As we embark on the new year, we are excited to see the progress achieved across our live Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) projects.  

One of our current projects is with Serious Brands and aims to develop a light that can be tuned to an individual’s specific requirements.  An exciting and innovative idea born from CEO, Alex Pratt’s, extensive knowledge of lighting and its impact on people’s health.  It is a challenging project for our engineering team and the KT Associate, George – alumnus of BNU – but progress has already exceeded expectations. 

We asked Dr Mohammed Rana, Senior Lecturer in Engineering and Academic Supervisor for the BNU-Serious Brands KTP project what their experience of KTP has been so far. 

What has been the highlight of the project?

The project aims to create a new and innovative light engine that will produce personalised light settings for Serious Brands’ customers.  This focus on innovation is what I find most interesting about the project.  Already, the outcome of tests in the lab are stimulating.

What has surprised you the most since the project started?

The power of teamwork.  So far, the progress has exceeded the expected timelines, and this has happened due to the proactive contribution of each team member.  Furthermore, the expected impact of person-specific (Individual) colour/light spectra has been a great surprise after testing it in the lab. It gives a complete sense of lighting and the environment around it, a brilliant indication that the final product will have a big impact on Serious Brand’s customers.

What have you learnt from your experience as Academic Supervisor so far?

As a supervisor, I have learned new skills and applied my knowledge to lead and develop a new product for Serious Brand with my research associate. 

As this is my first Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project as a supervisor, the process of working with industry has led me to develop my industry-related knowledge which helps to feed back into the curriculum here at BNU. 

KTPs are applicable in all industries and UK businesses of any size* are eligible to apply.  We are proud to be part of the KTP scheme to showcase the impact of our academic expertise in industry.  With up to 70% of project costs covered by Innovate UK, the KTP is a successfully tried and tested route for business-university collaboration supporting growth in the local economy.

For more information about KTPs or other routes to collaborate with BNU please contact the Enterprise team: enterprise@bnu.ac.uk

*Business must be registered in the UK and have a minimum of 2 permanent employees