and must be
read before they can be removed, providing full traceability.
n Verbal communication is much simplified. T H E S C I E N C E E N G I N E E R I N G & T E C H N O LO G Y M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E A S T E N G L A N D
ROBOTS...BECOMING PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE Robots, long the stuff of science fiction, have gradually become part of our everyday lives, but the most exciting developments in autonomous systems have yet to come, as Peter Jackson discovered at a recent NETPark event.
Mr Lussey is chief technical officer of Peratech, a company which he founded 14 years ago to commercialise the discovery of QTCs. He was speaking at the recent NETPark event: Industrial Automation and the Impact of Autonomous Systems.
David Lussey holds up a hand shaped piece of material, attached to lights; he strokes it and, in response, the lights flash and it emits a highpitched squeaking noise.
He went on to explain how QTCs can bring touch sensitivity to robotics through their ability to give a proportional response to pressure, changing their electrical resistance from a true insulator of one trillion ohms down to less than one ohm.
He adjusts a control to make it less sensitive, so much so that, when he places it on the speakers’ table and bashes it with enough force to make the table jump and the water glasses rattle, the textile hand hardly makes a peep. He has just demonstrated the incredible properties of Quantum Tunnelling Composites (QTCs), a new composition of matter produced by combining polymers and metallic particles, which are set to have a revolutionary impact on the development of robotics.
“QTCs are a new class of conductive material and nothing else will go across that trillion ohms range, which accounts for their sensitivity,’’ he says. “This stuff will give you millions of operations without changing; it also will stand up to temperatures of 300 degrees centigrade; it’s tough, but it’s extremely sensitive. We can make them as solids, powders, coatings and inks; we can put them onto surfaces and into surfaces.’’
09
In fact, QTCs can be made sensitive enough to detect the passage of air, or even sound. In the field of robotics, Peratech has used them particularly in textiles and, in a project for NASA, has helped develop the robonaut, a robot with human feel and sensitivity in its hands, so that its grip can be controlled.
safety challenges to humans.
“The robot can then do whatever you like, on its own, without human input,’’ says Mr Lussey.
“Now we can get a return on capital on our robot, probably well inside 12 months, so it’s very easy to justify robot applications,’’ he says. “They are reliable: we can get 98% to 99% up-time off a robot; they don’t take breaks and they don’t get stuck in snow.’’
Robonauts are intended to be the next generation of astronauts, operating with and assisting human astronauts. Their QTC sensitive skins will alert them to human proximity and so make them safe to work with. The technology could also be employed in developing prosthetics for humans. David Land, Operations Director of County Durham based TK Tallent, describes how robots have been used by his company since the early 1980s in the manufacture of automotive industry components. Now, the Newton Aycliffe site, which employs 900 people, has nearly 450 robot applications. He says: “We predominantly produce high volume products. We have product that goes through our plant that could be as low as one every five minutes to one every 22 seconds. But, for us, a robot, with an arm, a finger, and a knuckle, can be made to do exactly what we want to it to do, though our applications are predominantly around robot welding.’’ They are, however, also used with high precision machines, for painting, for loading and unloading parts and for laser applications. They can operate in hostile environments which would present severe health and
A major advantage of robots, Mr Land explains, is their cost effectiveness, the cost of robots having fallen significantly in the past 20 years, particularly in relation to the cost of labour.
However, supporting the robotic workforce has created more jobs – Mr Land recommended acquiring the necessary skills and specialisms inhouse, pointing out that, at the Newton Aycliffe site, out of 900 staff, more than 120 are technicians. “We have the ability to design and develop our own cells and we say to robot makers: this is what we want in the next generation and they therefore become more affordable.’’ He warns that spares can be expensive so maintenance is important and, through careful maintenance, TK Tallent has operational robots that have been running for between 10 and 12 years. “But,’’ he concludes, “there are more advantages than disadvantages.’’ Gary Todd, managing director of UK Haptics, then describes how his Newcastle-based company was formed four years ago and has doubled its staff numbers in the last three months to 14. The company makes 3D virtual reality training software for the medical sector, using Haptics technology, a force feedback technology within a computing environment.
T H E S C I E N C E E N G I N E E R I N G & T E C H N O LO G Y M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E A S T E N G L A N D
He explains: “If my drinking glass was in our system you would be able to look at the glass there on the table in 3D and, using a tool, you could touch it and you could feel the textures of the glass and, if you ran the tool through the water, you would feel the feedback of the water, you would feel the force you were generating and pushing against.’’ UK Haptics has used this technology to develop tools for training in the giving of injections, the fitting of contraceptive coils and in the giving of epidurals.
Most of its role lies in networking: face-to-face events, online events, technology meetings, seminars and forums. It provides information and news to members and it also works in the fields of policy and regulation, providing a conduit between regulating bodies and members. Mr Dearing outlined two major funding opportunities for those engaged in robotics: n Framework 7 is designed to strengthen the scientific and technological
base of European industry. The framework provides up to 50% support for innovative projects, but SMEs can receive up to 75% support. Projects must involve partners from at least three European countries. In the first two years of Framework 7, UK organisations were involved in 343 projects representing a research expenditure of 92m euros. The current call for proposals ended on April 13.
Currently UK Haptics is talking to a US company with a view to developing a system for training on the cauterisation of varicose veins.
http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm
The burgeoning field of robotics has attracted a number of funding opportunities and options and Daniel Dearing, technology business manager of the Electronics Knowledge Transfer Network which cohosted the event at NETPark, outlines some of them.
computer systems covering areas such as health care, user interfaces, safety critical systems, sustainable living and urban systems. The 2010 call was launched on February 26 and the deadline for project outlines to be received was March 26.
First, he described the role of the Electronics KTN: one of 24 government sponsored KTNs set up about three years ago, each being a single overarching network for a specific field, technology or business application.
www.artemis-ju.eu
“It’s a needle going through the skin, going through the cartilage and then you feel that pop in the void as it goes into the right place. It’s not something you can do on a dummy well, but it’s something you can do on this system very, very well, saving huge amounts of money in training.’’
He says: “They bring together people from businesses; universities; and research, finance and technology organisations to stimulate innovation through knowledge transfer.’’
n Another European fund is Artemis, a programme for embedded
So the funding is there and the technology is moving ahead rapidly. It is clear from all of this that the whole field of robotics is on the edge of a great step change, where science fiction is increasingly becoming science fact. In the words of David Land: “The opportunities are limitless.’’
11
TINY TECHNOLOGY SHOWS HUGE POTENTIAL A North East company is leading the world’s first collaborative nanotechnology project to develop a new liquid coolant that will combat heat build-up in next generation data centres and hightech industry. Ashington-based Thermacore Europe is leading the pan-European €8.3m project named NanoHex, which will develop a new heat transfer fluid infused with specifically engineered nano-particles. The goal is to produce an environmentally friendly heat transfer fluid at least 40 per cent more efficient than current coolants that can be used in a diverse range of applications from high-speed trains to data centres. David Mullen, Thermacore’s Senior Research and Development Engineer and Project Director for NanoHex said: “cooling is one of the top challenges facing industries like microelectronics, transportation and manufacturing.”
order to extend operating life, as the engines demand more power. David continued: “Technology is becoming ever more powerful and much smaller too. However the heat transfer systems associated with this equipment has been lagging behind and will soon inhibit future development in terms of design and efficiency – it needs to catch up. “Nanofluids could well be the solution and NanoHex is working on some very exciting leads that could revolutionise cooling systems for technology of the 21st Century.” Using a liquid to dissipate heat or maintain an even temperature is commonplace and the potential of a nanofluid coolant could be further developed for use in industrial machinery, electric engines, medical equipment and eventually, consumer goods and homes.
