inspired
Through our inspired project we aim to help small and medium-sized companies in Scotland to solve problems, develop new products and advance existing technologies. inspired funding support of up to £5K enables you to access the knowledge and expertise of UWS engineers and physicists to support innovation for new growth at low, or even no cost to your company.
inspired is open to SME’s registered anywhere in Scotland, in any industry sector. We are here to help and will work with your company to develop your project. Following an exploratory assessment, the inspired team will help you to access support including:
- matching UWS expertise to your business
- free one to one scoping discussions to evaluate your product idea or problem
- support worth up to £5k to develop the technical and commercial feasibility of your new product, process or system concept
- access to modern well equipped laboratories
- identifying additional sources of funding to progress product development
- grant applications
Our staff are currently working in partnership with a diverse range of clients in:
- manufacturing
- scientific laboratories
- vehicle components
- consumer electronics
- medical devices
- sporting goods
- entertainment
- renewable energy
- textile manufacture
The UWS Inspired Programme will run from 01.01.10 until 31.12.12 and is aimed at enhancing productive knowledge transfer between Scottish SMEs and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS)
INSPIRED will provide SMEs with access to UWS expertise and problem solving capability across the spectrum from physical principles of sensing, sensor application, systems, packaging, product design, rapid prototyping through to small scale manufacture.
The Inspired project is funded by ERDF, the Scottish Government through it’s SEEKIT programme and UWS.
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is a vehicle for promoting the economic development and regeneration of defined areas within the Member States of the European Union.
The SEEKIT programme aims to encourage new and improved productive knowledge transfer activities between small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and the Scottish public sector science base.
Case StudIES
Bumpjump.com
Bumpjump.com (an exciting young Scottish company dedicated to bringing new concepts to today's golfer) approached UWS for help with 3-D modelling, prototyping and refinement of their designs when developing their new and innovative golf clubs. Inventor Thomas McAteer reports that: "The help from UWS was invaluable to optimise the accuracy of the bumpjump.com convex-faced chipper and refine the design of our raised striking-faced putter. Our customers are now reporting that their clubs are saving four or more shots per round!"
Cool Solutions
Cool Solutions is company trading name for Gary Burns, part-time entrepreneur and product innovator! Gary saw a report on a news broadcast concerning a toddler who suffered serious burns from their mother’s hair straighteners and decided to find a way to minimise the dangers of leaving them switched on and unattended.
Gary was put in touch with the Inspired team who offered support. The project provided Gary with a realistic, working prototype to take to potential investors and manufactures.
Gary comments. “Inspired funding has allowed me to take my existing prototype to a whole new level; I am excited about what the future holds for Cool Solutions”.
Contact our inspired Business Liaison Officer, Alison Chudleigh for more information on 0141 848 3835 or email inspired@uws.ac.uk .
Inspired seminar 22 Nov 2011
The inspired project, in conjunction with the Product Realisation Centre, will be hosting an event on the 22nd November at our Hamilton Campus, to help companies gain a better insight into how to transition from ideas and design through to manufacture and product launch. More information....
