Published:
A spin-out company and a pioneering green energy project from Heriot-Watt University have reached the final of an illustrious global-competition.
MicroSense Technologies Ltd (MTL) and Hybrid Fusion Energy Management System (HyFes) will compete in separate categories in the 2018 Innovation Awards hosted by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on November 14 in London.
The annual competition recognises the very best in new innovation across science, engineering and technology.
MTL was co-founded by Professor Marc Desmulliez, Professor David Flynn and Dr Sumanth Pavuluri from the University's School of Engineering & Physical Sciences (EPS). Between them, they created a novel patented microwave sensor system that can be deployed for a variety of applications demanding agile sensing for resilient, sustainable and efficient systems.
To reach this year's finals is a great honour and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone involved in the project.
The company already has its technology installed in the premises of two UK food and drink companies in order to reduce their production waste.
Chosen from over 350 entries worldwide, MTL was shortlisted for the Technology Transfer Award in recognition of the novelty and versatility of their sensor system.
In a joint statement, the founders of MTL, said: “We are grateful for the help received by Heriot-Watt University in helping us creating MTL and defending its patent portfolio. We are equally delighted by the honour that IET is conferring on us. Our technology enables our clients to unlock the value within their businesses and supporting them towards a more sustainable, circular economy by reducing waste, risk, increasing production efficiency and extending the life of their critical assets.”
Also in this year's final is the business led, clean energy project, HyFes, which aims to reduce the carbon footprint of marine vessels.
The project, led by Professor David Flynn and Dr Valentin Robu, has been developed in conjunction with University's Institute of Sensors, Signals and Systems.
HyFES brings together a consortium that spans the complete supply chain including Heriot-Watt and Southampton Universities, the High Speed Sustainable Manufacturing Institute (HSSMI), Custom and Contract Power Solutions (CCPS), Denchi Power, FM and MBNA Thames Clippers.
It has been shortlisted in the Transport Award category.
Dr Valentin Robu from HyFes, said: “The aim of HyFes is to develop an alternative, more environmentally friendly propulsion and auxiliary powered equipment strategy for sea vessels. But its impact is not constrained to only the end users. It is delivering exciting new technologies throughout the supply chain demonstrating how the renewable and sustainable energy sector can deliver growth and support the creation of new supply chains.
“To reach this year's finals is a great honour and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone involved in the project.”
The IET's distinctive annual Innovation Awards celebrate disruptive innovation, showcasing entries from around the world.
By Craig McManamon
For media enquiries contact:
0131 451 8099
c.mcmanamon@hw.ac.uk