Data centres and large electric drives in high-speed trains are two priority areas with high cooling demands that NanoHex will investigate.
The three year NanoHex project began earlier this month and comprises a consortium of 12 leading European companies and research centres. Both private and public sector investment is funding the research.
Data centres are responsible for nearly five per cent of the UK’s electricity consumption, and the technological advancement of high speed trains now dictates that a more sophisticated heat transfer system is used, in
The project seeks to couple efficiency with environmental friendliness to produce a nanofluid that can be safely manufactured, applied and recycled.
T H E S C I E N C E E N G I N E E R I N G & T E C H N O LO G Y M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E A S T E N G L A N D
What is Nanotechnology? Nanotechnology deals with matter at dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers, at which scale novel applications become possible. Dimensions between 1 and 100 nanometers are known as the nanoscale at which level unusual physical, chemical, and biological properties emerge in materials. Using nanoscale science, engineering, and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modelling, and manipulating matter at a very small scale and taking advantage of the properties that exist.
“It is the first time such a large scale collaborative nanofluid project has been undertaken in the world,” said David Mullen.
n The University of Birmingham, School of Chemical Engineering,
European funding was secured with the help of Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) for the North East, an initiative managed by The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) in partnership with One North East.
n The Weizmann Institute of Science Israel;
Enterprise Europe Network Practice Director Shak Gohir at CPI said: “A more efficient nanofluid coolant will unlock new development possibilities for more compact, lightweight, energy efficient and environmentally friendly processes and products. “We are thrilled to be working with leading organisation across Europe in a project that will transform the heat management and cooling systems energy.” he added. Partners in the project are: n Thermacore Europe Ltd, Northumberland UK; n Centre for Process Innovation, Wilton, UK;
Birmingham UK;
n The University of Twente, Netherlands; n ItN Nanovation AG, Germany; n Siemens AG, Germany; n Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and
Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA)
n Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden; and n Dispersia Limited in Leeds, UK.
www.thermacore-europe.com www.een-northeast.co.uk www.uk-cpi.com
n Ingegnera Sistemi Impianti Servizi R&D, Italy; n Technical University of Eindhoven, Netherlands;
13
THE PANACEA OF REDUCED COSTS AND REDUCED TAX Whilst the economy has been in a perilous state for the last couple of years, there have been significant improvements to the patent system for patent owners. The advent of the London Agreement has reduced drastically the cost of obtaining European patents, the UK Intellectual Property Office’s Opinion service offers a credible basis for alternative dispute resolution in patent infringement and validity cases, and the Finance Act 2011 promises to bring major tax breaks to businesses involved in R&D by proposing a 10% rate of Corporation tax on income from patents. With the reduced cost of obtaining patents and the possibility of paying tax at only 10%, businesses need to take great care when developing new products to ensure that they have at least given consideration as to whether or not the development should be protected by patents. However, with an election now called, whether this proposed new rate of Corporation is implemented remains to be seen.
Patent Prosecution Highways In the last edition of Networks we reported on the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) is an initiative which provides patent applicants with a way of significantly accelerating examination of patent applications in other countries if examination work has already been conducted at the UK IPO. The US Patent and Trade Mark Office has set up another pilot “Highway” so that accelerated examination of a US patent application can be based on an International patent application so long as certain requirements are met.
Trade Marks - VODKAT isn’t VODKA Earlier this year Diageo, the owners of Smirnoff Vodka, won a landmark court case against Intercontinental Brands (ICB) preventing ICB from selling their VODKAT product without making it clear that their product is not a vodka. ICB’s VODKAT is a blended spirit containing 22% alcohol by volume (abv). The EU definition of vodka states that it must be at least 37% abv. Diageo claimed that ICB’s use of the brand name VODKAT was likely to mislead consumers into believing it to be avodka. The judge concluded that the term ‘vodka’ does have a reputation which gives rise to a protectable goodwill and ruled that any product using a brand name derived from vodka which was not in fact vodka was likely to confuse the public. Similar protection is afforded to producers of Champagne, sherry, Scotch whisky, advocaat and Swiss chocolate. T H E S C I E N C E E N G I N E E R I N G & T E C H N O LO G Y M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E A S T E N G L A N D
Artist’s representation showing outflow from a supermassive black hole inside the middle of a galaxy. (Credit NASA/CXC/M.Weiss)
Observation showing gas in the galaxy SMM J1237+6203 seen using the Gemini Observatory’s Near-Infrared Integral Field Spectrometer (NIFS). The contours show how the blast of energy is travelling through the galaxy. (Credit Dave Alexander/Mark Swinbank ( Durham University ) and Gemini Observatory.)
NORTH EAST SCIENTISTS CAST LIGHT ON ‘CATASTROPHIC EVENT’ A team of researchers led by North East scientist has found evidence of a “catastrophic event” that they believe was responsible for halting the birth of stars in a galaxy in the early Universe. Led by Durham University’s Department of Physics, the team observed the galaxy as it would have appeared three billion years after the Big Bang when the Universe was a quarter of its present age. According to their findings the galaxy exploded in a series of blasts trillions of times more powerful than any caused by an atomic bomb. They happened every second for millions of years. According to the scientists, the explosions scattered the gas needed to form new stars by helping it escape the gravitational pull of the galaxy, controlling its growth. They believe the huge surge of energy was caused by either the outflow of debris from the galaxy’s black hole or from powerful winds generated by dying stars called supernovae. The research was funded by the Royal Society and the Royal Astronomical Society, and was published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Observations were carried out using
the Near-Infrared Integral Field Spectrometer (NIFS) operated by the Gemini Observatory, which runs from Hawaii and Chile. Lead author Dr Dave Alexander, of Durham University’s Department of Physics, said: “We are looking into the past and seeing a catastrophic event that essentially switched off star formation and halted the growth of a typical massive galaxy in the local Universe. “Effectively the galaxy is regulating its growth by preventing new stars from being born. Theorists had predicted that huge outflows of energy were behind this activity, but it’s only now that we have seen it in action. “We believe that similar huge outflows are likely to have stopped the growth of other galaxies in the early Universe by blowing away the materials needed for star formation.” The Durham-led team now plans to study other massive starforming galaxies in the early Universe to see if they display similar characteristics.
15
EXCELLENCE IN ENGINEERING Durham University is one of the UK’s leading universities and its School of Engineering and Computing Sciences is made up of some of the brightest, most creative engineers and computer scientists in the world.
Zoe said: “To win the Ford WISE Prize was such a wonderful surprise. I am passionate about engineering, and to have my enthusiasm recognised in the form of such a prestigious award was a huge honour for me.
The School of Engineering and Computing Sciences employs more than 60 academics, 40 researchers and over 40 professional administrative and technical support staff. This strength of expertise and support provides a stimulating, interdisciplinary environment and an unrivalled resource for forward-thinking businesses.
“I’ve loved motorsport for as long as I can remember, and to embark on a degree in engineering seemed the logic step to combine my hobby and a potential career. After several years of work experience and a gap year in Formula One, I can’t imagine committing my life to anything else. The academic and research staff at my university have been hugely supportive.”
There are three key reasons why Durham’s engineering community is so highly-regarded:
Working Together…
1. A renowned approach to fully-accredited study which continues to develop the country’s brightest young engineers for the 21st century. 2. Academic staff at the School who are all actively engaged in research at the frontiers of modern engineering design and practice. This excitement and knowledge is brought into teaching, through design projects and into our partnerships with business like yours. 3. State-of-the-art laboratories and facilities. Most laboratories are integrated - they are used by undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers. So, in a laboratory you will typically find a community of users - from undergraduate experiments to major research projects being undertaken for sponsors such as the EU, as well as national and international industry.
