The Institute of Physics business awards 2018 are now open for entries. Recognising the contribution physics and physicists make to industry across all sectors with categories for innovative companies, start-ups and individuals. Photonics is always well represented in the awards which providing a unique opportunity for recognising the impact of Physics based innovation in the…
Innovate_UK latest Emerging and Enabling competition will open on 22 January. Traditionally the home for many #photonics applications Emerging and Enabling will form strand 2 of a joint call with Health and Life Sciences (strand 1) sharing a budget of £19million. Application deadline is 28 March 2018. Projects must show significant innovation in one of…
The new Ministry of Defence Science and Technology Strategy 2017 is welcomed by the PLG. The concise review identifies the critical role science and technology plays in current and future defence and security. Many of the key enablers identified in sensing, quantum technology, novel materials, autonomy and more are underpinned by photonics innovations. The importance…
The PLG welcomes the publication of Juerger Maier’s Made Smarter Review of how digital technology, including photonics, can boost UK manufacturing by £455billion over 10 years. A likely prelude for an Industrial Digitisation Sector Deal, the review outlines three key challenges in leadership, adoption and innovation. Photonics, notable industrial vision, optical metrology and laser processing,…
In collaboration with the Knowledge Transfer Network, MDBA have published 17 key challenges to which they are seeking innovative solutions- many of which require novel photonics or hybrid photonics and radio frequency solutions. Outline responses are requested by 6 October 2017.
With photonics technology, especially lasers, central to the digitising of manufacturing and industry 4.0 Photonics21 Working Group 2 have analysed EU funded projects in Laser Based Manufacturing from 2010 onward and compared to current market trends. Whilst the technical content of funded projects to industry trends is strong, the analysis shows key emerging applications have…
Among all the Brexit headlines, there is great deal about doing business in the UK we take for granted:- The UK has the lowest corporation tax rate at 20% of any of G20 countries, that’s half that of the USA and 50% of that in Germany. The UK is global centre of knowledge generation producing…
Away from the political chaos caused by the Brexit vote, it is worth reflecting that industry is much more comfortable with absorbing unforeseen change than our politicians or press appear to be. Everyday companies take in their stride changing customer demand, new product introductions, changes in personal, vagaries in delivery and host of other factors…
With Brexit what will the future look like for UK organisations participating in EU R&D projects. It will be at least 2 years, probably longer, before the details of Brexit are finalised. In the mean time UK organisations can still apply for EU funding as normal. For the longer term impact we can look to…
Innovate is inviting SME’s to apply for £50-90k for up to a 12 month industrial research project as part of the North Wales Photonics Launchpad. Projects must be must be led by a micro, small or medium-sized company that is likely to be in the early stages of its development; businesses can work alone or in…
