Making a positive contribution to the UK economy Our first two years of operation have focused on delivering core research within our four Technology Platforms and conducting specific projects with UK industry.
Our industrial engagement programme aims to stimulate collaborative research and development projects with companies in the photonics supply chain and photonics-enabled sectors, such as telecommunications, healthcare, defence and aerospace. We work with businesses of all sizes, ranging from multinationals to SMEs, as well as engaging with key representatives of UK industry to raise awareness of the value of photonics both in delivering transformational manufacturing technologies and driving economic growth. Our research projects target new, practical solutions to photonics manufacturing challenges and help accelerate the commercialisation of new UK-manufactured technologies, to the advantage of the UK economy.
Industry collaborations We have secured significant funding in each of our four Technology Platforms, working with companies involved in the photonics supply chain and photonicsenabled industries such as materials processing, energy, data storage and automotive. Whilst in 2017 there has been particularly high demand for industry-driven research in the area of Light Generation and Delivery, we have undertaken a wide variety of collaborative projects, ranging from supplying bespoke materials to establishing extensive research programmes, including working with Seagate Ireland to develop new hard drive technology (see Case study, page 19).
Over ÂŁ6.1M new industry collaborations
42 projects over four Technology Platforms
26
6
industry sectors: sensing, defence, photonics, data comms and storage, LIDAR for autonomous vehicles and advanced materials