Developing tomorrow’s leaders in engineering Durham University engineering student Zoe Burton won the prestigious WISE (Women Into Science and Engineering) Prize, the annual award, sponsored by motor giant Ford, that recognises exceptional women studying engineering. Zoe, who will graduate in mechanical engineering from Durham this summer, received her £1,000 prize from HRH Princess Anne at the WISE awards ceremony in London.
Despite the current global financial climate, engineering and information technology companies continue to show a strong interest in Durham graduates. Professor Philip Taylor, chairman of the Industrial Partnership Committee at Durham’s School of Engineering and Computing Sciences, is particularly pleased to see an increasing number of internationally leading companies contacting him to explore opportunities to nurture long term strategic partnerships within Durham University and the Engineering and Computing Sciences School. Professor Taylor’s Committee is committed to supporting your business. The aim is to ensure that a significant proportion of the research carried out in the school is relevant to industry and is carried out in collaboration with industry. The committee also aims to provide its industrial members with strong recruitment opportunities, collaborative opportunities ranging from final year projects and design projects through to long term research partnerships, as well as broad insight into the latest research findings relevant to their core business and beyond. The School’s existing business partners include: sage, Balfour Beatty, CE Electric, PDL Group, Renishaw, Waterstons IT and Yorkshire Water. To find out how your business can benefit from a partnership with Durham University’s School of Engineering and Computing Sciences contact Professor Taylor at p.c.taylor@durham.ac.uk
T H E S C I E N C E E N G I N E E R I N G & T E C H N O LO G Y M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E A S T E N G L A N D
Come and Join Us - International Conference
Engineering and Energy
Engineers from across the UK and beyond are invited to join colleagues at an International Conference on Manufacturing Research (ICMR 2010), which will be held on the 14th, 15th and 16th of September at Durham University.
Our brightest engineering minds are committed to tacking the biggest issues facing the world today, including energy.
The prestigious ICMR conference will bring together researchers, academics and industrialists with leading experts in Manufacturing, Design, Production and Service Systems for the exchange of ideas, knowledge and experiences. The conference will reflect FOUR key themes with a broad range of issues to be covered: 1. Product Design and Development. Intelligent design and manufacture. E-design. Innovative product design and product development. Product life-cycle management. 2. Digital Technologies. Enterprise integration and virtual enterprises. E-manufacture and E-business. Virtual factories, factory planning and control. 3. Advanced Manufacturing Processes and Technologies. Advanced manufacturing technologies. Advanced materials (polymeric, ceramic, metallic, hybrid), modelling and processes. Nanotechnology and micro-fabrication. Precision engineering. Industrial automation and robotics. 4. Production Systems, Simulation and Optimisation. Advanced manufacturing systems. Supply chain management. Packaging and handling. Production planning and control. Energy efficient manufacturing. For general conference information please email icmr.2010@durham. ac.uk or contact the conference coordinator, Professor Vitanov at the School of Engineering and Computing Sciences, Durham University at v.i.vitanov@durham.ac.uk
A leading research group takes a holistic approach to challenges presented by energy engineering; in particular the conversion of energy from new and renewable sources and integration into energy networks. Their focus is in 4 areas: n Large-scale wind turbines n Embedded generation at the distribution level (including micro-
combined heat and power, solar heating and micro-wind) n Generator topologies and power electronics for embedded generation n The integration and control of new and renewable energy sources into
distribution networks. The group has close links with Business and Industry and can carry out testing and consultancy as well as much longer term research projects. The team also has access to the School’s extensive range of facilities as well as significant analytical capability. To discuss a research topic or idea simply contact the head of the group Dr Rob Dominy at r.g.dominy@durham.ac.uk At your service‌ Universities have long been centres for innovation and business partnership. An important component of research at Durham University is long-term collaboration with world-class companies, wherever they are based. For all general business relations enquiries please contact Durham University’s Business Relations Manager, on 0191 3344649. Durham University. Making Your Business Our Business. www.dur.ac.uk
17
BREAKTHROUGH OFFERS HOPE FOR YOUNG CANCER PATIENTS Scientists in the North East have made an important breakthrough in the treatment of a cancer which claims the lives of thousands of children worldwide every year. New research by the Newcastle University team could offer hope to parents whose children suffer relapses after being treated for neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma, a cancer mainly affecting children under the age of five, arises from the sympathetic nervous system and can occur anywhere from the neck to the groin but is commonest in the abdomen. The second biggest cancer killer of children in the world, it remains one of the most difficult childhood cancers to cure and every year in the UK, 100 children will develop the disease. Of those, about half are in the high risk category. While most neuroblastomas initially respond to treatment, the condition is very difficult to cure when relapses occur in high risk cases and about 30 children die every year from the disease in the UK alone. The breakthrough by the Newcastle team relates to the discovery of abnormalities in a particular gene called p53, which may be one reason why relapses are so hard to cure. p53 is a tumour suppressor gene which activates cell death or stops cells reproducing after DNA damage, including that from cancer chemotherapy. Abnormalities were detected in almost 50 per cent of the 41 cases of relapsed neuroblastoma that were studied. The experts hope they will now be able to develop new types of therapies that target the rogue gene which prevents the resurgent cancer being successfully treated.
Dr Deborah Tweddle, Clinical Senior Lecturer at the Northern Institute for Cancer Research at Newcastle University and Honorary Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, who led the research, said: “Over half of all children who get high risk neuroblastoma will relapse and the chances of surviving a relapse are at present very small. “This research programme is one of the first to investigate the cause of relapsed neuroblastoma and finding this link is an important breakthrough in developing new treatments”. “We are currently developing drugs that reactivate the p53 gene at Newcastle University and elsewhere these types of drugs are now going into clinical trials and may help patients with neuroblastoma. “By understanding more about the biology of neuroblastoma at relapse we may be able to prevent it and reduce the deaths of many young children, with its devastating effect on families.” The funding for the project came from a National Institute for Health Research Clinician Scientist Fellowship with additional running costs from the North of England Children’s Cancer Research Fund. * A Children’s Cancer Fun Run takes place on May 9 to raise money for the North of England Children’s Cancer Research Fund. For more information:
www.childrenscancerrun.co.uk/default.awe
T H E S C I E N C E E N G I N E E R I N G & T E C H N O LO G Y M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E A S T E N G L A N D
THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE...TO FASHION A dress that has attracted the attention of Lord Mandelson and been the unlikely star in a TV commercial and a medical dress that has featured on the catwalks of the US were just some of the innovative garments on display at County Hall, Durham as part of a fun filled evening dedicated to exploring the appliance of science... to fashion. The event featured demonstrations and presentations from cutting edge companies based here in the north east. Companies such as Polyphotonix, creators of the much talked about dress, Peratech, a Richmind-basedcompany whose clever use of Quantum Tunnelling Composites have made their way in to NASA space suits as well as well known sports brands, were just some of the companies to show how science can transform the catwalk with light, sound and colour. The appliance of science... to fashion event is part of a series of innovative lectures exploring science in other industries. The next lecture looks set to look at the role science plays in the world of sport. The lecture series forms part of Project C- a community engagement programme designed to embed knowledge about the North East Technology Park (NETPark) within the community, raise aspirations and make people aware of the future careers options available to them.
