Report for COUNCIL

Business Partnerships, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer

1. Strategic Partnerships

1.1. Fuel Cells

The Fuel Cells Centre of Excellence launch phase is underway. The consultants to the DTI (Beta Technology) are occupying the refurbished office space in the Holywell Building. Dialogue between Loughborough and the consultants representing the DTI is ongoing to establish the centre. An entirely separate negotiation to house the R&D and pilot plant facilities of Rolls-Royce Fuel Cells plc in Holywell Building near to the Centre are progressing. The overall objective is to create a cluster of activity in fuel cell research.

1.2. Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme

The MoU with the Ministry of Defence was signed on 28 October. This provides for sponsorship of 50 students per year to the University. Some MoD staff will be based on the campus.

1.3. British University in Egypt

The Registrar has been overseeing the negotiation of a framework agreement that will allow the University to offer advice and consultancy services to the new university.

1.4. SEIC

Two externally funded Chairs are being advertised.

2. Loughborough Innovation Centre

Phase 2 extension is progressing and will be available in January 2005. Year end accounts for July 2004 show a small surplus of £11,000. Occupancy is around 90% and several of the new units from Phase 2 have already been reserved.

3. Intellectual Property

We have issued a licence with technology from the English Language Support Unit, and have issued an option to Weatherite for a Civil Engineering project. A manufacturer has also been secured for the all polymer guitar.

A grant from emda of £227,363 has been secured to undertake a project helping regional SME’s secure and negotiate specialist licence deals.

4. Spin Out Companies & Licensing

A new spin out company, ‘Ability Match Ltd’ was approved at the IPO Board in September. We currently have 25 spin outs with a new proposal from Electrical Engineering going forward to the next Board.

5. Consultancy

Consultancy turnover improved over the Year 2003/04 by 18%, and has made a promising start in the current year. Discussions are underway with senior management about the University’s policy with regard to consultancy.

6. Knowledge & Technology Transfer Centre

There are currently 12 KTPs running. The new KTP officer has taken up post, as has the CTA Officer which is a new post.