An academic-industry partnership from Northern Ireland that has developed a new high-performance, low carbon pre-cast concrete technology has won top prize in the government-backed Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) Awards 2013.
Concrete specialist Bullivant Taranto, researchers from Queen’s University Belfast and recent graduate Richard Morton topped the Best Partnership category from a shortlist of nine projects covering all industry sectors.
The team collaborated to reduce energy costs and the environmental impact in the manufacture of pre-cast concrete products by optimising the design process.
It conducted R&D into high performance/lower carbon concrete, reducing the embodied energy and cost of concrete production by 25%. The partnership also developed a novel vaulted floor system.
The Queen’s researchers also produced seven undergraduate and three postgraduate research projects; and published two journal papers and five conference papers.
The KTP is a UK-wide programme, organised by the Technology Strategy Board, to facilitate the transfer of ideas between UK businesses and academic institutions.
It brings together three partners – a business, UK university or college partner, and a recently qualified graduate (associate) to work collaboratively to develop a business opportunity or innovative idea.
The team conducted R&D into high performance/lower carbon concrete, reducing the embodied energy and cost of concrete production by 25%. The partnership also developed a novel vaulted floor system.
Bullivant Taranto designs and manufactures reinforced and pre-stressed concrete products for the construction, water, marine and agricultural markets. Niall Woods, company supervisor, said: “The KTP has… enabled us to rebrand, re-educate and reposition our business to maximise opportunities here in Northern Ireland and further afield.
“KTP has given us unrivalled access to the knowledge, expertise and technology available at Queen’s, and I would encourage any business who wants innovate, expand and get ahead of the competition to get involved in KTP and find out how the higher education sector can help their business grow.”
As a result of winning the Best Partnership award, the team was presented with a cheque for £10,000 and a certificate at a special awards event in London this week.
The team was also highly commended in the Engineering Excellence category. Other awards categories included Business Impact and Societal Benefit, and the Business Leader of Tomorrow category also recognised the individual talents and achievements of associates in KTP projects.
Skills and enterprise minister Matthew Hancock, who presented the Best Partnership award, said: “Knowledge Transfer Partnerships play a vital role in driving the UK’s economic growth. They build strong partnerships between businesses of all sizes and universities, making sure that our expert skills base can reach its full potential.
“The UK is home to some of the most innovative minds in the world, and these awards showcase the talent that is helping us to keep ahead in the global race.”
For more information on KTPs please visit: https://www.innovateuk.org/-/knowledge-transfer-partnerships