Durham Development Company on behalf of Durham County Council. Funding has also been provided by One North East Single Programme and ERDF, and SANYO. Project C is a programme of activities and events during 2010-12 that will communicate and interact with the regional community, whilst heightening awareness of, and excitement for, the ground-breaking work undertaken by companies based at NETPark. In order to maintain its position as one of the fastest growing science parks in the UK, NETPark must continue to attract and retain science, engineering and technology businesses, which rely heavily on the availability of a skilled local workforce. Project C is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the continued development of the skills base within the County.
www.northeasttechnologypark.com
Project C, part of the wider Embedding the Benefits of Innovation project, is led by Durham University and is centred around the NETPark, located in Sedgefield, County Durham, which is managed by County
19
SHAPING THE FUTURE WITH POWER-BEAM SCULPTURING Power-beam sculpturing generates spectacularly dramatic surface features. Morphologically complex, fascinating and even mysterious, they can greatly improve the strength and durability of components as diverse as high performance drive-shafts and medical implants. TWI Ltd has developed SurfiSculpt®, an innovative materials processing technology that uses the intense, concentrated energy of either an electron beam or laser beam. The process rapidly produces a wide variety of uniform, threedimensional surface features, accurately, quickly and consistently. Surfi-Sculpt can be used on materials ranging from metals to polymers. Individual features are formed by passing the beam over the surface of the material in a predefined, precise pattern, determined by the service requirements of the component. The process may involve repeated movements of the beam with overlapping or intersecting paths. From tens of mm to tens of µm in size, 3-D features are created, as fast as thousands per second, by displacement of material in the liquid phase. Depending on the shape and size required, features may be visited by the beam many times. Each swipe of the beam can add height, for example, so that features with an aspect ratio of 30:1 are possible. All this demands rapid and extremely precise control of the beam, achieved through TWI’s development of specialised equipment, software, beam geometry and process strategy.
Surfi-Sculpt and Comeld™ Comeld, a related TWI development that incorporates Surfi-Sculpt technology, offers dramatically improved joint properties when bonding metals to fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composites. By pre-treating the metallic component using Surfi-Sculpt, the composite to metal Comeld joint has increased surface area and greater strength. Other advantages of Comeld joints include increased energy absorption to failure, improved load carrying in damaged joints and easier detection of partially failed or damaged joints. Torsion testing of tubular components gave load-to-failure results up to twice those of normal adhesive bonds, with failure in the composite material, not the joint.
Heat exchangers and improved bio-functionality As well as improving the performance of composite to metal joints, Surfi-Sculpt can be used in surface modification for fluid/gas control/manipulation and for producing heat exchangers. Surfi-Sculpt processing of metal implants and devices has potential for improved bio-functionality and biocompatibility. The technology not only offers scope for improved implant fixation with better bone/implant integration, but also more cost-effective manufacture.
Local facilities and expertise for North East companies Surfi-Sculpt and Comeld are two of the key technologies at LCE-MTC (Low Carbon Energy - Manufacturing Technology Centre), an open-access innovation and technical support facility at TWI Ltd, Riverside Park, Middlesbrough. (www.twi.co.uk) With funding from One North East, facilities and expertise are available through REMTEC* (www.twi.co.uk/remtec), a technology transfer initiative run by TWI for companies in the North East. LCE-MTC technologies and manufacturing equipment are aligned with the technical needs of companies with interests in wind, wave, tidal, photovoltaic, biomass, geothermal or nuclear energy. Companies wishing to visit the LCE-MTC to find out more about the technologies and REMTEC technical assistance are encouraged to contact Danny Corby at TWI in Middlesbrough: daniel.corby@twi.co.uk 01642 216 338. REMTEC is part-financed by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13, securing £1.7m ERDF investment through One North East. The ERDF programme is bringing over £300m into the North East to support innovation, enterprise and business support across the region and aims to help create and safeguard 28,000 new jobs, start 3,000 new businesses and increase the region’s productivity by £1.1bn per annum.
*
A specialist deliverer of
T H E S C I E N C E E N G I N E E R I N G & T E C H N O LO G Y M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E A S T E N G L A N D
REACHING OUT TO VULNERABLE PEOPLE A research unit in Newcastle is developing technology to ensure vulnerable members of society are included in the digital revolution.
Prof Watson said: “Currently, one million people aged 15-24 do not have access to computers or the internet – and this could close off many avenues of employment.”
The team of researchers at the Digital Economy Research Hub, based at Newcastle University, is using a £12m grant from the UK Research Council to develop technology that could help vulnerable people access the advantages of an increasingly digital world.
Work under way includes the development of an ‘ambient kitchen’ which can sense when a user is getting into difficulty and offers prompts to correct the situation.
Newcastle Science City, which helps the city capitalise on scientific innovation, has endorsed the hub’s work as a valuable social and economic driver for the region. Professor Paul Watson, the hub’s director, said: “Most people feel comfortable using the growing capabilities of the digital economy. However, there are sections of society at risk of exclusion because technology has not been developed to meet their needs.” People who could be sidelined include the elderly, those with a disability and a large population of youngsters.
The team is also working on a music-making project to help teach youngsters computing and business skills. Estelle Chatard, programme director at Newcastle Science City, said: “The hub’s research is an excellent example of how technology can be harnessed to make the world a better place. “We’re thrilled that it is being conducted in Newcastle, because not only could it provide technology that is a force for social good, but it means the North East will be in a perfect position to capitalise on the technology when it enters the commercialisation phase.”
21
P U T T I N G F I N A N C E I N TO BRIGHT BUSINESS IDEAS It has been said that no bells ring at the top of a boom or the bottom of a recession, so the turning point is often only recognised after the event. Now, as UK plc seems to be taking its first tentative steps out of recession, there comes a funding scheme which will help businesses develop their ideas into reality and could, in time, come to be regarded as a real turning point for the region. The £125m pot of venture capital funding is targeted at start-ups and businesses with growth potential. The new holding fund – the first of its kind in England – will be known as Finance for Business North East and is managed by North East Finance. It has been established with investments from the European Investment Bank, the European Regional Development Fund and regional development agency One North East and is split into six separate funds, targeting different sectors and business development stages. So, while we may not have heard any bells ringing just yet, the launch of Finance for Business North East certainly marks a welcome change in prospects for the region’s businesses. www.onenortheast.co.uk/page/jeremie/index.cfm
FOREIGN MARKETS OFFERING GREAT OPPORTUNITIES Exports offers hope for regional economy New figures have shown the importance of foreign markets to North-East companies working across a range of sectors. The figures, from regional development agency One North East, show that exports last year reached £9bn and that inward investment from foreign companies has created 19,063 jobs in the region in the past four years. According to One North East expert Dr Simon Goon, foreign trade offers the opportunity for the region to work its way out of recession. The figures show that, when it comes to exports, the largest sector for the region last year was medicinal and pharmaceuticals, worth £2.5bn to North East companies, closely followed by automotive on just over £2bn. Sectors hovering around the £500m mark included petroleum and associated industries, power generating machinery and organic chemicals. Dr Goon, Head of Business Investment, said that the figures also showed that, although emerging markets like Asia are exciting for businesses, the biggest proportion of exports from the region were to the United States, topping £1.8bn and European countries like France and Germany (£800m each). He argues that companies seeking to begin exporting would in some cases be well advised to start with markets which they can better handle, like Europe with its unified trading conditions, and America where the cultural barriers are less pronounced. He said: “People do tend to talk about countries like China, India and
Japan but by far the biggest markets for the region remain the United States and European Union countries. “Obviously it depends on your market, but I would say that for a company starting out in the export trade, they would be a safer bet.” However, he does acknowledge that Asia remains enticing for many companies, saying: “Even during the recession, China grew by 5-6 per cent and there are definitely opportunities there.” Dr Goon advises that companies should always seek help in breaking into markets, through UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), with its experts based all over the world, its experience in the field and its regular trade missions mounted with organisations such as One North East. He said: “UKTI can open doors for companies and help them with language and cultural differences.” Dr Goon says that the figures show that companies prepared to tackle the challenges of export can bring a new dimension to their businesses. He said: “I do believe that exports can help the North East work its way out of recession.” One North East figures show that other sectors are also attracting inward investment, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals and automotive and that much of it is from foreign businesses. Figures for the past four years show that investment from 29 countries has supported 19,063 jobs in the region, 10,149 newly created. Top performing foreign countries included the United States, with 4,639 jobs supported, India, supporting 2,422, Germany, with 1,174 jobs, Israel with 1,080 jobs and Japan with 998 jobs.
