Invention Competition 2010

Commercialisation and Consultancy Services (CCS) launched an ‘Invention Competition’ in July to encourage staff and students at Aberystwyth University to get their technologies into the market - with a £2000 prize for the most inventive and commercially promising idea.

The Technology Transfer team in CCS were delighted by the response received, with entries representing several departments across the University. Commenting on the competition, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aled Jones said: “This new competition is an excellent way to highlight and celebrate the innovative and potentially life-enhancing research generated by staff and students at Aberystwyth University.”

CCS are pleased to announce the winner of the 2010 competition as Dr Martin Wilding from the Institute of Mathematics and Physics.  Dr Wilding’s idea centres on new techniques for manufacturing transparent glass ceramics.  The invention could lead to improvements in the transparent qualities of bulk ceramics and enhanced cost effectiveness in their manufacture.

“A number of promising ideas were submitted as competition entries and we are delighted with the number of University departments that were represented” explained Dr Rhian Hayward, Technology Transfer Officer in CCS.  “As well as the winning entry we have been able to take several other technologies forward for commercialisation using our Early Stage Development Funding support via the A4B Scheme from the Welsh Assembly”.

CCS are continually scouting for new ideas and inventions within the University.  Staff and Students interested in discovering more about the support and funding opportunities available through CCS, are advised to contact Dr Rhian Hayward or visit the CCS IP Evaluation and Advice  web pages.

Technology Transfer has a growing pipeline of technologies that represent promising commercialisation prospects. The team are in contact with many businesses in Wales and through the UK and the rest of the world to actively pursue licensing opportunities and the transfer of Aberystwyth University intellectual property into industry as part of the University’s third mission.

Background information:

Aberystwyth University works closely with businesses to develop and commercialise world class technologies.  In recent years our Technology Transfer office (CCS) has successfully licensed a number of products and services and founded several Spin-out companies based on Aberystwyth University innovations.  We welcome all enquiries and expressions of interest in our technology portfolio and pride ourselves on a professional and knowledgeable service to industry.
Aberystwyth University’s current portfolio of technology opportunities can be found at: www.aber.ac.uk/en/ccs/business/services/technology/