Progress your product development ideas through access tocutting-edge science and technology equipment and knowledge.
Access to a variety of regionally unique science and technology facilities and capabilities from Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria that would typically be unavailable to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Cumbrian SMEs from any ERDF eligible sector who need access to technical expertise, equipment and facilities to support the development and prototyping of new products and processes.
Chemistry, engineering and physics facilities (including specialist equipment, laboratories and masterclasses) at Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria.
The Cumbria Innovations Platform enables your business to engage with Lancaster’s cTAP (Collaborative Technology Access Programme) building, facilities and expertise. Annexed to the newly refurbished Department of Chemistry, this £11.4M new build offers technology and space exclusively for industry collaboration. Dedicated Project Scientists and Engineers operate state of the art equipment, allowing businesses to resource their analytical R&D requirements and accelerate product innovation.
The building is host to £7M of analytical equipment, offering particular strengths in the fields of chemical and materials characterisation and analytical techniques. These include:
We also have particular expertise through our research centre Energy Lancaster. Within the laboratories of Lancaster University, there are profound battery testing services, not only to help your business identify the best solution for their “duty cycles” e.g. number of charges/discharges per day, and at what rate, but also to further optimise the operational strategies of a chosen system towards best performance and lifetime.
We can offer between two-weeks and two-months of specialist support on mechanical housing and enclosure design, design for manufacture, physical/virtual prototyping and potential application of utilising 3D printing for product and/or process improvements.
We can also deliver productivity improvements, feasibility studies, simulation such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)/Finite Element Analysis (FEA), physical testing, conceptual design or proof-of-concept work. A strong emphasis is placed on engineering design, helping manufacturing SMEs utilise the technical skills and resources of the Engineering Department to introduce new products.
Lancaster University’s Department of Physics and Quantum Technology Centre allow businesses to engage with world class facilities featuring state-of-the-art nanofabrication and measurement equipment. Our Project Scientists and Engineers can offer access to a wide range of nano- and micro-scale analysis equipment and techniques including:
In addition, we offer support for the advancement of innovative new products using novel single layer (2D) materials with unique characteristics. Pioneering work at Lancaster University led to the development of simple transfer techniques, which can be used to apply large areas of these materials to surfaces and interfaces covering a wide range of products. These coatings alter the optical properties of devices they are incorporated into, improving performance and/or functionality, and have a wide range of applications such as smart glass windows, security devices and optoelectronics.
Our experienced Partnerships and Business Engagement Team will work with you to understand your challenge and identify the right facilities needed to progress your innovation.
We can offer short pieces of consultancy work (15 hours) up to longer-term (several months) and may result in various outcomes, from the production of detailed reports identifying potential technology applications within existing SME processes, to diagnosis of needs and co-development of working prototypes using facilities at Lancaster’s Quantum Technology Centre (QTC) (or C-TAP) and testing in the field.
Our dedicated Project Scientists and Engineers will work with you to diagnose requirements and prescribe technological solutions drawing upon a comprehensive suite of equipment and facilities. Engagement across project teams at the two universities will maximise the breadth of support available to you. Technical staff will be supported by academic expertise, undergraduate talent and research teams.
Practical masterclasses to shape innovative business ideas
Bespoke digital consultancy to exploit data and technology
If you have any question or want to speak to one of our team, please email cuspenquiries@lancaster.ac.uk or call:
James Livsey+44 (0)1524 510332 to find out more about digital product development
Jane Hunter +44 (0)1524 593 632 to find out more about the Innovation Catalyst
Sarah Allison+44 (0)1228 888 733 or cusp@cumbria.ac.uk to find out more about our innovation masterclasses & events, innovation coaching and student research placements
Chris Lambert+44 7814 076610 to find out more about the scientific facilities on offerWe look forward to talking to you.