T H E S C I E N C E E N G I N E E R I N G & T E C H N O LO G Y M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E A S T E N G L A N D
Foreign companies investing in North East jobs Inward investment from abroad is crucial to the North East and recent events suggest that renewable energies are among sectors offering a golden opportunity for the region. One of the events was the announcement by American firm Clipper Windpower Marine Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of Clipper Windpower, of an offshore wind turbine blade manufacturing facility at the Shepherd Offshore Renewable Energy Park in Newcastle. The 4,000m2 factory is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year and will be the UK’s first offshore wind turbine manufacturing facility. The site is owned, and is being developed by, Shepherd Offshore Services and the factory will employ more than 500 people in developing and building blades for the ‘Britannia Project’, a 10MW offshore wind turbine prototype under development by Clipper. The prototype is scheduled for deployment in late 2012, and is among the largest wind turbines under development in the wind industry. The blades will be 72 metres long and weigh more than 30 tonnes. James G.P. Dehlsen, Chairman of Clipper, said: “The offshore wind market in the UK is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting sectors in the global renewable energy industry.” There has been plenty of support to take advantage of that excitement and One North East invested £2.1million in land remediation to enable the Clipper factory to be built at the former Neptune Yard. Alan Clarke, Chief Executive, said: “This announcement is a significant step forward for our vision to establish North East England as a European hub for the fabrication, assembly and delivery of offshore wind turbines.”
Adding to the sense of optimism is the news that the Government has confirmed a further £18.5 million grant to fund an offshore wind test site at the New and Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) in Blyth, Northumberland. The site, off the Blyth coast, will act as a technology demonstration and development platform for the next generation of large multi-megawatt offshore wind turbines. Andrew Mill, CEO of Narec, said: “It represents a huge boost to the credentials and ambitions of UK plc, now primed to lead the world and optimise the economic benefits for the UK from the expansion of the sector.” And Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “The UK is a global leader in offshore wind power, and the North East is at the forefront in providing the skills, expertise and enterprise to capitalise on this rapidly expanding market, which has the potential to create thousands of future green jobs.” For Dr Simon Goon, it all emphasises the importance of foreign markets for the region and he believes that reneweables, in particular wind power, offer great opportunities. He said: “We are well positioned geographically to develop offshore wind power because of our proximity to the North Sea and because we have the facilities in the form of old shipyards and wharves. “The region also has an expertise in engineering, design, prototyping and manufacture and our colleges are developing the next generation of skilled workers.
“Companies around the world are already aware of the North East and when we talk to other big players, we can point to the work already done to develop the sector. There is a real opportunity to develop the region as a centre of excellence.“
27
Micah Baldwin - Graphic.ly
FINANCE FOR NORTH EAST ENTREPRENEURS Newcastle based venture capital company NorthStar is actively investing in the North East, focusing on early stage, innovative opportunities. Having fully invested the £30m Co-Investment Fund and £12m Proof of Concept Fund, NorthStar has been inspiring local entrepreneurs with financial backing and the expertise of a highly experienced team since 2004, investing in over 235 pioneering, high potential enterprises. NorthStar is maintaining its momentum in encouraging entrepreneurial driven growth for the region after being selected to manage two early stage funds from the £125m Finance for Business programme. The two venture capital funds, the Proof of Concept Fund and Accelerator, have been set up to support fledgling regional companies. Over the next five years, NorthStar will be backing a broad spectrum of ambitious businesses located in the North East through: n The £20m Accelerator Fund: investing in companies and pre-start
enterprises in any sector. It is aimed at businesses seeking seed or early stage growth capital, with investments of between £50,000 and £750,000 available. n The £15m Technology Proof of Concept Fund: investing in very early stage propositions in the technology sector and will work with North East universities, the region’s centres of excellence, start-ups and entrepreneurs. Typical investments will be between £20,000 and £100,000 with further investment possible as the company grows.
NorthStar has also been appointed to manage the new £2.4m North East Creative Content Fund by its backers Northern Film and Media (NFM) and development agency One North East. The fund aims to boost the region’s TV, film, digital media, music and video games industries over the next two years. NorthStar’s new funds provide an exciting opportunity for ambitious north east enterprises to access the development capital they need to get started and grow. NorthStar’s experienced and approachable team is always keen to hear from innovative and creative entrepreneurs looking to develop their services and succeed.
www.northstarei.com
Case Study - Graphic.ly After becoming frustrated with his local comic store’s limited selection, local entrepreneur Kevin Mann left his job in an architectural firm to start Graphic.ly, a company that develops software for reading comics on computers and mobile phones and provides publishers with a no-cost/ no-effort conversion experience. Graphic.ly has changed the way people read and engage with the material through establishing the first community where members can both purchase and discuss comic books with each other, creators and publishers. Less than one year old, Graphic.ly currently has two offices, Boho in Middlesbrough and Boulder in Colorado, and has already signed a license deal with Top Cow Comics, Devil’s Due Publishing and Marvel, one of the largest publishers of comics in the world In 2009, Graphic.ly announced the close of a Series A investment round of more than $1 million. NorthStar contributed £100,000 from its CoInvestment Fund, alongside other USA-based venture capitalist and strategic media firms and individual investors. NorthStar was the first investor in Graphic.ly through the Proof of Concept fund in August 2008 and is now the sole UK investor. After applying to Techstars, a selective USA-based mentor-driven acceleration programme for start-ups, Graphic.ly became the first ever overseas company to be chosen as one of ten teams joining them for three months of intensive learning, networking and coaching in Boulder, Colorado. Kevin Mann and Thanavanth Jaroenvanit participated in the program, and Micah Baldwin, who was a Techstars mentor, joined at the end of the program as CEO. Graphic.ly has also been selected to participate in Microsoft’s BizSpark One programme, designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential startups through a one-on-one relationship with Microsoft and a global community of advisors, investors and peers. In February this year, Graphic.ly acquired US based iFanboy, one of the leading communities, news and audio & video sites for the comic and graphic novel enthusiast. iFanboy will be integrated into the Graphic. ly website and the various platforms and applications Graphic.ly runs on platforms such as Windows 7 and iPhone. This will help Graphic.ly become a bigger part of the comic book community and industry. At the start of this year, Graphic.ly experienced a surge of new users after Steve Ballmer, chief executive of Microsoft, used its technology to show off a new touch-screen tablet device and the company is now poised to ride a boom in “slate” computers, a market that Apple is expected to enter in the near future.
T H E S C I E N C E E N G I N E E R I N G & T E C H N O LO G Y M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E A S T E N G L A N D
BUSINESSES WITH OUTSTANDING POTENTIAL The North East Technology Fund is a £25m venture capital fund dedicated to investing in technology businesses with outstanding potential which are based in, or are willing to relocate to, the North East of England.
