South East Photonics Network John Lincoln 17 July 2008, NPL, Teddington
Introduction SEPNET = South East Photonics Network Your regional photonics network for the south east of England Restarted activities in 2008, Previously run successfully in1999-2001 Focused on the South East of England SEEDA area and surroundings Mission Provide a network to organisations using and supplying photonics in the South of England Engaging as much local industry involvement as possible ~ High concentration of 200 organisations working in photonics in the area Often low local awareness
SEPNET Objectives Highlight local strengths to increase photonic applications One of highest concentrations of photonics organisations in EU Increase awareness of market requirements Reach out to users & industries enabled by photonics Be a catalyst and facilitator of collaborative projects involving members Business with business and academic with business An access point for information on regional, national and international funding and support Voice into the UK Photonics Knowledge Transfer Network (PKTN) & UKCPO other networks Access point for international trade missions.
SEPNET Objectives Highlight local strengths to increase the use of photonics One of highest concentrations of photonics organisations in EU Increase awareness of market requirements Reach out to users & industries enabled by photonics Be a catalyst and facilitator of collaborative projects Business with business and academic with business An access point for information on regional, national and international funding and support Voice into the UK Photonics Knowledge Transfer Network (PKTN) & UKCPO other networks Access point for international trade missions.
SEPNET Structure Registered as a limited company, with board of directors Dr Mike Phillips Prof. David Payne Optical Research Centre + a.n.other Guided by representative strategy board 6-10 members, currently being invited Drawn from cross section of large and small companies & regional institutes Decentralised operation Meetings across region, voluntarily hosted by members Virtual office @ Chilworth Science Park, Southampton Day to day coordination Dr John Lincoln
Current Activities Meetings ~ quarterly Capability mapping. Facilitating collaborative projects Building the network. Next meeting 9 October Topic suggestions & locations welcome to capture photonics activities in S.E critical for raising awareness of local strengths via introductions and raising awareness of requirements. individuals via LinkedIn Business network as well as companies Constructing strategy board Collecting good news stories Illustrate the impact and success of photonics Please copy us on your news & press releases Input into UK funding roadmap including less publicised & local initiatives
SEPNET Funding Seed support provided by Photonics Knowledge Transfer Network Coordinated by UKCPO, Funded until mid 2009 by Technology Strategy Board Additional support provided by South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) Funded a 1 year Photonics Knowledge Transfer Fellowship To encourage local utilisation of photonics knowledge Long term mission to be self funding via:- Company membership fees & competitive grants Aim to keep meetings free at the point of use
SEPNET Membership Company Membership For organisations active in developing or using photonic and optics related products or services Fee 100 to 500 dependent on organisation size to be introduced in January 2009 Individual association (free) via SEPNET group on the LinkedIn business networking site. Open to all individuals working within photonics in the area Enable people to maintain and increase their contacts within the local photonics community. SEPNET mailing list (free) basic mechanism of being kept up-to-date with future activities. Join at www.sepnet.net/membership
Next Meeting Thursday 9 October Kindly hosted by Agilent, Reading. Theme:- Locally supported company and applications development. A Sustainable Business Model for Optics and Photonics, David Pointer. Leadership for Global Competitiveness a SEEDA support program, Martin Smith. Sources of end users and applications- Other Local Knowledge Networks, Ceril Jones. Host & member presentations. Register on line at www.sepnet.net
Other Events UK Mission to China, 3-10 September 2008 Timed with China International Optoelectroinc Exposition (CIOE) in Shenzhen. Lead by the Photonics and UK Displays and Lighting KTN s. Photon08, Edinburgh, 26 29 August 2008 Conference and mini expo. Leadership workshop (proposed Autumn 08) Leadership in high growth high tech business - ½ day workshop for photonics SME s in S.E.
Latest funding news Confirmed on this week (14/7) major new Joint UK & European funding program focused on Next generation broadband access ERA-NET plus Common EU commission and member state fund for supporting trans-national research of strategic importance 30M funding (1/3 from Eu, 2/3 from member states) Calls for projects expected in January 2010 First time joint funding of this type has been targeted at photonics and recognises the importance of topic to many member states. FP7 call on photonics, June 2009. Will cover topics relevant for the fibre to the home community
And Finally... Contact John Lincoln Remember: John.Lincoln@sepnet.net, Skype: jrl_uk Cell: 07970 974120, Tel: 0560 319 0587 www.sepnet.net Register on the email list at www.sepnet.net/membership Please respond to the automatic confirmation email Join the LinkedIn community at http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/58553/0d7f03064485 Thank you for coming