ten things you need to know about central technology belt

Transcription

1 10 1 ten things you need to know about central technology belt Review of Operations 2013 /14

2 1 what we do Central Technology Belt (CTB) is a small but highly effective Economic Development company. 2 We work with people who want to make a difference. We find, motivate and connect innovators - in companies, universities and government - to unlock progress, growth and competitive advantage. Business and government should work together to deliver an environment in which innovation can thrive. This needs an organisation like CTB working across the public and private sectors - commercially and technologically aware and capable of gaining the respect of business and technical communities. 1 ten things you need to know about central technology belt

3 connections that make a difference (a) CTB brings Surface Treatment Experts and Energy Systems Company together to discuss potential for collaboration on innovative sealing applications. This led to components being handed over for treatment and long-term soak tests to confirm performance. If tests continue to prove positive then this could lead to a contract for the small business worth an estimated 8 Million. (b) Leading UK Engineering Company and Top French University these two organisations met through CTB under a non-disclosure agreement negotiated by CTB. The subject under discussion is top secret but has led to further dialogue. This collaboration could lead to a revolution in the industry. Estimates of the value of this innovation exceed 50 Million. 2 1 (c) Small but Fast Growing Business and Small Award Winning Electronic Design Company meets through CTB to explore new product designs. This led to a rethink of manufacturing strategy, new opportunities and a return from the Far East of design and development work. (d) Small Start-up Company applies for funding through innovative Local Authority led project a classic case of CTB connecting innovators. The funding is worth up to 40K. ten things you need to know about central technology belt 2

4 delivering plugged in midlands Plugged in Places is a national charging infrastructure project for electric vehicles. 3 CTB was instrumental in bringing this project to the Midlands. CTB identified and worked alongside interested organisations in the West Midlands region to install and operate electric charging points. Headline achievements are: charging points installed in the West Midlands More than 50% in the west of the region Grant contribution to West Midlands of some 759,549 3 ten things you need to know about central technology belt

5 5 Open Innovation is how ideas turn into goods and services through collaboration. To make progress you have to talk and be open with potential partners, but this should not mean giving ideas away. 4 development and launch of technology intersect - unique to CTB The CTB Technology Intersect Service presents innovators with a safe, supportive environment in which to trade their ideas and technologies. It paves the way for new ideas and products to flow into the market to produce growth. It focuses on making astute connections between innovators and can vastly accelerate the innovation process. ten things you need to know about central technology belt 4

6 building the innovation Eco-system 5 CTB s Technology Intersect Eco-system database now comprises some 270 technology based organisations, businesses, university departments and connections. We believe it to be the largest and most sophisticated database of its kind in Worcestershire. In the last twelve months it has been used to make over 12 innovation connections. CTB has delivered over 30 Investigation Reports. These reports have been commissioned by clients and describe and explain relevant science, markets and the technologies required by specific innovators seeking connections and collaborations. 6 Based on figures collected from clients, the Technology Intersect service has been associated with over 90M of increased sales revenue and savings. 5 ten things you need to know about central technology belt

7 delivering access to 2.6 million of funding for Worcestershire businesses CTB is delivering two EU Regional Development Fund projects. (a) Worcestershire Proof of Concept Fund. The Worcester Proof of Concept Fund provides grants, typically between 20K and 30K, to support the third party costs associated with commercialising new products and processes. It can fund activities such as prototyping, registering Intellectual Property Rights, market assessment and business planning. (b) Stimulating Innovation and Growth (Eureka). CTB is working with individual businesses to : identify opportunities to innovate; connect them to potential collaborators; and identify potential funding ten things you need to know about central technology belt 6

8 delivering intellectual property advice Intellectual or intangible assets are recognised by many organisations as one of their most important resources. But, it is surprisingly easy to purchase expensive Intellectual Property Rights and yet gain no practical protection. Specially trained by the UK Intellectual Property Office, CTB now has its own advisor to navigate the IP maze and offer strategic advice. CTB can identify potential intellectual property assets and help develop an appropriate strategy around protecting and trading them ten things you need to know about central technology belt

9 8 7 connecting with national and local government CTB has established connections across the West Midlands through the Local Enterprise Partnerships, Birmingham Science City and The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, as well as relationships with District and County Councils. This has resulted in successful projects such as Plugged in Midlands and Eureka. Eureka is an EU funded project to stimulate innovation and growth. CTB understands the EU funding mechanism, has delivered EU funded projects and is looking to further exploit this expertise for the benefit of innovative businesses. CTB also continues to explore and develop relationships with Members of Parliament across the West Midlands region. ten things you need to know about central technology belt 8

10 9 connecting with economic development organisations (a) Technology Strategy Board (BIS) CTB s relationship with the Technology Strategy Board ensures we understand the National Policy towards innovation and growth and how it can be delivered at a local level. It also ensures a profile for Worcestershire and its economic development. (b) Intellectual Property Office CTB attended the launch of the new Business Advisors programme, and has been one of the first to attend the IPO course to become an accredited IP Strategic Advisor thus extending the CTB offer. (c) Westminster Forum Attendance at the Westminster Forum gives CTB access to Government thinking and latest policy, as well as profile for Worcestershire. It also ensures that we are part of the debate. (d) Birmingham Science City CTB has established a special partnership with Birmingham Science City. This has a number of aims:- - The respective strengths and approaches of the two organisations can be used to enhance the ability of both organisations to meet their goals. - Access for CTB to BSC Contributing Partners, particularly universities for the purposes of collaborative innovations. - Increased influence for CTB on Technology Strategy Board policy. 9 ten things you need to know about central technology belt

11 new Website launch For the full picture go to 10 ten things you need to know about central technology belt 10

12 Central Technology Belt Malvern Hills Science Park Geraldine Road Malvern Worcestershire WR14 3SZ