“What we’re looking for are businesses with strong management teams, scalable business models and proprietary technology in markets that are big and growing with the potential for investors to achieve an exit in four to six years,” Duncan said.
Duncan Lowery, the fund’s senior investment manager who was previously with NEL Fund Managers, oversees all new investment applications from the fund’s offices in the centre of Newcastle where he manages a team of three.
To qualify for investment, the full list of criteria (available on the fund’s website) must be met. Companies must, for example, employ less than 250 people and have a turnover of less than €50m and cannot be in certain sectors.
“We’ve had a great response since the fund launch back in January and have already seen over 80 proposals in the last four weeks but we are keen to consider more,” said Duncan, adding: “We’re close to making our first investment.”
The North East Technology Fund is managed by Top Technology Ventures, the FSA regulated subsidiary of IP Group plc, the developer of intellectual property based businesses. To contact the fund, view the list of investment criteria or submit a business plan, please visit the website at:
While at NEL, Duncan led 26 transactions in 17 businesses, ranging from seed through MBO to secondary buy-out across a range of sectors, and was also responsible for overseeing the coordination of all technologybased investment opportunities.
www.thenortheasttechnologyfund.com
The North East Technology Fund can make initial investments in the £50,000 to £1.25m range, subject to certain criteria being met, and follow-on finance is also available. The fund can invest in at all stages of business development, mature as well as early-stage, and will consider all types of technology. T H E S C I E N C E E N G I N E E R I N G & T E C H N O LO G Y M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E A S T E N G L A N D
FUNDING FOR R&D - EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK 7 PROGRAMME Partner Search Services The European Framework 7 Programme is the largest source of R&D funding in the world and currently worth â‚Ź54bn between 2007 and 2013. This article discusses the strategies available for finding partners to build high quality consortia. There are various scenarios and methods of carrying out partner search activities for organisations with the capacity and capability to participate in FP7.
Scenarios: 1. An organisation has identified a call topic which is directly in its field of interest and wishes to find partners to assemble a consortium which the organisation is able and prepared to coordinate. 2. An organisation has identified a call topic which is partially in its field of interest and wishes to find a consortium to join that already has a coordinator. 3. An organisation has some research experience and is keen to engage in the Framework Programme. It has not identified any specific calls or core partners around which to base a consortium.
Strategies: 1. CORDIS partner search: this is easily undertaken by any company which has the level of commitment required to get involved in the Framework Programme. It will deliver many enquiries, many of which will not be appropriate. The quality of partners sourced through this method may be high but the chances of a strong fit will generally be low. 2. Agency based partner search, i.e. Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), FP7 National Contact Points (NCP), and others. These agencies can make a significant difference in helping organisations new to FP7 to
conduct more focused search services. This route is recommended as the best way forward for FP7 novices. 3. Proactive targeted research by making direct approaches to suitable organisations, as prospective partners and building consortia. This is the most effective means of finding good quality partners with the appropriate level of buy-in to the envisaged project. It works best with Scenario 1 in which the client organisation is very focused on a specific call topic; it is very difficult with Scenario 2 and almost impossible with Scenario 3. The 1st step in the process must be a face-to-face or web conference with senior management to define and focus the strategy for involvement, identify thematic areas, call topics, existing networks and the objectives, capabilities and R&D capacity of the business. The 2nd step in the process is to define the different roles in the project that must be filled with suitable partner. Typically these roles are core technology partners (upstream or downstream), specialist technical or regulatory roles, exploitation partners and end-users for specific market segments or geographic coverage. The 3rd step is to carry out targeted research by contacting and discussing the potential project with high quality partners to fill designated roles The 4th step, as partners “come on board�, is to review the expertise matrix of the consortium with respect to the proposed project and fill gaps with additional partners. This is a very intensive and specialised process requiring detailed knowledge of the Framework Programme, the ability to approach and engage senior personnel in business and academia and a broad based knowledge of science and technology. Derek McKenzie, Kite Innovation (Europe) Ltd.
31
DEVELOP YOUR BUSINESS IN EUROPE The Enterprise Europe Network is the largest technology and business network in the world with over 400 organisations across 45 countries, within the European Union and beyond. Established by the European Commission in 2008, the Network provides know how and assistance to innovative companies in the transfer of technology, with the aim of establishing profitable commercial agreements.
As part of the Enterprise Europe Network we can provide you with access to over 7000 international business opportunities to help your business grow. We can: n Assist in the exploitation of new technology opportunities n Provide a technology watch/technology search service to ensure your
company remains competitive in a global market
We can help businesses to secure grants for market-led R&D from both National and European sources; develop an innovation strategy; forge new technology partnerships and introduce new products, technology and services to market.
n Send regular news and events update on European policies and
We have a team of experts which provides support and advice to businesses, universities and research institutes seeking to:
n Identify sources of finance for you business needs
n Develop business through accessing new technologies
For further information and how we can help your company, contact Gillian Kears-Fricker or Arun Harish on 01740 625 780 or email enquiries@een-northeast.co.uk.
n Identify partners for R&D collaboration n Promote their innovative technologies internationally
legislation that could influence your business n Track public sector contracts and tender opportunities
The services of the Enterprise Europe Network are free of charge.
www.een-northeast.co.uk T H E S C I E N C E E N G I N E E R I N G & T E C H N O LO G Y M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E A S T E N G L A N D
SSC AIMS TO GROW THE SOFTWARE INDUSTRY The North East of England is being transformed into a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurial flare with the help of organisations such as Sunderland Software City (SSC). As one of the seven Innovation Connectors in the region, SSC aims to grow the software industry in the north east by helping individuals and companies realise their full potential in the software arena. Bernie Callaghan, Chief Executive Officer of Sunderland Software City said: “The North East already boasts a number of high quality software companies, and the project aims to build upon this reputation, and continue to enhance it, by helping to develop a skilled and entrepreneurial workforce and a high quality infrastructure for software businesses which is essential to a knowledge-based economy. We have already worked with and helped individuals and companies to establish themselves and grow their businesses.” The SSC project encourages innovation right across the spectrum – from schools, through to colleges and universities, to individuals setting up businesses, and existing companies who are expanding their operations. It also encourages overseas companies to locate their European bases in the North East. One SSC initiative is a software innovation competition which involves working with groups of young people to help nurture software related business ideas. The Big Ideas Youth Challenge is a four stage competition where teams from schools, youth centres, and colleges have the opportunity to put forward and develop a software related business idea. This year’s first stage has recently closed with over 100 entries from across the region being received.
