Researchers at the University of Strathclyde, and their industrial partners, have received three of five grants awarded by a national inward investment fund.
The projects have benefited from the latest round of the Inward Investment Catalyst Fund, which has been developed by the Scottish Government and business-academic hub Interface, to attract businesses from outwith Scotland to collaborate with academic institutions on research and development activity.
Funding has been awarded for projects between:
- Professor Vladimir Stankovic (Electronic and Electrical Engineering) and Singapore-based CCTV video analytics company Graymatics, for the development of smart audio module software, to be integrated into the existing Graymatics video surveillance product. This will enable their system to accurately identify and track objects, even in challenging environments
- Dr Shangtong Yang (Civil and Environmental Engineering) and construction materials company Reaforma, to develop the company’s carbon-negative geopolymer construction composite
- Dr Jun Liu (Advanced Forming Research Centre) and Salop Design & Engineering, to conduct a life cycle assessment of energy-efficient and environment-friendly technology for producing single-sheet titanium components used in the aerospace industry.
Each of the projects has been awarded in the region of £10,000.
Meryl Levington, Director of Innovation & Industry Engagement at Strathclyde, said: “Our success in the Inward Investment Catalyst Fund demonstrates the quality and impact of our research and the strength of our productive links with industry.
“These projects will make significant contributions not only to industry and the economy but also to security, sustainability and construction. These are areas which affect us all and we are pleased to be helping to make a positive difference.”
Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade, Richard Lochhead, said: “The latest round of the Inward Investment Catalyst Fund has once again attracted diverse and innovative projects, with the expertise and support of our highly regarded universities and academia playing a significant role in attracting potential investors to consider Scotland and apply for the funding.
“The successful projects not only align with the ambitions of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation but also with the Inward Investment Plan’s key opportunity areas. I am pleased that applications for a further round of funding has launched and encourage all interested businesses with innovative projects to apply for the funding.”
Howell Davies, Sector Engagement Manager at Interface, said: “This was another excellent round of applications with good potential for these companies to base and scale their operations here in Scotland using the excellent support and world class academic community to help accelerate that journey.”
The announcement coincides with the opening of a new round of the Inward Investment Catalyst Fund to support inward investment into Scotland through establishing relationships between businesses and academia. The deadline for the next round of the Inward Investment Catalyst Fund is Friday 17 November.