Laura Maddison, Marketing and Business Director of iT Eyez said: “We are very excited about our product and are really looking forward to the launch, but we have to make sure that we do things properly and stay grounded. We have found there is a lot of support available to help us do that. “In terms of innovation, there seems to be a wealth of young, up and coming businesses that are being built on innovative ideas and the support for these companies is available at all levels.” Sunderland Software City is nurturing innovation at all levels and from all walks of life. Ultimately, innovation drives the economy by creating more businesses, jobs and wealth. Looking at some of the things happening right across the area, the future for the North East is looking bright. The Sunderland Software City initiative is benefiting from over £6.5m of European Union investment from the ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13, secured through regional development agency One North East. The ERDF programme is bringing over £300m into the North East to support innovation, enterprise and business support across the region
www.sunderlandsoftwarecity.com
Programmes such as Software Ventures, part of the BIC offering under the SSC banner, help individuals and companies to take their innovative ideas and develop them into commercially viable products. These individuals and companies are often very experienced but are moving into new areas with which they need some more specialised help. One such company currently doing just that is iT Eyez, which is developing a product that provides the user with the ‘safest way to surf the web’. It is essentially a total protection system for a child’s early learning on the internet and their introduction to using a computer. The iT Eyez product is aimed primarily at parents who are worried about what their children are exposed to online. However, the product has a dual purpose in that it doesn’t allow viruses or malware to interfere with the host computer. It is also impossible for the child to delete or alter data that is stored on the computer. This is only one application of this technology and the company is already looking at a number of other potential markets. T H E S C I E N C E E N G I N E E R I N G & T E C H N O LO G Y M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E A S T E N G L A N D
Laura Maddison, Marketing & Business Director, iT Eyez
Peter Fullarton, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Heridian i-Med
TRADING INTERNATIONALLY HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER In a worldwide marketplace, the opportunities for trading internationally have never been easier or indeed as important. With their huge potential markets, countries like India and China have become attractive targets for companies looking to trade overseas. In September 2009, Sunderland Software City, in conjunction with UKTI and One North East, invited companies to visit China to explore potential opportunities. One company which accepted the invitation was Heridian Limited, a software company based in Sunderland. It took up the offer to visit Shanghai and then moved onto the Nanjing Software Expo. Peter Fullarton, managing director and co-founder of Heridian said: “We took the opportunity to visit China with the help of Sunderland Software City and some significant opportunities opened up to us. The support we received from SSC was second to none and I would urge anyone who is considering trading internationally to get in touch with them.” Peter has recently been back to China where a number of major new customers have now been secured. Following on from the successful visit to China in 2009, Sunderland Software City, in conjunction with One North East and UKTI, is now inviting software companies to visit China in September 2010 to explore potential opportunities available in the Chinese markets. The visit will take in three locations and open up many different potential markets. Shanghai The largest city in China, and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, with over 20 million people. Located on China’s central eastern coast just at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Shanghai became the world’s largest cargo port, and is also now the largest centre of commerce and finance in mainland China. It has been described as the “showpiece” of the world’s fastest-growing major economy. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to meet with buyers and distributors that can open up potentially huge new markets to you. Nanjing Located at the centre of China’s Yangtze River Delta and recognised as one of the major economic engines in eastern China, Nanjing is one of China’s fastest growing commercial centres. It has established itself as the primary software centre in Jiangsu, with the local government striving to build the national Software Industry Park there. Nanjing is also the home of Nanjing Software Expo which delegates will visit as part of the mission. The Expo, viewed as the meeting place for the world’s software companies, will allow you to build contacts and relationships with a wealth of different companies within software and associated industries.
Harbin A port and capital of Heilongjiang province in North East China it is located on the Songhua River. With a population of about 4 million, Harbin is a major rail junction. Industries include metallurgy, foodprocessing, and sugar-refining; the manufacture of machinery, chemicals, cement, paper; and tourism. With its strong manufacturing base, Harbin offers huge opportunities for software companies to show the diversity of their product ranges. The city of Sunderland has a Friendship Agreement with Harbin which helps promote good relationships on both a personal and professional level.
Why should you go? The sheer size of the Chinese market means that there is huge potential for UK companies to establish a significant presence in China. With our help, you will be able to meet potential customers and contacts in three very different locations and with very different requirements. The one thing that does not change is the sheer size of the potential market you can enter.
So, what do you do next? We are currently accepting no obligation enquiries for the next trade mission to China which will be in early September 2010. The trip will last 10 days which will be split between the three locations. To find out more please contact David Dunn on 0845 872 8575 or email david.dunn@ sunderlandsoftwarecity.com Sunderland Software City is working in conjunction with UKTI and One North East to offer you the best combination of support for this trade mission. Sunderland Software City is benefiting from over £6.5m of European Union investment from the ERDF Competitiveness Programme 200713, secured through regional development agency One North East. The ERDF programme is bringing over £300m into the North East to support innovation, enterprise and business support across the region.
37
CAPTURING THE REGION’S FUTURE By 2050 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions must fall by half, yet energy demand is likely to double. Increased efficiency and use of renewables are seen as the key mechanisms proposed to achieve targets; however fossil fuels will continue to play a significant role in the energy mix for the foreseeable future, but energy is not the full story. If we are to tackle climate change, we also need to find sustainable ways to reduce emissions from manufacturing industry, with the production of chemicals often leading to the co-production of high levels of CO2. Whilst there is no silver bullet to eradicate the threat of global warming, one of the most promising technologies for rapidly reducing global emissions has been identified as Carbon Capture and Storage. This method has the potential to reduce CO2 emitted by an industrial plant by up to 90 percent. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) refers to a process of avoiding emissions by CO2 capture, followed by storage, thereby preventing the CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Fundamentally, the idea is simple - capture CO2 from the power plants, refineries and industrial sources; transport it, usually via pipelines to storage points and store it away in a suitable geological site. In combination with low-carbon and clean fuel technology, CCS should allow industrial regions such as Teesside to continue processing as usual and may indeed incentivise sustainable industrial growth. The world will continue to develop and expand its use of non-fossil resources, whilst CCS will ease the transition to a lower carbon emission future. Following a turbulent twelve months for Teesside based industry, Tees Valley business leaders, local authorities and MPs have united behind a Ten Point Plan proposed by local industrialists, charting a path towards a more prosperous future for the chemical sector. The plan, which is being managed by the North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC), was supported by One North East and the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, and significantly featured Carbon Capture and Storage.
Government has subsequently announced a £60m Tees Valley Industrial Programme (TVIP) to support the region’s industrial transition to low carbon and advanced manufacturing, and February saw One North East publish a prospectus for the development of a Carbon Capture and Storage Cluster in North East England. The document outlines pioneering technology which offers major investment and job creation potential for the North East and identifies the region’s strengths and future plans for CCS, whilst making a strong case for further investment in the region. As well as safeguarding vital jobs and creating new roles in research and innovation, CCS is central to proposed major power generation projects. Planned projects include a new CCS power plant for Eston Grange in the Tees Valley and a part-conversion of the Rio Tinto Alcan power plant at Lynemouth, Northumberland which together will capture up to 7.5m tonnes of CO2 per year. The capture of CO2 from the Teesside Chemical Industry is also a unique part of this region’s study. These ground-breaking projects integrate established technologies and are at a sufficiently advanced stage for partners to be confident that a CCS Cluster could be operational in 2015. An independent report commissioned by the Department of Energy and Climate Change indicates clean coal technology could bring between £2bn and £4bn a year into the UK economy by 2030 and support up to 60,000 jobs in engineering, manufacturing and procurement. Bob Coxon OBE, Chairman of the Science and Industry Council for North East England, who is overseeing the implementation of the NEPIC Ten Point Plan, said: “The ability of the North East to be at the forefront of Carbon Capture and Storage is a key part of our plan for the future of our industry. “This latest development is therefore very good news. Since we first announced the ten point plan we have made swift progress in many areas to deliver just what our industry needs for the future.”
www.nepic.co.uk
T H E S C I E N C E E N G I N E E R I N G & T E C H N O LO G Y M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E A S T E N G L A N D
HARNESSING THE POWER OF WATER The power of water will be used to generate electricity in the Tees Valley as part of a new project. A hydroelectric station is to be built at Selset Reservoir, 14km north west of Barnard Castle, after a partnership was signed by Northumbrian Water and RWE npower renewables, it will generate up to 750 kilowatts of electricity - 4,000 megawatt hours a year - sufficient to meet the average annual needs of about 1,000 households. The power generated will be fed into the national grid. The development will add to Northumbrian Water’s hydro power plant at Kielder Water, Northern Europe’s largest man-made reservoir, which is also operated in partnership with RWE npower renewables. The larger Kielder scheme generates some 20,000 megawatt hours sufficient to meet the average annual needs of about 5,000 households.
Work on the £2.5m Selset hydroelectric project will require integration with the existing water supply operations, improvement of an access road and construction of a building, approximately the size of a double garage, that will house the turbine and generator. It will be built in the style of a Teesdale farm building in stone and with a pitched roof. Tim James, Project Manager at RWE npower renewables said: ”We have a number of hydroelectric projects in Wales and Scotland and this is the first we have constructed in England. It will make a useful contribution to UK renewable energy targets.” Dr Colin Price, Northumbrian Water’s Technical Director, said: “This project in the Tees Valley is one of several energy generation schemes that Northumbrian Water is currently developing. We believe that creating renewable energy where we can is the responsible way forward, for the business, our customers and the environment.”
39
(L-R) Alan Clarke Chief Executive of One North East; Nigel Perry, CPI’s Chief Executive Officer; Ian Lucas MP, Business Minister; Ian Schott, Co-Chairman of the Industrial Biotechnology Leadership Forum.
E X PA N S I O N O F N A T I O N A L FLAGSHIP FACILITY AT WILTON Business Minister Ian Lucas performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Industrial Biotechnology demonstrator facilities in Wilton on Teesside.
the North East the regional strengths in industrial biotechnology, plastic electronics and advanced manufacturing will help the UK achieve its goal of economic growth and a low carbon economy.
The Government has invested £12 million in the facility, which will help companies develop novel and more sustainable advanced manufacturing and process technologies.
“The Government and One North East have committed £60 million for the Tees Valley to support future opportunities, growth and jobs. The Wilton chemicals complex is one of the biggest employers in the region, and I’m delighted to see the latest developments which will give a real boost to green jobs in the North East and to the chemicals industry in the UK.”
It is estimated that the market potential for chemicals made by industrial biotechnology will rise to £12 billion in the UK alone by 2025. During his visit, the Minister announced 19 winning projects of a £2.5 million competition that will use the demonstrator facility to stimulate the development of new product processes and technologies, work which will include company-led feasibility studies involving businesses, universities and research organisations. The facility will be fully operational by the end of the year, giving companies improved access to the expertise and equipment needed to take advantage of the opportunities available. Mr Lucas also toured the Printable Electronics Technology Centre (PETEC) facilities at Wilton and was given an update on plans for its expansion at NETPark, Sedgefield. It has been supported by Government funding of £12 million. He said: “The Government fully recognises the crucial role that the UK’s manufacturing base will play in growing our economy. Here in
Regional development agency, One North East, has also earmarked £1.5 million to improve access to the facilities at Wilton. Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of One North East, said: “Industrial biotechnology is a good example of the longer-term projects that regional partners, including Tees Valley Unlimited, are looking to support through the TVIP to accelerate our transition to low carbon and advanced manufacturing.” Nigel Perry, CEO of the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) said: “CPI exists to help companies test, develop and scale up sustainable processes and energy solutions. This practical and commercial approach enables customers to enter valuable and new markets as quickly as possible.” www.uk-cpi.com
T H E S C I E N C E E N G I N E E R I N G & T E C H N O LO G Y M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E A S T E N G L A N D
CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE PLANS CLOSER TO REALITY Plans for carbon capture and storage in North East England have taken a major step forward. One North East has published a prospectus for the development of a Carbon Capture and Storage Cluster (CCS), taking advantage of the pioneering technology which offers investment and job creation potential. The document makes a strong case for further investment in the North East, saying that the technology is necessary for a number of industrial processes to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. One North East argues that CCS is particularly vital in North East England due to the presence of a strong Chemical and Process Industries sector. As well as safeguarding jobs and creating new roles in research and innovation, CCS is central to proposed major power generation projects. Planned projects include a new CCS power plant for Eston Grange in the Tees Valley and a part-conversion of the Rio Tinto Alcan power plant at Lynemouth, Northumberland which together will capture up to 7.5m tonnes of CO2 per year. The projects integrate established technologies and are at a sufficiently advanced stage for partners to be confident that a CCS Cluster could be operational in 2015. There is also national support for such an initiative. An independent report commissioned by the Department of Energy and Climate Change indicates clean coal technology could bring between £2billion and £4billion a year into the UK economy by 2030 and support up to 60,000 jobs in engineering, manufacturing and procurement.
Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of One North East, said: “The development of a Carbon Capture and Storage cluster in the North East could protect thousands of jobs, as well as giving the region a longer-term, sustainable solution for energy-intensive industries. “The partnership developing this cluster has the technology, knowledge and political vision to help North East England to lead the world in this field. “There remains a significant amount of work to complete so that we are in a position to progress this project further, but this work is now being accelerated as part of our plan to develop the industries of the future in the North East, and the Tees Valley in particular.” That technology allows captured CO2 to be piped to a large permanent storage site already identified in the North Sea, or be used in ageing North Sea oilfields to increase production and extend field lives. The cluster development would have the potential to expand and capture up to at least 15m tonnes of CO2 per year. The prospectus is supported and endorsed by the Association of North East Councils (ANEC) and CCS has also been identified as a priority by the North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC). Bob Coxon OBE, Chairman of the Science and Industry Council for North East England, said: “The ability of the North East to be at the forefront of Carbon Capture and Storage is a key part of our ten point plan for the future of our industry.”
41
Richard Lord, left and Richard Green, of the University, with some of the crop
EVERYDAY GRASS COULD PROVIDE GREEN FUEL A five-year research project has come up with a way of generating green energy from a humble everyday grass. Researchers at Teesside University’s Contaminated Land and Water Centre started the project in 2004 to see which plants could best be grown on brownfield sites as a way of improving unsightly blots on the landscape. Now, the research by the BioReGen (Biomass, Remediation, reGeneration) project team has revealed that reed canary grass can be turned into an excellent fuel for biomass power stations and, on a smaller scale, boilers in buildings such as schools. The native British grass is turned into bricks and pellets which not only burn well but also do not add to greenhouse gases, therefore not contributing to global warming. The team experimented with four types of plant, willow trees (the current favourite for biomass power stations), the miscanthus, reed canary and switch grasses. Tests were carried out on sites around the region with work supported by a €1.2m grant from the European Union’s LIFE-Environment research programme. Dr Richard Lord, Reader in Environmental Geochemistry and Sustainability, said: “We have narrowed the plants down to reed
canary grass because it grows well on poor soils and contaminated industrial sites. That is significant because in areas like Teesside, and many similar ones around the country, there are a lot of marginal or brownfield sites on which reed canary grass can be grown. “Selecting such sites means that the grass can be grown without taking away land which would otherwise be used in food production, a key concern for those involved in the biomass and biofuel sectors.” Having reached maturity, which takes two years, reed canary grass is harvested and baled up before being turned into bricks and pellets. Dr Lord said: “The test burnings have shown that reed canary grass produces a good, clean fuel without picking-up contamination from the soil. “Reed canary grass has great potential because it offers a suitable use for unsightly brownfield sites while producing an excellent fuel at a time when the world is crying out for new ways of producing green energy. “Our research also suggests that the end product is improved soil quality and biodiversity at the greened-up sites. “We are now examining ways in which we can commercialise this idea and are already talking to a number of major biomass power station operators.”
T H E S C I E N C E E N G I N E E R I N G & T E C H N O LO G Y M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H E A S T E N G L A N D
NO NA CTIVE E SPE OURC R E G P RES MIN W O E N DE C 10 0 I GU AY 2 M